After having a day to digest the results from the scrimmage and what we know up to this point, I like to take a look at a couple of things and players. I'll be the first to say that you can't read into the scrimmage too much but players are starting to stand out. Jamont Gordon has all the traits to be a statistical wonder this year. It might take a mathematician this season to keep up with Jamont is doing this year. Jamont has said that the NBA next season is not a given, but I have a hard time believing that his stats won't be grabbing the attention of NBA scouts. Jamont's jumper has improved enough to keep the defense honest. Opposing defenses will have to pick their poison when defending Jamont this season. After watching Jamont for going on 3 seasons now, size and speed play a big factor in Jamont's drive to the hoop, but the biggest thing Jamont has going for him is momentum. Most of the time Jamont knows whether he is going to drive it to the hoop before he crosses half court. With a head of steam, he is unstoppable. Jamont is even better at drawing fouls. Look for the free throw attempts he put up in the scrimmage to be the norm as the season progresses. 18 of 21 from the charity stripe are amazing numbers and I look for Jamont to make this a habit.
I'm been thinking about Barry and his progress from this year to last. I don't see Barry putting up 22 pts night in and night out, but I do see Barry making the plays on defense and making that shot when we need it. Jamont and others could be racking up the points, but look for Barry to have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. I feel confident in Barry running the team if his services are needed.
I like how much quicker Ben is getting his shot off on the perimeter. Ben will be very stingy on defense and he is very aggressive taking it to the hoop. Ben has learned to shoot off the dribble more and his hustle will make a difference.
Phil's name was mentioned last season, yet Phil was forced to sit back and wait for his turn. As of now Phil should spell Jamont at the point. You really have to see Phil's play in person to get a grasp for just what kind of player he is going to be for us. If Phil learns to be a shut down defender, the sky is the limit. I see him having some offensive outbursts this year, but we might not see Phil's total package this season because MSU has some much firepower overall as a team. I look for Phil to be the first option off the bench and can see Phil contributing 10-12 pts a games this season with some 20+ games mixed in there.
The last month or so the hype has been building for Kodi Augustus. From what I saw yesterday, it is validated. Look for Kodi to be the spark plug off the bench this year. He has a soft touch on his shot and is showing he can rebound the ball and drive it to the hoop. When Kodi learns to rebound the ball well and shoot the ball in between 0 & 20 feet, he will be capable of changing a game's outcome. If you want to get a preview of MSU commit Romero Osby, pay attention to Kodi, he posses several of Romero's skills that make him such a highly sought after recruit.
I was very pleased to see Elgin playing well yesterday. I like his play directly under the basket and there will not be many players in the post he can't body up. When Elgin learns how to use his body and learn how to block out, he will be a player for us. As long as his continues to make progress he should play a part in our post depth this season.
If you looked at minutes vs. efficiency last season you knew Jarvis could be player this season. Jarvis has shown can step out 10 feet from the basket, but he is learning the way of the offensive rebound. He will get alot of points off misses and will rule the offensive boards. Bailey did give him fits at times with position in the post, but I look for Jarvis to put up some numbers if he can stay out of foul trouble. The biggest surprise has got to be his free throw shooting. By the looks of Jarvis will be ruling the post, cleaning up on our misses and swatting shots.
Riley Benock seemed alittle gun shy yesterday and was guarded by Ben a good portion of the game, but until Riley develops his all around game, he can make a difference this season. If teams leave him open on the 3 point line, they will pay.
I feel like Ravern will contribute this season but I look for his biggest improvement to come btw now and January 1. From what I'm hearing as of this weekend, Ravern will not be redshirted and will contribute this year and I agree. At some point this season, it will click and he will wow the Bulldog faithful, Ravern's shot is a thing of beauty and he is too athletic at 6'7" and can shoot lights out not too contribute.
The talk about this team having some three point shooters is all true, we could possibly have 4 players on the floor capable of knocking down the longball with 4 more waiting on the bench for their turn. I didn't say much about Charles, but I very pleased to see Charles with 12 defensive rebounds and 90% from the free throw line. If this team can play defense and rebound up to Rick's standard's we should have a say in the SEC outcome this season. -Arliss
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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14 comments:
Nice observations.
The way I see it, we have great potential at every position offensively. This is a team that can stretch an opponent to it's limit with firepower.
I think once teams get preoccupied with our perimeter shooters, Jamont will have plenty of room to drive it.
Defense and team chemistry will be interesting to observe.ZD
For us to have a successful season, I still think our leading scorer should be C Rhodes. If he is on there aren't many players that can stop him and that usually translates into him playing an overall better game. In order I think the top scorers will be:
Rhodes, Gordon, Hansborough or Stewart, then Turner and Varnado.
captaindawg
The more Augustus learns, the better player he'll become. He's still learning, and has the potential to eventually put up big numbers. Has the makings of a big time scorer.
I still think the key to Rhodes game is his rebounding.
Can anyone comfirm that Dee Bost scored 30 in one half of a scrimmage against Oak Hill?
That is not true it was 23 points in one scrimmage. Brandon Jennings(#1 PG in nation) stole the show with 48 points.
You can have the allen iversons of the world, give me a true point guard any day. Wonder who won the game?
Looking at the pics on Genespage. Did I miss some highlight jams in warmups? Also isn't maroon the most beautiful color in the world?
Iverson, Eric Snow, Aaron Mckie, Tyrone Hill, and Dikembie Mutombo made it to the finals. I'll take anybody who can make plays.
Ravern has not lived up to his hype so far. No fault to him, but Kodi is bigger, longer, and more complete on both offense and defense.
Lets hope he is utilized more till Ravern is able to come around
A couple of comments...
First, Kodi made about 3 10-12ft jumpers. I don't think shooting 0-20 ft or anywhere will be his problem. It will be running the floor with the rest of the team EVERY time. He could get a lot of open 3's if he trails Jamont on the break and sets up at the top of the key...If he doesn't have the shot he will be ready to reverse the ball and get the offense going. In the scrimmage he lagged a little too far back a few times.
Secondly, I disagree with this statement:
"Jamont and others could be racking up the points, but look for Barry to have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line."
Jamont will have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line, especially since he appears to have improved his 3pt shot. With his ability to get to the rim OR pull up coupled with his ever-improving free throw shooting, I look for Jamont to be THE GUY with the clock winding down.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be suprised to see Barry receive the kick-out from Jamont for a last second 3, but again it will come from Jamont and it will come because the defense collapses on our Jamont, our best player by far.
Now, next year I could definetly see the ball in Barry's hands with the win-or-lose shot coming. Then again, the way Phil might have something to say about this.
Btw Arliss, This blog is going to be SWEET when the season gets into full swing. We can talk about Bulldog Basketball without having to filter though Genespage for the Bball posts that actually make sense!
-RiverCityDawg
River, I'm trying to imagine Kodi's game eventually mirroring Dontae Jones. I feel like I'm stepping out on a limb saying that, b/c those are some high expectations and Jamont will most likely have the ball in his hands when the game is on the line, but if Jamont is not open, Barry could be the other best option. WIth that said, chances are good one of the two will have the ball in their hands. With time and conditioning Kodi could be a player for us.
Kodi Augustus- Dontae Jones appears to be a very good style comparison. He just needs to continue improving.
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