Without a major defection or injury, I trust the program will turn corner. Never felt this way with CBG - just felt like he built Transfer U each year. My take doesn’t change much from my Dec 3, 2018 overview.
> Next Year - Bubble Team, but I do think we should expect dance. Next year, The attitude for coaches and team has to be “not making the big dance will be a disappointing season.” That’s the culture that needs to be created in Y4 and forward.
> Alvarado - his energy and gritty spirit is the poster image for this team. Needs to be allowed more freedom of pace.
> Devoe - hope he plans to stay with program. I see huge jump from him next year with the off season to work. He lost 2 months in the summer. The second half of season is more representative of his skills. His skill set is the aspirational level of the future talent.
> Banks - another who when total game minutes added up, he’s prob a Soph+ in game log time during next year. He will thrive in open court with his long strides and dunking ability. Love rotation and arc on his FT shots; I think he can hit 15 footer next year.
> Wright - the gigantic X factor for next year. The last 5 games or so, he seems to have shed his immaturity on the court. He seems to be more serious with each play. The asst coach’s work shows. If he puts on 15-20 lbs, and keeps his bounce - and most important, a mature, work ethic to his game, than other teams will have to deal and game plan for him.
> Moore - giant fan of him. I am most impressed when he has the ball that he shows multiple counter moves with the dribble. He was on such a tight leash, that special multi-move ability was restrained. With support and trust from CJP, we’ll see him quickly blossom. He’s so active, his energy raises the offensive and defensive sets.
> Sjouland - He shoots, he dribbles, he dunks. Just needs more time in system, more time on court, and more understanding that he’ll make mistakes. He doesn’t flinch on shooting from anywhere with his quick release. Coaches, please do not stifle that.
> Haywood - don’t want to bag on kids, but man he sulks a lot. Hope the kid stays healthy, and think he’s really a spot time guy for this team. Hope he dramatically expands his game and on court energy - would only help team.
Usher - all reviews are his energy will be tremendous for this team. Bring it on. We need this type of potentially mult-spot piece that brings multi-effort play. Great pickup to further solidify our competitive culture, and keep crowd watching and loving his passion.
> Phillips - a REAL head scratcher. Wish coaches would have given him more of a chance. Wonder if he’ll be on team next year. To his credit, I noticed him up off bench cheering teammates quite a bit.
>Cole - another puzzle. Really good at times, than MIA for multiple games. Seems like he needs more weight on his frame which could help with offensive boards - seems to have a nose for the ball, and ability to find hoop in right and tight spaces.
> Recruits - need a back up big (CJP, earn your stripe by getting Mitchell). A scorer - and not even a starter - is needed in worst way; the slashing variety wouldn’t be bad. Another ball handler wouldn’t be bad, but think Phillips could help as a third limited-time ball handler. Don’t understand the JC player they signed; not sure on plans for him.
I would like to see a handful of plays added that create specific actions for specific shots. We don’t seem to have “plays” to get a player a shot, wish Paster would add a handful of those.
I think we dance next year, and I’m totally sober while I hit Post. I’m seeing the Ball clearly.