Originally Posted by
Saratoga2
Now that we have the perspective of 6 games, what assessment can we reach about the teams potential going forward? Clearly we have group that plays well as a team, and is capable of rising to the challenge against big and athletic teams. We really haven't faced a team with great outside shooters as yet so the verdict is out on how good we can be, but I feel comfortable seeing us as a top ten club, barring injury to a key player, and here's why.
Jumbo has reminded us about how good a player Jon Scheyer is and he has been correct about that. He is smart, composed and makes sound plays virtually every time. He defends well and can provide a scoring lift. Add his very good defense to that and the coach on the floor mentality and you have a very key player for us.
Singler has played well despite his lack of offense in the last couple of games. He is adapting to a new role and at the same time perhaps trying too hard. His offense will return as he settles down and takes good shots. What an asset to have a 6'8" player who can do all things well.
Smith has shown a big improvement and his scoring will also come. He can pressure the ball, handle well and he is a scoring threat against any team. With the so called big three we are extemely solid in the back court area.
Dawkins is much better than I expected, with a great scoring stroke, a willingness and ability to score in other ways and solid and smart defensive presence. With him spelling the big three, we have another strong scorer to cause problems for our adversaries.
Kelly is also a smart player and we know he can shoot. He is smart with the ball and is unlikely to turn the ball over frequently. His size gives him the ability to make the pass into the post as well. I see him getting in to relieve Singler on occassion.
Thomas is a guy who was an enigma. Coach K talked him up but his on court performance didn't match the expectations. Lots of folks were surprised and happy by the outstanding game he played against UCONN. He was virtually everywhere and fought for the ball and then made his free throws. If he gains confidence from that game and comes back at all close to his fine performance, we become much stronger defensively and teams cannot ignore his offensive threat.
Miles Plumlee has shown outstanding athletic ability and determination during the first 6 games and is also gaining confidence. He is becoming a legitimate starting front court man, who we can use at center.
Zoubek has the size and experience to give us a defensive presence and can make good passes off of rebounds. He will not put up a lot of points but he is nevertheless a valuable contributor on the team. It is a luxury to have multiple bigs inside.
We haven't seen a lot of Mason Plumlee but he is billed as being very good inside with offensive skills that are superior and he like his brother is a fine athlete. I would expect his contribution to grow and mature during the season. We really have numerous options in the front court and foul problems should not be an issue this year.
Czyz is a bit of an unknown so far as his PT has been minimum. What we have seen is that he too has shown improvement and may get a chance to get into games with the better players. At 6'7" and 240 # and a very good athlete, he could easily help us throughout the season.
We are deep and talented and have reasonable experience at 4 all positions and have solid if young backup players. This team is good now and is likely to develop well during the season and be a force going into the NCAAs
I'd expect little from Czyz going forward...remember, Miles Plumlee started the first two games last year and then disappeared entirely from the rotation...i expect the same thing out of Czyz this year.
The good news is that Miles broke out this year, so Czyz doing that next year is certainly possible.
<devildeac> anyone playing drinking games by now?
7:49:36<Wander> drink every qb run?
7:49:38<loran16> umm, drink every time asack rushes?
7:49:38<wolfybeard> @devildeac: drink when Asack runs a keeper
7:49:39 PM<CB&B> any time zack runs, drink
Carolina Delenda Est