Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2021 18:27:08 GMT -5
Most things that can be said about this game have been said already, but a few thoughts:
- Our guys played well, and definitely better than many of the pre-COVID games. I do not like moral victories, but losing by 10 and mostly being even for most of the game with a top 5 team is not a bad result.
- The real difference these last two games has been shooting well. We were hot from three against Creighton, and we shot exceptionally well from two this game - 59.5%. Wahab was clearly a huge part of that. We haven't shot better than that from two since Coppin State, and given Coppin State's being awful, that's not saying much. The last time we shot better than that was when we shot 69.2% against St. John's in the BET last year.
- The good shooting is an accomplishment everyone should be proud of, as it was done against two ranked teams. So, there is a lot of positive there. BUT, we aren't going to shoot that well going forward (since no teams do), so can we get wins when our guys aren't on as much? I definitely see more movement in the offense, so that's a good thing. Offense hasn't really been our primary problem though.
- I've liked Dante Harris from the start, but I think he is really has developed over time. As others noted, he's more in control and doing a nice job. I also like that he runs the offense in a more deliberate manner. As a result, our tempo isn't crazy (ranked 117 of 357), but I think it runs better than way.
- If Bile continues to play within himself, he will continue to bring value on the floor. I am not so much worried about the fouls, as that hasn't been a problem for him.
- The defense was still really poor, and we stayed in this game with good shooting. Ewing really needs to do better on defense, or we will squander the new talent coming in.
- This game really highlighted that (a) Wahab is clearly our best big, and it's not close, and (b) that makes it hard for Wilson/Ighoefe to get much time. And, next year, we throw in top 100 ranked Ryan Mutombo, and I imagine he will get time, too. So where do the minutes come from?
Overall, some encouraging signs, and the last two games have definitely made me more excited to watch our games. Hopefully we continue improving.
I really think folks should temper their expectations of Mutombo. I honestly believe it would be best for him to redshirt next year but doubt that happens. Either way I'm skeptical that he will be ready to contribute right away, but that's still 9 months away so maybe he surprises. I also think this is the first time Tim has gone through this so maybe he comes back a different player next year. I hear he works really hard so maybe it starts to click for him. Either way I think it's clear there's an opportunity at the backup center spot for someone to step up, but I'd give an edge to the experienced guy at this point.