- This freshmen back court is very intriguing. Capel did a great job landing these two, and it is kind of scary to think about this team without them. Throw in Toney, who I think will be a very nice combo forward down the line, and it is a strong class.
- McGowens has size and feel. Down the road, he will have to become a point guard, but there is no reason to force it here while he is in school. The shot needs work and he will need to get stronger, but it is all there already. He has a chance to be big-time.
- Xavier Johnson was under-ranked. He is always on balance and never falling back or out of line. Strong kid with a great first step. Seems to know when to make that elite first step as well. The form on the shot is bizarre, but it appears as though he has taken his share of reps that way. Pitt was very lucky to land him.
- Malik will obviously help. Great athlete that can penetrate. Will just struggle to shoot. Will need to make a few threes to keep teams honest. Nevertheless, these three are going to keep you in the games this year. It all runs through that perimeter.
- Keen continues to play hard and his teammates love him, but he still just can't put his shooting touch on display in real games yet. All you hear about is his percentages in practice, and it just won't translate. Made a few nice hustle plays and took charges. For his size though, you need more of that energy to happen at the rim level.
- Terrell has to be the starter and needs to contribute more. He is the one front court player with potential. Peace is still not ready. Looks way too thin to me. The front court is a major concern.
- I know Shamiel Stevenson is on the outside looking in right now, but I still think he needs to be the guy at the four spot. This staff needs to get the most out of him and make sure he is contributing. I know he is tweeter and doesn't do anything at a high level, but he is too athletic and strong not to utilize in this rotation. This team needs him to be in the rotation.
Overall, this team will be fun to watch because of the young guards and the athleticism. They are a year away from being competitive. Right now, there is no outside shooting, and the interior is a major issue. The front court pieces and depth aren't there yet. I think Capel can accomplish that with one more offseason and have this team playing well next year. This season, they will compete and hopefully develop and get better.
They are very young and still have so much to learn. They don't understand how to break the press yet. Gamble way too much on defense on the perimeter. The help-side isn't there. There is a lot of athleticism to mold though. These kids need to play a lot together. It is going to take a while and each game will be important.
- McGowens has size and feel. Down the road, he will have to become a point guard, but there is no reason to force it here while he is in school. The shot needs work and he will need to get stronger, but it is all there already. He has a chance to be big-time.
- Xavier Johnson was under-ranked. He is always on balance and never falling back or out of line. Strong kid with a great first step. Seems to know when to make that elite first step as well. The form on the shot is bizarre, but it appears as though he has taken his share of reps that way. Pitt was very lucky to land him.
- Malik will obviously help. Great athlete that can penetrate. Will just struggle to shoot. Will need to make a few threes to keep teams honest. Nevertheless, these three are going to keep you in the games this year. It all runs through that perimeter.
- Keen continues to play hard and his teammates love him, but he still just can't put his shooting touch on display in real games yet. All you hear about is his percentages in practice, and it just won't translate. Made a few nice hustle plays and took charges. For his size though, you need more of that energy to happen at the rim level.
- Terrell has to be the starter and needs to contribute more. He is the one front court player with potential. Peace is still not ready. Looks way too thin to me. The front court is a major concern.
- I know Shamiel Stevenson is on the outside looking in right now, but I still think he needs to be the guy at the four spot. This staff needs to get the most out of him and make sure he is contributing. I know he is tweeter and doesn't do anything at a high level, but he is too athletic and strong not to utilize in this rotation. This team needs him to be in the rotation.
Overall, this team will be fun to watch because of the young guards and the athleticism. They are a year away from being competitive. Right now, there is no outside shooting, and the interior is a major issue. The front court pieces and depth aren't there yet. I think Capel can accomplish that with one more offseason and have this team playing well next year. This season, they will compete and hopefully develop and get better.
They are very young and still have so much to learn. They don't understand how to break the press yet. Gamble way too much on defense on the perimeter. The help-side isn't there. There is a lot of athleticism to mold though. These kids need to play a lot together. It is going to take a while and each game will be important.
