I went to this game, then watched the Stanford game. Each game, the GRIZ played bad to below average for about a 10 minute stretch. From the 15 minute mark of the 2nd half, to about 5 minutes left in the game, against Stanford. Then the 1st 10 minutes against Northern. Bad play cost the GRIZ the Stanford game. Turnovers and missed shots really hurt in each game.
What am I impressed with after 2 games?
DEFENSE- every player plays hard and fast defense. The defensive effort is very impressive. Even more so, considering how many Freshman are part of the equation. They are very seldom out of position. I watched all the Freshman very closely, they have a terrific understanding of defensive fundamentals. What do I mean by that? A few things stood out to me, they are consistently between the ball and their man, heads are on a swivel, beat screens often, and great foot work. None of the 4 Freshman looked lost on defense Owens and Carter Hollinger move very well for their size and are athletic.
Owens- just may turn out to be the video poster boy for positioning yourself to draw offensive fouls. That kid has been well coached on the defensive end. He has the smarts, athleticism, and physical to defend all 5 positions. He just needs to add some bulk (very typical of most Freshman). Offensively, just like defense, he is versatile. He is capable of scoring at all 3 levels (Like Jamar did, and Pridgett does now). His game is that of a true SF. He also has the length and athleticism to match up well with Power 5 SF's/3's. Moving on offense and defense looks easy for him. He's going to be a very special player. There is nothing to not like about him. My only question is, how long will it take him to consistently find his game, and be willing to take on a starring role? Pridgett needs another player of starring. Owens is capable of it.
Carter Hollinger- he too strikes me as a true SF type, just not as long as Owens. He too moves well. He has a great nose for the ball, especially on the boards. I will have to see more of his game to get a better grasp of his potential. Looks to me, he is doesn't have a weakness. He did score at all 3 levels in the 1st 2 games. I still need to grasp more on his 3 point shooting upside and ball handling. Owens looked much more natural in those aspects. Meanwhile, C-H is more physical. He too has a very high ceiling. C-H is so young as well. It is very possible, he still may grow a few more inches. IF so, he and Owens might be the same type of players.
Vasquez- I was really impressed with his demeanor, calmness, and awareness. I see why DeCuire is high on him at PG. Defensively, he stays with his assignment well, off and on the ball. He is a much better defender than I expected, especially this early. He consistently beats screens, doesn't get lost in traffic, and is aware where his teammates are. He also takes smart shots. Nothing looks forced for him. I can tell, he's already a consistent shooter. More shots will fall for him, as he gains confidence. He handles the ball well. With time, I hope to see him drive the ball to the hole more, and/or create within the offense for himself and/or teammates. Due to his inexperience, that part of his game appears to a little harnessed. Looks to me, right now Pridgett and Falls (as he gets his game back from injury) appear to be the guys for that.
Egun- he brings the energy on both ends of the court. He looked more comfortable against Stanford, which is encouraging. Something seemed to be bothering him against Northern. I didn't see him as engaged with his teammates as I normally do. Also, he wasn't smiling. Those are things I was used to seeing from him last season. Who knows, maybe he has a different demeanor as a rotational player, than when he knows he won't be playing (redshirting). I also like his shot. I hope he matures as a SG/2 on offense, and combo defender.
Now onto the returnees:
Anderson- I feel for him. He seems to be always in the right position on both ends of the court. Athletically, he also belongs. Unfortunately, he still needs more strength. He also appears to be pressing, especially when he gets the ball on offense. Then again, that part of his game progressed with the season last season too. I hope that will be the case this season too. He isn't yet used to playing against this level of competition. He needs to convince himself, he belongs at this level, and let his natural gifts work for him.
Manuel- I love his demeanor and confidence. Offensively, he is capable of big things. His shots just aren't falling like they should. Defensively, he is consistent. I really didn't notice anything to set off any alarms to me. I just think, it is a matter of time for him to find his consistency. Maybe, as the new guys get more comfortable, less attention will be paid to him by opponents. I'd run a few more plays for him.
Falls- I can see, his injury has really hampered his progress within this team. Offensively, he just isn't comfortable out there. He is pressing way too much. Defensively, LOVE his tenacity, desire, attitude, demeanor. I would absolutely hate being guarded by him. He doesn't give and inch, and is THAT defender that just bugs the living hell out of opposing players. He took a very hard elbow to his face against Northern. That was unfortunate. Prior to that, he was playing a huge role on defense and just starting to look comfortable within the offense. I hope that pattern continues. He should be able to play the next game. This kid is way too tough to not be a big contributor this season.
Pridgett- We all know, he can absolutely do it all on the floor. He has no weakness, is as tough nails, has a junkyard mentality. So, what more can he do to further impress me? He really does look like a true PG, regardless of who he is on the court with. He sees the floor terrific. He makes the routine fundamental passes, and even the difficult fancy passes too. He also defends the perimeter and ball well. Against Stanford, he forced a few too many passes, and turned down some scoring opportunities. Against Northern, he took whatever was available him. He passed well, when his teammates were in position. He wasn't going to be denied when they weren't in position. He absolutely assumed the mindset of "This is my team and my game, I'm going to take it over. Get on my back boys!!!" He is plenty capable of putting up Rodney Stuckey type numbers, but a better rebounder than Stuckey was. If Sayeed stays completely healthy, he is going to have a historical season. He's going to be strong in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, blocks, and can even be a true shut down defender. He is a very special player. Ironically, he is mentoring to other players (Owens and C-H) capable of being complete players too.
This team sure could use Samuelson and Yagi, to help out in the post, boards, and scoring. I'm not sure what is wrong with Brown. He was in street clothes too, but appeared to be moving well.
When these Freshman get comfortable within the offense, this team will be very good again. I'm not worried about their defense whatsoever. I do think, this team is a year away though, as of now. I just don't see how they can physically mature against teams like Stanford, this season.
Solid efforts this week boys. 20 total minutes of struggles in 80 minutes of ball. Let's cut down those struggles game by game. The offense will come, with experience.