Just figured it's worth giving Xmas some credit today since I generally spend a lot of time on this board criticizing his game/effort. What really stands out about it is that statistically it wasn't a monstrous performance. 8 rebs in 30 mins is really, really solid, don't get me wrong. 4 blocks is excellent as well. But it's not like he posted a double-double and blocked 6 shots while altering several others (like Etan did at times).
The simple point with Rak is that an active and engaged Rak is a really good player. Even the two points he had were pretty. And the 8 boards only tell half the story -- he was a big body who gave UNC fits and took up a lot of space while Grant roamed around collecting a ton of boards as well. Was in good position defensively most of the game as well. Great game by Rak and I'd love to see more of it.
Other thoughts:
-- Ennis is awesome as many have said. Felt like he didn't play well today and he ended up with 10 points, 7 assists, 2 steals and 4 rebs in a game we won remarkably easily. That's saying something.
-- Keita was fine. I know he wasn't great but if he only has to be a 10 mpg guy b/c Xmas is playing so well, that's ideal.
-- LOVED Grant's effort as well. My opinion, which has nothing to do with whether or not JG should go pro, is that he could really benefit from another year in college. He's still really raw offensively and obviously he's going to get a lot more touches here than in the NBA. Will he go? Don't know. Should he go? Maybe, since it seems crazy to turn down a spot in the lottery if that's what's there for him at the end of the season. But I definitely feel in the long-term, that he'll be a better basketball player when entering the NBA if he gives it another. Will be interesting to watch.
-- People flipped out when I suggested that Cooney at 47% wasn't sustainable. Today suggests it's probably not. Point is, even great shooters hit slumps. No matter, still contributed in a lot of ways and I didn't feel like his confidence was shattered. That pump fake, pull-up baseline J was beautiful. Something that could make him even more dangerous down the road. He's fine as long as he's contributing b/c he's too good a shooter to slump forever.
-- I love that Fair can put up 20 and 8 and I can find myself thinking he had a really quiet game before checking the box score.
The simple point with Rak is that an active and engaged Rak is a really good player. Even the two points he had were pretty. And the 8 boards only tell half the story -- he was a big body who gave UNC fits and took up a lot of space while Grant roamed around collecting a ton of boards as well. Was in good position defensively most of the game as well. Great game by Rak and I'd love to see more of it.
Other thoughts:
-- Ennis is awesome as many have said. Felt like he didn't play well today and he ended up with 10 points, 7 assists, 2 steals and 4 rebs in a game we won remarkably easily. That's saying something.
-- Keita was fine. I know he wasn't great but if he only has to be a 10 mpg guy b/c Xmas is playing so well, that's ideal.
-- LOVED Grant's effort as well. My opinion, which has nothing to do with whether or not JG should go pro, is that he could really benefit from another year in college. He's still really raw offensively and obviously he's going to get a lot more touches here than in the NBA. Will he go? Don't know. Should he go? Maybe, since it seems crazy to turn down a spot in the lottery if that's what's there for him at the end of the season. But I definitely feel in the long-term, that he'll be a better basketball player when entering the NBA if he gives it another. Will be interesting to watch.
-- People flipped out when I suggested that Cooney at 47% wasn't sustainable. Today suggests it's probably not. Point is, even great shooters hit slumps. No matter, still contributed in a lot of ways and I didn't feel like his confidence was shattered. That pump fake, pull-up baseline J was beautiful. Something that could make him even more dangerous down the road. He's fine as long as he's contributing b/c he's too good a shooter to slump forever.
-- I love that Fair can put up 20 and 8 and I can find myself thinking he had a really quiet game before checking the box score.
