That lineup has four non shooters, not counting the center.
Didn't realize Donnie is playing on a IMG team with the #1 rated (uncommitted) PG in the 2025 class. Does not appear we are involved with Acuff though.
Moore is sitting on the bench? I just don't see that as likely, at the moment.
Recruits Jordan Smith Jr./Anthony Brown (PVI) and Kiyan Anthony/Nigel James (LuHi) are also on ESPNU today!!!
But unfortunately this 5 star is a shooting guard who has major issues making shots.
I hope we aren't relying on a freshman (and not the 5 star type) for outside shooting next year. And don't get me wrong, I love Moore and think he's a great pickup and think he'll make an immediate impact. But if he's the intended starter and main shooter, and he has a slow start, the team would be on the outside looking in again, which just cannot happen.
I have no idea what Red will do about the Center position next year because the catch is how that affects Maliq.
Probably
I agree. However, as I said, right now, based on how the players on the team have been playing, I wouldn't guarantee current players starting over Moore.
Kind of implies that too much of our recruiting and player evaluation
The more I think about it, the more I realize Red's just going to roll with Maliq and McLeod at the 5 next year.
We now see how underclassman transfers can be tricky. A grad transfer is an experienced one and done. An underclassman transfer has 2/3 years of eligibility left, you sold them on coming to your program and they burned their waiver free don't have to sit out transfer.
Griff compared him favorably with Jesse as a freshman.
Brutal game for Donnie last night offensively, finished with 2pts 2 asts 9 reb 1 blk and 3 to's on 0-9 fg 0-3 3pt 2-2 ft. Link Academy(who is ranked 4th in the country and has multiple five stars) was very physical with him and it forced him off his game to the point he was visibly frustrated in the second half and getting down on himself. Thought he did a solid job on the defensive end and the 9 rebounds was nice to see. He has a chance to be really good next year but thats going to require him hitting the weights hard this offseason. He mentioned in the syracuse.com article recently that he put on 10 pounds quickly since getting to IMG so thats a plus(he needs at least 15 more). One thing of note that I havent mentioned is that Donnie plays the five for IMG and one of his biggest strengths is taking bigger, slower footed centers off the dribble. I dont think this will be a possibility here due to his weight but if he puts on 20+ pounds it could happen. Thats a big ask for one off season though, so it might be a 2 year sort of plan if hes here that long. I think he would offer more shot blocking at the five than Maliq if he can get the weight up.
Good for him to have this type of game now instead of coasting and being frustrated at the physicality once he starts ACC play. Hopefully he is doing everything he can to gain strength without sacrificing athleticism before even stepping foot on campus.
Yeah, hes playing a brutal schedule, 3-4 top 100 kids every game, which will only help his development. Almost every game I listen to the announcers mention that the IMG staff raves about Donnie and that hes a super coachable kid. Hopefully this is true because the natural talent is there and with good coaching and a strong work ethic his ceiling is higher than anyone weve had since probably Mccullough.
