Post by FLHoya on Jul 28, 2012 16:35:45 GMT -5
A postcard from McDonough: I emerged from the Southwest Quad parking ramp into the once-again oppressive DC sunshine to a referee's whistle. Not the ancient Kenner League ref who only runs 33% of the sideline. This was the referee calling to order one of those organized-just-north-of-loosely soccer matches I see so often on the spare fields of Northern Virginia. If it's Kenner League, that must mean the Ethiopian cultural festival is in town. Ethnic music blared from a loudspeaker as three men prepped ribs and assembled deep fryers around a food truck that had hopped the curb onto the MSF plaza.
Inside McDonough, noon-time: the air conditioning provides welcome relief for the...let's see, one...two...three. Three people watching Team Takeover and Can't Be Stop warm up.
It filled up a little by the opening tip. Still, this summer's edition of the Kenner League has been eminently miss-able. Not surprising to be honest that the fans for the most part Can't Be Bothered. The dearth of big name players, weaker rosters, few exciting games, and the mounting number of missed games by Georgetown players haven't left much reason to stick around. Even the snack bar had competition today--that food truck was doing brisk business.
Oh well, there's always the air conditioning.
The noon game featured Team Takeover and Can't Be Stop. Mikael Hopkins was present on the bench but didn't dress for Team Takeover today. Before you ask: I don't know, and it didn't look like it.
By my count, that's at leastsix seven Hoyas from the 2012-13 roster (Porter, Smith-Rivera, Hayes, Ayegba, Adams, Hopkins, and Domingo if you're counting him) that have missed at least one Kenner League game for any number of reasons.
Jason Clark returned to the Hilltop and played for Takeover, finishing with...let's call it around 15 points. I was downloading iPhone apps during the game, which incidentally was a Takeover blowout that was never close.
Hopkins' absence and the schedule change that moved Tombs' game to Friday night left only one other game this afternoon featuring Georgetown players:
CLYDE'S 90 Hoop Magic 71
And it was another blowout. Clyde's led 13-3 and 21-7 out of the gate, and Hoop Magic only briefly got the lead into single digits in the first half. Ahead by about 15 at the half, Clyde's eventually led by close to thirty in the second half before taking their foot off the gas with several minutes to go. Hoop Magic produced some highlight-reel dunks, but even with Rock and Jock rules in play, I think Clyde's would've still taken it comfortably.
Markel Starks: 27 points, 6-8 2FG, 4-7 3FG, 3-5 FT, 1RB, 3A, 2TO, 3F
Markel has put together a few stellar offensive games this summer. To me, in the past he's been one an "every few games" kind of player--when he has the odd hot shooting game, he can fill up a box score, but it wasn't a regular expectation since he was usually about the 4th scoring option on the court. I see evidence this summer of a player who's growing into a legitimate lead scoring option in Georgetown's offense. Not THE lead scoring option--one reckons that'll probably be Otto Porter--but certainly somebody who'll make things happen.
He's played very aggressive off the dribble this summer, and it's increased his effectiveness as a scorer. Today was a great example: early in the game, Markel was hitting jumpers from everywhere--he was 3-4 from three in the first half. His dribble penetration early was actually off during this stretch--he picked up two charging fouls in the first few minutes.
But once he got the hang of attacking off the dribble, Markel started scoring in bunches. He's got a diverse array of moves he uses when he attacks from the perimeter: he can drive straight coming around a screen, use a spin move, or a vicious change of pace move that froze his defender multiple times.
This is where he's got a leg up over other guards on the roster (Trawick and Smith-Rivera specifically)--Markel's got multiple ways to attack the basket and keep the defense honest, where Trawick attacks the same way at all costs, and DSR hasn't had time to diversify his attacking game for the college level. What's more, Markel has been finishing plays both by going to the rim and by pulling up at mid-range, demonstrating mostly good aggressiveness and decision-making.
Another thing I liked: on two different occasions, Starks followed up a big play by Hoop Magic by hitting a shot in the face of one of their players on the next trip up the court.
Only thing I was a little unsure of: whether he's got the speed to keep quicker guards in front of him on defense.
Nate Lubick: 14 points, 4-6 2FG, 1-1 3FG, 3-3 FT, 5RB, 1A 1BLK
Nate is a good example of a player you can tell is working on his game during the Kenner League. One clear question going into the season is whether Nate will play the 5 and if so, how he'll handle that responsibility. On Clyde's, Nate typically plays the 5, and he gets plenty of opportunity to work both high-screen areas (usually with Starks) and low post situations.
Today, Nate was matched up for stretches with Moses Ayegba and GW's Kevin Larsen. Both opponents are of similar height to Nate, but stronger (in Moses' case) and bulkier (Larsen). Nate hasn't consistently been able to bang with the bigger centers this summer. But even though he's not backing into easy layups, Nate's still using those post opportunities to work on different post moves, specifically a running hook that at times is almost a sky hook from about 4-5 feet. He usually goes lefty on those, though today he went right at least once in the second half. Today was also the first time in a while I saw Nate face up and shoot a baseline jumper (which he missed badly).
His bread and butter is still finishing plays, and he's a plus player in pick and roll situations despite not being especially quick (that being said, he's definitely slimmed down and runs the floor much better than I recall last season). One clear advantage Nate has over other potential center candidates on the roster: he almost never fumbles passes, especially in those tight pick and roll situations.
Though his numbers don't reflect it, Nate was extremely aggressive on the glass today. He kept at least half a dozen more plays alive for Clyde's by tipping rebounds out to teammates, and several of his rebounds were the result of strong effort to fight and tip loose balls around in traffic. This is a relevant skill and a relevant point: one complaint I had about Nate last season was that he always seemed to want to tip rebounds out to the perimeter, even if he probably could've grabbed them himself with a little more effort.
He pays good attention to boxing out, even in a summer league game, and he's got good timing.
Do have some concerns on defense--is he strong enough to play the 5 position on defense against larger centers? While his slimming down has clear benefits in running the court and moving in the offense, it does mean he's gonna give up pounds to a lot of Big East centers.
I think he and Starks have really benefitted from their team situation this summer.
Moses Ayegba: 4 points, 2-5 2FG, 0-2 FT, 1R, 2A, 1TO, 2F
This is the first time I've seen Moses in a few weeks, owing to Hoop Magic's scheduling and Moses missing a couple games. As in the previous games I saw him, HM's substitution pattern tends to limit Moses to around 15 minutes per game: he'll play the first 5 minutes of a half, sit for the next 10-15 minutes and return for the end of the game. Therefore, not a lot to evaluate in a typical game.
He was matched up mostly against Nate Lubick. He showed a few decent post moves, getting an easy layup when the ref didn't buy Lubick's flop and going with his weak hand to get free throw attempts. He later showed good athleticism finishing a pick and roll play in traffic.
He's got to be more opportunistic with his chances though. In the second half, Moses missed two point blank layups, the first on a loose ball situation where he was unguarded under the rim. He also missed his only two free throw attempts, negating a good post move.
One area of his game that was new to me today: he's showing flashes of being an effective passer on pick and roll situations and from post position. He keeps the ball close to the ground on his bounce passes, but he showed good judgement and was very accurate.
There are a lot of things Moses is going to have to do in order to crack the rotation as our desperately-needed backup center option. Will he get there in time for November 9th? Unclear, but for the first time today I started seeing some diversity in what he brings to the table in a Kenner League game.
On Greg Whittington, from the main Kenner League thread: my short answer is that every year, there are a couple players for whom KL performances, for a variety of reasons, just aren't very insightful one way or the other. Greg is one of those players this summer.
On standings: I glanced on my way out. Tombs, Clyde's, and DCX all have two losses, good for T-1st in their respective divisions. Team Takeover and Hoop Magic have three losses, putting them around the playoff bubble. Emery Heights has 4 losses, putting them on the outside. Tomorrow is the final "regular season" day prior to next week's playoffs.
TOMORROW: How about another food truck? Please? In any case, there are four GU-affiliated games: Takeover-Tombs at 1:20, Clyde's-Premiere Athlete at 2:40pm, Beyond Belief-Hoop Magic at 5:20 and DCX-Higher Level at 6:40pm. I'll be at the first two.
Inside McDonough, noon-time: the air conditioning provides welcome relief for the...let's see, one...two...three. Three people watching Team Takeover and Can't Be Stop warm up.
It filled up a little by the opening tip. Still, this summer's edition of the Kenner League has been eminently miss-able. Not surprising to be honest that the fans for the most part Can't Be Bothered. The dearth of big name players, weaker rosters, few exciting games, and the mounting number of missed games by Georgetown players haven't left much reason to stick around. Even the snack bar had competition today--that food truck was doing brisk business.
Oh well, there's always the air conditioning.
The noon game featured Team Takeover and Can't Be Stop. Mikael Hopkins was present on the bench but didn't dress for Team Takeover today. Before you ask: I don't know, and it didn't look like it.
By my count, that's at least
Jason Clark returned to the Hilltop and played for Takeover, finishing with...let's call it around 15 points. I was downloading iPhone apps during the game, which incidentally was a Takeover blowout that was never close.
Hopkins' absence and the schedule change that moved Tombs' game to Friday night left only one other game this afternoon featuring Georgetown players:
CLYDE'S 90 Hoop Magic 71
And it was another blowout. Clyde's led 13-3 and 21-7 out of the gate, and Hoop Magic only briefly got the lead into single digits in the first half. Ahead by about 15 at the half, Clyde's eventually led by close to thirty in the second half before taking their foot off the gas with several minutes to go. Hoop Magic produced some highlight-reel dunks, but even with Rock and Jock rules in play, I think Clyde's would've still taken it comfortably.
Markel Starks: 27 points, 6-8 2FG, 4-7 3FG, 3-5 FT, 1RB, 3A, 2TO, 3F
Markel has put together a few stellar offensive games this summer. To me, in the past he's been one an "every few games" kind of player--when he has the odd hot shooting game, he can fill up a box score, but it wasn't a regular expectation since he was usually about the 4th scoring option on the court. I see evidence this summer of a player who's growing into a legitimate lead scoring option in Georgetown's offense. Not THE lead scoring option--one reckons that'll probably be Otto Porter--but certainly somebody who'll make things happen.
He's played very aggressive off the dribble this summer, and it's increased his effectiveness as a scorer. Today was a great example: early in the game, Markel was hitting jumpers from everywhere--he was 3-4 from three in the first half. His dribble penetration early was actually off during this stretch--he picked up two charging fouls in the first few minutes.
But once he got the hang of attacking off the dribble, Markel started scoring in bunches. He's got a diverse array of moves he uses when he attacks from the perimeter: he can drive straight coming around a screen, use a spin move, or a vicious change of pace move that froze his defender multiple times.
This is where he's got a leg up over other guards on the roster (Trawick and Smith-Rivera specifically)--Markel's got multiple ways to attack the basket and keep the defense honest, where Trawick attacks the same way at all costs, and DSR hasn't had time to diversify his attacking game for the college level. What's more, Markel has been finishing plays both by going to the rim and by pulling up at mid-range, demonstrating mostly good aggressiveness and decision-making.
Another thing I liked: on two different occasions, Starks followed up a big play by Hoop Magic by hitting a shot in the face of one of their players on the next trip up the court.
Only thing I was a little unsure of: whether he's got the speed to keep quicker guards in front of him on defense.
Nate Lubick: 14 points, 4-6 2FG, 1-1 3FG, 3-3 FT, 5RB, 1A 1BLK
Nate is a good example of a player you can tell is working on his game during the Kenner League. One clear question going into the season is whether Nate will play the 5 and if so, how he'll handle that responsibility. On Clyde's, Nate typically plays the 5, and he gets plenty of opportunity to work both high-screen areas (usually with Starks) and low post situations.
Today, Nate was matched up for stretches with Moses Ayegba and GW's Kevin Larsen. Both opponents are of similar height to Nate, but stronger (in Moses' case) and bulkier (Larsen). Nate hasn't consistently been able to bang with the bigger centers this summer. But even though he's not backing into easy layups, Nate's still using those post opportunities to work on different post moves, specifically a running hook that at times is almost a sky hook from about 4-5 feet. He usually goes lefty on those, though today he went right at least once in the second half. Today was also the first time in a while I saw Nate face up and shoot a baseline jumper (which he missed badly).
His bread and butter is still finishing plays, and he's a plus player in pick and roll situations despite not being especially quick (that being said, he's definitely slimmed down and runs the floor much better than I recall last season). One clear advantage Nate has over other potential center candidates on the roster: he almost never fumbles passes, especially in those tight pick and roll situations.
Though his numbers don't reflect it, Nate was extremely aggressive on the glass today. He kept at least half a dozen more plays alive for Clyde's by tipping rebounds out to teammates, and several of his rebounds were the result of strong effort to fight and tip loose balls around in traffic. This is a relevant skill and a relevant point: one complaint I had about Nate last season was that he always seemed to want to tip rebounds out to the perimeter, even if he probably could've grabbed them himself with a little more effort.
He pays good attention to boxing out, even in a summer league game, and he's got good timing.
Do have some concerns on defense--is he strong enough to play the 5 position on defense against larger centers? While his slimming down has clear benefits in running the court and moving in the offense, it does mean he's gonna give up pounds to a lot of Big East centers.
I think he and Starks have really benefitted from their team situation this summer.
Moses Ayegba: 4 points, 2-5 2FG, 0-2 FT, 1R, 2A, 1TO, 2F
This is the first time I've seen Moses in a few weeks, owing to Hoop Magic's scheduling and Moses missing a couple games. As in the previous games I saw him, HM's substitution pattern tends to limit Moses to around 15 minutes per game: he'll play the first 5 minutes of a half, sit for the next 10-15 minutes and return for the end of the game. Therefore, not a lot to evaluate in a typical game.
He was matched up mostly against Nate Lubick. He showed a few decent post moves, getting an easy layup when the ref didn't buy Lubick's flop and going with his weak hand to get free throw attempts. He later showed good athleticism finishing a pick and roll play in traffic.
He's got to be more opportunistic with his chances though. In the second half, Moses missed two point blank layups, the first on a loose ball situation where he was unguarded under the rim. He also missed his only two free throw attempts, negating a good post move.
One area of his game that was new to me today: he's showing flashes of being an effective passer on pick and roll situations and from post position. He keeps the ball close to the ground on his bounce passes, but he showed good judgement and was very accurate.
There are a lot of things Moses is going to have to do in order to crack the rotation as our desperately-needed backup center option. Will he get there in time for November 9th? Unclear, but for the first time today I started seeing some diversity in what he brings to the table in a Kenner League game.
On Greg Whittington, from the main Kenner League thread: my short answer is that every year, there are a couple players for whom KL performances, for a variety of reasons, just aren't very insightful one way or the other. Greg is one of those players this summer.
On standings: I glanced on my way out. Tombs, Clyde's, and DCX all have two losses, good for T-1st in their respective divisions. Team Takeover and Hoop Magic have three losses, putting them around the playoff bubble. Emery Heights has 4 losses, putting them on the outside. Tomorrow is the final "regular season" day prior to next week's playoffs.
TOMORROW: How about another food truck? Please? In any case, there are four GU-affiliated games: Takeover-Tombs at 1:20, Clyde's-Premiere Athlete at 2:40pm, Beyond Belief-Hoop Magic at 5:20 and DCX-Higher Level at 6:40pm. I'll be at the first two.
