mtgrizrule
Well-known member
Happy Holidays All. I've been in hibernation for the most part, with all this virus crap, and working very demanding hours. Anyway, I finally got a chance to quickly observe the USC and GA games, and of course listened to the other games. Hopefully, will watch the other games on Demand on Pluto. With that said, I might be a little off with my analysis to this point. I'll give it a shot though.
Despite the losses, this team has some terrific upside. The questions, can the upside be stronger than the inexperience? How long will it take for the upside to start showing, in terms of execution and W's? Who will emerge as on court leaders?
No question, the youth and inexperience is showing early in the season. That is to be expected. Despite the youth, inexperience, and losses, this team has played with, or even outplayed the likes of USC and Georgia for 60% to 75% of each game. The problem has been slow starts against Power 5 programs, bad reboundg, turnovers, and inconsistent offense. Offensively, continuity will come with experience, awareness, and growing confidence.
As for rebounding, we don't have the above average rebounding guards like we have in the past. The only guard capable of it this season is Satterwhite. Vasquez, Parker, Whitney are too slight and young to be expected to fill much of rebounding role. The rebounding has to come from the bigs. Steadman has proven to be a solid rebounder, the last few seasons at San Jose State. However, did he drop too much weight? Henderson definitely has the build and strength to be a huge asset on the boards. How long will it take for him to fit into a role though? Anderson is always in the mix for rebounds. Unfortunately, he has to stop fouling, to be an asset. Owens is a solid rebounding SF/3, but still needs strength to hang and bang with true bigs. I feel, with Satterwhite and DCH in the rotation, those 2 alone will immensely help with rebounding. Their loss is hurting the team, in this regard. Bannan will only get better on the boards, with experience. Common sense dictates, rebounding will improve. I actually think, with the depth we have, it could become an asset by the time we get to the conference tournament.
Turnovers, again something that should be easy to get under control. Experience alone will decrease the turnovers. DeCuire has a great history having his teams taking care of the ball. No reason whatsoever to not believe this won't improve, and improve dramatically.
As for leadership, offensive consistency, and slow starts, I think, the key is on court leadership and awareness improving. Awareness comes with experience and continuity. That tells me, who will the leaders be to replace the likes of Pridgett (arguably the best leader in GRIZ history), Manuel, and Samuelson? Collectively, there isn't anyone that has been in that role. For me, I'd be expecting Steadman, Owens, DCH, and Satterwhite to be those leaders. I don't know if any of the young guards are ready for that leadership role. Steadman and Satterwhite are experienced Div 1 players. Absolutely no reason, for them not to lead. Owens is the modern version of Jordan Gregory, with his commitment to self improvement, year around. That alone, should be a natural progression for him. He already leads by example. DCH has a Pridgett like junkyard toughness. Whitney sure looks to be the future leader at guard. Expecting that from a true Freshman is difficult though.
Offensive execution, the team has a nice mix of slashers, potential outside shooters, and inside scoring. No doubt, the pieces are in place. How long will it take to find the continuity and confidence? For 1, looking at the stats and comfort level, get the ball to Owens and Steadman as often as possible. Owens has emerged as an all conference type player. He is a true SF/3, that should be a matchup nightmare. He is calm with the ball in his hands, scores inside, outside, penetrating, and looks confident. Also, take the time to see how aware he is on both ends of the court. He quickly knows who is where, on both ends of the court. I feel, he belongs on the court against any competition. He's a year ahead of schedule, in my opinion. The game is looking easy for him. He's not pressing. He's confident and so smooth. Love Kyle Owens!!! Steadman needs to see the ball a lot more! He has a nice array of post moves, solid mid game, and can get his shot off consistently. The problem isn't him. His teammates have to focus on getting him the ball to take advantage of his skill set, just like they learned to do with Akoh and Breunig. I am very confident in Steadman.
I honestly believe Vasquez, Egan, and Brown can all be high % 3 ball shooters. Vasquez needs to get more open looks. Egan needs to calm down with the ball in his hands, when he isn't open for a shot. He is capable of being another above average rebounding and defensive guard too. Brown, needs to bring more to the table in terms of defense and ball handling. I don't question his shooting at all.
Parker has surprisingly been efficient, just not sure if he can maintain consistency with his shot. More power to him, if he can be consistent from the perimeter. Whitney can potentially be another Rorie. He's going to be a nightmare match up as he matures physically. I already love his body control, confidence, and awareness. Again, how much should we expect from a true freshman? He can only get better. He's going to be a great one.
Now onto Bannan. I see huge upside in him. He's a 3 level scorer, but can improve his perimeter consistency. He has nice touch and moves in the paint. He's a solid ball handler for his size too. The speed of the game will come to him. Physically, I'm not sure, how long it will take him. Normally, the physical part of the game takes a few years for a big. Speaking of freshman, how much can Beasley and Clarke contribute? We aren't in a hurry for Beasley. A redshirt season might be needed for his injury. Clarke can definitely help with his perimeter game. I hope to see him soon.
Overall, with DeCuire's history and solid staff, I really like the potential this team holds. Leadership absolutely has to emerge. If that happens, I won't be surprised to see this team win the BSC tournament. My biggest concern and question, how long will it take for the youth to emerge? Will it come together this year, or next?
Despite the losses, this team has some terrific upside. The questions, can the upside be stronger than the inexperience? How long will it take for the upside to start showing, in terms of execution and W's? Who will emerge as on court leaders?
No question, the youth and inexperience is showing early in the season. That is to be expected. Despite the youth, inexperience, and losses, this team has played with, or even outplayed the likes of USC and Georgia for 60% to 75% of each game. The problem has been slow starts against Power 5 programs, bad reboundg, turnovers, and inconsistent offense. Offensively, continuity will come with experience, awareness, and growing confidence.
As for rebounding, we don't have the above average rebounding guards like we have in the past. The only guard capable of it this season is Satterwhite. Vasquez, Parker, Whitney are too slight and young to be expected to fill much of rebounding role. The rebounding has to come from the bigs. Steadman has proven to be a solid rebounder, the last few seasons at San Jose State. However, did he drop too much weight? Henderson definitely has the build and strength to be a huge asset on the boards. How long will it take for him to fit into a role though? Anderson is always in the mix for rebounds. Unfortunately, he has to stop fouling, to be an asset. Owens is a solid rebounding SF/3, but still needs strength to hang and bang with true bigs. I feel, with Satterwhite and DCH in the rotation, those 2 alone will immensely help with rebounding. Their loss is hurting the team, in this regard. Bannan will only get better on the boards, with experience. Common sense dictates, rebounding will improve. I actually think, with the depth we have, it could become an asset by the time we get to the conference tournament.
Turnovers, again something that should be easy to get under control. Experience alone will decrease the turnovers. DeCuire has a great history having his teams taking care of the ball. No reason whatsoever to not believe this won't improve, and improve dramatically.
As for leadership, offensive consistency, and slow starts, I think, the key is on court leadership and awareness improving. Awareness comes with experience and continuity. That tells me, who will the leaders be to replace the likes of Pridgett (arguably the best leader in GRIZ history), Manuel, and Samuelson? Collectively, there isn't anyone that has been in that role. For me, I'd be expecting Steadman, Owens, DCH, and Satterwhite to be those leaders. I don't know if any of the young guards are ready for that leadership role. Steadman and Satterwhite are experienced Div 1 players. Absolutely no reason, for them not to lead. Owens is the modern version of Jordan Gregory, with his commitment to self improvement, year around. That alone, should be a natural progression for him. He already leads by example. DCH has a Pridgett like junkyard toughness. Whitney sure looks to be the future leader at guard. Expecting that from a true Freshman is difficult though.
Offensive execution, the team has a nice mix of slashers, potential outside shooters, and inside scoring. No doubt, the pieces are in place. How long will it take to find the continuity and confidence? For 1, looking at the stats and comfort level, get the ball to Owens and Steadman as often as possible. Owens has emerged as an all conference type player. He is a true SF/3, that should be a matchup nightmare. He is calm with the ball in his hands, scores inside, outside, penetrating, and looks confident. Also, take the time to see how aware he is on both ends of the court. He quickly knows who is where, on both ends of the court. I feel, he belongs on the court against any competition. He's a year ahead of schedule, in my opinion. The game is looking easy for him. He's not pressing. He's confident and so smooth. Love Kyle Owens!!! Steadman needs to see the ball a lot more! He has a nice array of post moves, solid mid game, and can get his shot off consistently. The problem isn't him. His teammates have to focus on getting him the ball to take advantage of his skill set, just like they learned to do with Akoh and Breunig. I am very confident in Steadman.
I honestly believe Vasquez, Egan, and Brown can all be high % 3 ball shooters. Vasquez needs to get more open looks. Egan needs to calm down with the ball in his hands, when he isn't open for a shot. He is capable of being another above average rebounding and defensive guard too. Brown, needs to bring more to the table in terms of defense and ball handling. I don't question his shooting at all.
Parker has surprisingly been efficient, just not sure if he can maintain consistency with his shot. More power to him, if he can be consistent from the perimeter. Whitney can potentially be another Rorie. He's going to be a nightmare match up as he matures physically. I already love his body control, confidence, and awareness. Again, how much should we expect from a true freshman? He can only get better. He's going to be a great one.
Now onto Bannan. I see huge upside in him. He's a 3 level scorer, but can improve his perimeter consistency. He has nice touch and moves in the paint. He's a solid ball handler for his size too. The speed of the game will come to him. Physically, I'm not sure, how long it will take him. Normally, the physical part of the game takes a few years for a big. Speaking of freshman, how much can Beasley and Clarke contribute? We aren't in a hurry for Beasley. A redshirt season might be needed for his injury. Clarke can definitely help with his perimeter game. I hope to see him soon.
Overall, with DeCuire's history and solid staff, I really like the potential this team holds. Leadership absolutely has to emerge. If that happens, I won't be surprised to see this team win the BSC tournament. My biggest concern and question, how long will it take for the youth to emerge? Will it come together this year, or next?
