Team: The team was surprisingly cohesive and sharp this early in the season. Beyond that, they played loose. I don't recall our team appearing to enjoy playing so much as they did yesterday.
Clearly, Jakuboski, Marcshall, and Larson have all added much needed upper body strength. This will help Jak make plays and the perimeter and Marcshall stay out of foul trouble. Both of our freshman play like upper classmen and can help immediately. Overall, a guard play is greatly improved from last year. This team is DEEP.
(Knight, Calhoun, and Graves didn't play.)
Moten: He looked fabulous yesterday with the ball and shooting. From yesterday, he looks like he may have a huge year. He has transformed into a confident leader. His confidence has taken a 180.
Clements: Was very mobile on the perimeter. His ball handling has become very good. He is leading as well. He'll be a much more consistent presence on the perimeter this year. His confidence and leadership is also way up.
Jak: As mentioned, stronger. To my great relief, much more under control. His decision making has matured.
Miller: I saw nothing new or different, which is generally good. He missed some FTs badly.
Marcshall: He look good on the interior but he didn't seem to be in condition. He didn't shoot from the outside, but several times he ate someone alive inside.
Thomas: This kid is definitely a player. He's a pure shooter with a quick release and very good mechanics. He moves without the ball extremely well. He has great court instincts and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. He got his share of boards. Additionally, he's very light on his feet and mobile. I don't remember him making any mistakes yesterday. If Thomas isn't part of the rotations from the beginning, I'll be dumbfounded.
Brown: Very self-contained on the floor. He didn't attempt to push it much and he played conservatively, which is just fine for a FR at this point. Good upper body strength. His shooting mechanics from the floor and line are perfect. He'll be a steady backup at PG.
Goins: Won't play this year but DID play last night. VERY impressive. He is a very strong, quick, and aggressive athlete. He loves to put ball on floor and drive. He starts his outside shot from above his head, so I suspect that he's just an average shooter. He comes across as a natural leader on the floor. He'll compete for a starting spot next. Best walkon in the history of BG basketball. Looks like he could be an excellent player.
Larson: Stronger. Showed signs of improved post moves. Like last year, he still needs a mitt. He's no golden glover.
Polk: Did what he does. Blocked shots, rebounded, occasionally got open.
Madlock: He is no longer the hesitant, lost freshman of last year. He showed that he can go to the boards aggressively. Gets off of the floor quickly. I still have the feeling that needs improve his activity in the half-court. He should step into the rotation and contribute quality minutes.
Sims: I didn't see any real progress yesterday. Made numerous bad passes.
In closing, I have a feeling about this team and program, a feeling I've never had before about BG hoops. Something is going to happen this year. Get on board, now. This will be quite a year for BG basketball.
