I would give the team an A- today

[cliftonparksufan]

This team is playing very well and would have graded much higher except for the fact that they missed ten foul shots, gave up 15 offensive rebounds and had 14 turnovers. They seriously could have won by 50+ instead of "only" 40.

Things I really like:
1) Defense is the engine that drives the train. 40 minutes of pressure, trapping, great communication on the perimeter and inside that led to 12 blocks, 10 steals and 24 points off turnovers. Except for a few lapses, this team is playing very well on defense, not giving up anything easy and forcing lengthy possessions.

2) Donnie Freeman. Man among boys. He's demanding the rock and going inside and outside.

3) William Kyle. What an improvement inside. Runs the floor very well for a big guy. Mr. Lunch bucket. So far, a real joy to watch.

4) I joked the other day about Wally Pipp, but Red has his hands full managing the minutes once JJ comes back. Kiyan has led the team in minutes both games and deservedly so. I watched Kiyan in about six games last season and never expected him to be this good.

6) Nait George and Nate Kingz. Neither one is playing what should be their A game, but so far that's ok. But against Houston and Kansas they will need to improve. George credited with three assists and 5 turnovers, and I think once JJ comes back his minutes might tighten up a bit.

7) Tyler Betsey. Received two fouls in his first 20 seconds on the court and to his credit, Red kept him in. Not sure how big a role Betsey will play this season, but I like what he brings to the team. And if he can keep shooting 2 of 4 from 3, then he will definitely have a nice role.

8) Saddiq White. A huge collective sigh of relief when Saddiq checked back into the game after going back to the locker room
Played 24 minutes and you can see he feels more comfortable. Not as big or strong as Donnie, and not as fast with as many tools as Kiyan, but Saddiq's tool box also has a lot in it. Will have plenty of opportunities to show his skills this season.

9) The depth. This should be the biggest strength. It's great that Red has had the opportunities to sub out and the team doesn't skip too many beats. If this continues, this team should be very competitive.

 

[DomeHolmes]

I would give the team only a B. Defense was great but on offense way too many issues with free throw shooting, bad unforced turnovers, and giving up 17 offensive boards , as you said. A sharper, more focused team on offense would have scored 95 to 100. Turnovers, free throws and rebounding will have to be much better to beat Houston or Kansas.

But the good news is that our B game is light years ahead of last year’s A game.

 

[OrlandoCuse]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it multiple times throughout the year, but we’re better off as a team if JJ is averaging 20-25 mpg. He’s still the weakest defender on the team and middle of the pack from 3. He is the best guard at getting to the hoop and he can spread out the defense, but he should be seen as a valuable support player on this team, not the top dog.

 

[hoopsupstate]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it multiple times throughout the year, but we’re better off as a team if JJ is averaging 20-25 mpg. He’s still the weakest defender on the team and middle of the pack from 3. He is the best guard at getting to the hoop and he can spread out the defense, but he should be seen as a valuable support player on this team, not the top dog.

If you look at minutes played, JJ will probably play about 20-25 minutes a game. Red is going to play nearly ten guys a game.

 

[Yeti]

I’d givem a solid b.

Some of those turnovers were really bad. I don’t remember who it was but they attempted an atrocious entry pass to Donnie, which was immediately followed by 2 more awful passes for turnovers. Worst sequence of the game.

Shot selection was fine, not too many bad shots attempts. Every once in a while betsey will receive a pass on the perimeter and just shoot it immediately, no thought given.

The offense when Donnie and Kiyan are the engines just works. Both seem to be understated but very efficient passers and can score from anywhere. When Kingz and George find their shot I think the offense will really take off.

Defense has looked solid, good energy, good rotating. Enjoyed watching an opposing player attempt to back down (I think) White. Also number 17 on Delaware was out of his league. That kid put up some real soft shots and Kyle wasn’t having it.

Hoping to see better from Fennell going forward.

 

[OrangeFoo]

I would give the team only a B. Defense was great but on offense way too many issues with free throw shooting, bad unforced turnovers, and giving up 17 offensive boards , as you said. A sharper, more focused team on offense would have scored 95 to 100. Turnovers, free throws and rebounding will have to be much better to beat Houston or Kansas.

But the good news is that our B game is light years ahead of last year’s A game.

I think half of the offensive boards were on two possessions where Delaware state had 3 or 4 guys within 5 feet of the basket and were doing a tip drill. Other than that the rebounding seemed okay.

Turnovers were bad… especially since a lot of them were from George