Not that anyone cares, but here's my take on who played well, and who needs some serious improvement, albeit after one exhibition game. I was over in TH this weekend, so I wasn't able to log on. I hope I remember what I was thinking...
ray:
In order of performance: (one being the best, ten being the worst)
1. Aaron Carter - this kid played with intensity I haven't seen at ISU since Bird. Seriously. He's no Bird, obviously, but he plays with both his heart and his head, which is something that has been in short supply in Terre Haute for 30 or so years. And, he has the athletic ability to boot. It's gonna be fun to watch him for three more years.
2. Carl Richard - several times during the game, I found myself thinking, "Oh my gosh..." when Carl made a play. This young man has all the ingredients to be a conference player of the year - he's athletic, he's very talented, he seems to have a good basketball IQ, and he plays with intensity. He played hard enough last night that he was actually tired at the end of the game. Time for some running, Carl, but a good debut nonetheless.
3. Rashad Reed - without Reed, we lose. He was a steadying influence on the youngsters, and I think by necessity will be the point guard to open the season. Once Marshall is back, though, I could see moving him to the 2 spot and letting Harry handle the point. Good shooter, doesn't waste any movement, experienced. A nice pickup by the coaching staff.
4. Isiah Martin - Swat. Swat. Swat. Swat. Swat. Swat. Oh yeah, and he hit free throws, too. And he showed a mid-range jumper. He's going to change opposing teams' preparation plans for us. And he's only a sophomore. He could own DeCarsta Webster's school blocks record by the end of his junior year. His timing is just perfect, and he still has that smile.
5. Koang Doluony - I must admit I was thinking, "redshirt city" when I saw him. Well, skill wise he doesn't need a redshirt. He's still thin, but he's got great hands, he understands the game, he's quick, and he seems to have an innate ability to get to the right place at the right time. KMac is building a formidable front line here, folks.
6. Tyler Cutter - played like a freshman point guard in his first game. So, I suspect he's right where he should be, given KMac's intricate offensive scheme. He dribbled too much, but I love the fire he showed, and the way he tried to make things happen, or in many instances,
force things to happen. He sort of reminded me of Brett Farve in his first year at Green Bay, which to me is a great omen. He'll be fine once he gets comfortable.
7. Josh Crawford - I get the feeling Josh's two favorite parts of the game are: 1) dunking, and 2) blocking shots. I don't think he's the project some others do, but he's got to get more involved mentally in where he's supposed to be and when. He shows good quickness, and like I said, he loves to block shots. Plus, he gives the team a touch of
ATTITUDE (caps on purpose) that we've lacked for years. No milk and cookie boy here.
8. Jay Tunnell - I was disappointed in Jay. Yeah, he was getting mugged, but he has got to be stronger with the ball in the paint. As big as he is, there's no excuse for not even being able to get the ball to the rim against a team like Albion. Yes, I'm being tougher on Jay than on anyone else, but I expect more from him. He needs to stop being so darned nice (a GREAT young man, by the way), and just get ticked. I'd also like to see KMac stop playing him at center, because I believe he's more suited to being a traditional forward. Bottom line, we need better minutes out of Jay if we are going to move up in the standings this year.
9. Jordan Printy - this rating is based solely on my thoughts offensively. The kid played well defensivley, but he is here to make shots. I found myself thinking, "Oh no, not again. Another kid who could fill it up in HS and in practice, and he can't make a shot to save his life in a game." We've had enough of those. I've seen Jordan in practice, and I know he can shoot the eyes out. I figure he was tight. I'll give him one or two games to be tight, but we need his stroke to keep other teams' defenses honest.
10. Brant Leitnaker - he really didn't play that much. I hope his foot didn't start hurting again. His body would be a nice one to put in there with Crawford, or Martin, or Doluony.
So there you go. This year is going to be maddening, I'm sure. Flashes of brilliance followed by moments of total incompetence. Next year, the Valley is going to be bathed in Royal SYCAMORE blue. This year, it's hard telling. If the newbies step up, and they'll have their chances, and the vets stay healthy (gee, why would this year be any different???) we could make some noise, but we're not going to have much room for error. Every player will have to play every play at 100%. If we get that, we'll be alright.
BTW, at one time last night, our front line was 6'11", 6'10", 6'9". When was the last time we were able to do that?????????
Buckle up fellas! It's gonna be a wild ride!!!!
:sycamores::sycamores::sycamores:
