DeMatha vs. St. John's (Freeman vs. Wright)

[Deleted]

Just got back from the game at Gallaudet. DeMatha won by 13, I think (something like 64-51)....gosh, I guess I coulda paid attention to those details.

Anyway, the future Hoyas both looked good. Freeman had about 28 (including a FILTHY drive and dunk late in the 2nd quarter). By far the best player on the floor. Wright had about 20, and his shot was definitely not falling - if it had been, he'd have easily been above 30 again. By late third quarter, it was kind of a 1-on-5 situation for him. That said, he's crazy quick with the ball - he could do some serious damage as a distributor with some better teammates. No sign of Chris Braswell.

Tyler, Jeff, DaJuan, Vernon and Roy were all in the house as well. Good to see the guys representing. Harvey Grant was there watching his son Jerai (DeMatha's center).

[hoyaboy1]

I was there too, since this arena was bigger and I managed to get tickets. Stats below are estimates, but I tried to keep track.

Freeman had 31 and scored in a variety of ways. He hit 2-3 threes, had driving layups, put backs, and mid range Js. Then, as Cam mentioned, a hard drive where he fended off a defender in the air and slammed it around him with his right hand. The place went crazy. Austin was also perfect from the line, and made a number of nice passes when he was playing point. Austin's jumper actually wasn't at its best, but he still could have easily had 40 if his team made a more concerted effort to get him the ball.

Wright had 25, but he struggled mightily. I have no idea how many shots he took, but he didn't shoot a good percentage and only made 1 of what seemed like 7-8+ threes. He also struggled a bit from the line, and missed a break away dunk. In his defense DeMatha played very good D on him, often doubling him beyond the three point line and aggressively switiching to him if he drove. He forced too many shots, but I can't blame him too much because he only has 1 other worthwile teammate. I've only seen Wright once before (at the DC vs. Philly challenge), and from that and everything else I've heard it's obvious he is much better than he showed today.

[Hoya4Peace]

I don't know what you are talking about with wright struggling from the line, he only missed one shot out of ten, he looked pretty good

[millerj9]

Thanks so much for the first-hand accounts and thoughts. I can't wait to see these guys in blue and gray next year.

On a related note, it seems as though at least a couple of current players always attend the games of these recruits. I find this extremely impressive and think it speaks volumes about the guys on this team. The players are obviously fans of the game, but it takes some effort to trek across town for these things. I'm sure it has already resulted in mutual respect and camaraderie and hope it translates into cohesion on the court next year.

[hoyaboy1]

Hey, like I said, estimates. I thought he missed about 3. Maybe I had a little subconscious bias because I read yesterday that he was only shooting 69% from the line for the season.

[gujake]

Freeman

Wow. I had pretty high expectations based on what I've read and the few videos I've seen, but I was really stunned by how good he is. Changes tempo very frequently on offense. One second he's just floating around on the perimeter and then BOOM he's wide open for a three. Or he's just dribbling not doing too much and BAM he's by you and going up for a dunk. I think this translates well into the Princeton. Something that surprised me was that he was very capable of playing physically when necessary. Does a great job coming off of screens in this regard. Has good basketball IQ and seems to get to the right spots at the right time. VERY composed.

Shooting: Terrific form. Did not miss a free throw the entire game (shot around 10 I think). Also can get his shot up very quick and has great range. For the number of shots he takes, he actually took very few bad shots.

Ballhandling: I don't recall any bad turnovers. He's a really good ballhandler for his size. Great at changing speeds and has a very good first step.

Passing: Very impressive. Just about everything on Dematha's offense runs through Austin, and he does a great job of finding open teammates when needed, especially under the basket. Handled double-teams quite well.

Defense: He didn't try very hard. He played just about the entire game and didn't look tired AT ALL at the end of the game. Part of that must be good conditioning, but some also has to be because of his effort on D. It's really difficult to tell if he can actually play good defense consistently.

Rebounding: Seems like he's capable. I don't recall that many rebounds but he was trying. I think he'll be at least average for a guard.

And to echo Cam, that dunk was SICK. I really hope that a video of it shows up.

Wright

Compared to Freeman, Wright seems to be a much more intense, focused player. You could see this even in warmups. It's much more difficult to analyze Chris based on the way St. John's played, which was basically to give Chris the ball and let him find a way to score. Dematha did a pretty good job on him as well.

Shooting: Also has terrific form. Almost perfect from the line. Did very well when squared up but got in trouble with too many off balance shots. Took too many bad shots. Granted, his teammates did not move too much to help him and Dematha was playing good defense, but his shot selection was not the best. To illustrate, he must have been blocked 5 times. Has a very nice pull-up jumper.

Ballhandling: VERY quick. Incredible first step. It seemed like he and Freeman were playing at a completely different speed than everybody else at times. Did well to get by double teams by dribbling but might have been better off passing at times.

Passing: This wasn't a good game to judge his passing ability. His teammates did not move enough and Dematha did a good job of smothering them. Does anybody know his APG number?

Defense: Great defender. Good hands, moves his feet very well.

Rebounding: Very good for his size I thought. Didn't have any misgivings about going inside with the bigs.

[Hoya4Peace]

Great recap GUjake, i feel like i watched the game with you

[hoyaboy1]

Here is the post article:

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/03/AR2007020300043.html

For the record, Wright was 8/10 from the line

[Jamaica We Have a Bobsled Team]

Here is a link to the Freeman dunk

www.dcsportsfan.com/default.aspx?ArticleID=1092

[lichoya68]

freeeman and wright men amoung boys welcome but whats the deal with braswell something is going on go hoyas present great you guys went to see your future teamates.. coming and old for the100th prouderand prouder every day to be a hoya go hoyas beat louisvilleeeee ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[kchoya]

That's a pretty sweet dunk. Nice find.

[HoyaAtHeart]

The Braswell thing REALLY irks me because there is another 4 star local kid who REALLY wants to come here and plays the same position.

[Oh My!]

If you're talking about McClain, he is an '07 grad. Braswell is '08. So, his chances of getting here before Braswell are still pretty good.

I still want Samardo.

[HoyaAtHeart]

Im not talking about McClain...

and for the record...McClain doesnt REALLY want to come here as much he once did.

[Deleted]

Two more observations from me:
1. Freeman is BIG. Not taller than his listed 6'4", mind you, but he's thick, well built, big enough to jump into the college game right away and not get manhandled. Contrast with someone like Jerai Grant, who's tall and skilled, but really skinny. Grant will need to hit the weight room hard before he can make an impact. Wright's pretty sturdy as well, but Freeman really stood out to me.
2. Despite being one of the shortest guys on the floor (for either team), Wright jumped the opening tip for St. John's. Crazy hops.

This game got me way fired up for the future of Hoya Hoops.

[williambraskyiii]

cam said:

2. Despite being one of the shortest guys on the floor (for either team), Wright jumped the opening tip for St. John's. Crazy hops.

are you serious? that is amazing.

[Oh My!]

H at H--

What post player are you referring to?

[FairfaxHoya]

hoyaatheart said:

Im not talking about McClain...

and for the record...McClain doesnt REALLY want to come here as much he once did.

More information, please. And don't we have a few more schollies in that class anyway?

[CO_Hoya]

It wouldn't be this guy, would it?

I'd think he'd be able to play alongside Braswell, if they both came.

[RDF]

He's talking about Henry Sims-a class of '08 player. Sims is a PERFECT fit for what Georgetown likes to do on offensive end with their frontcourt/"post" players. He can face, hit jumpshot from FT line extended/baseline and is a very athletic kid. Look for him to blow up this Spring/Summer and have a big year--he's really coming on and would be a PERFECT fit for the style of play III/Staff like to use. Braswell, Sims, and Samuels are kids who all would be perfect fits--but 2 out of 3 and we'll all be smiling because all of them not only can play but fit what Hoyas like to do and will be able to play open court game and halfcourt. Sims is more of a pick and pop guy, but Samuels is an Elton Brand clone, and Braswell is a kid who has all of the talent in world, just needs to focus on qualifying and staying focused--but talent is unquestioned.