Recycled from the other thread:
Didn’t think we played our best game. Good to get a road win against a PAC-12 school (even if it is Washington) when we don‘t play well. I thought the Pokes showed a lot of resiliency in this one.
The missed FT’s were a problem, but not something that I think will linger. Our shooters were bothered by the length and athleticism of Washington. Might pose a challenge against top end MWC schools, but not too worried about that either overall.
Two major concerns moving forward. The first is the lack of ball handling options. Really needed Dut to come in and have an impact right away and that hasn’t happened. The second is related which is lack of playmakers outside of Maldo. We have a lot of good finishers (and one elite one in Ike), but not a lot of guys that make plays for others. I think Foster can really help keep the ball moving if we can get him back soon.
Washington is a bad offensive team, but they are a good defensive team, and I think the Pokes can really learn from this experience. I felt they really got us out of our offensive flow and we mostly just ended up taking turns posting Graham and Maldo. Not that those are bad decisions, but I don't think the rest of the team got in a good flow as a result.
Last but not least, Graham Ike. Just…damn. Washington tried to get by without sending a double letting their 6’10”, 235, 4th year former 4-star recruit try to defend him and Graham might as well have just laughed in Coach Hopkins face. The double team did slow him down and he will need to get better about kicking it out of the double team because he is going to see a lot of double teams this year.
Next Steps:
1. Foster - I think we really need Foster healthy. Wenzel can shoot, but he doesn't move the ball or put the ball on the floor as well as Foster.
2. Dut - Hopefully he can get a lot of playing time against Hastings and start to get comfortable. We need another ball handling guard to take the pressure off Maldonado
Didn’t think we played our best game. Good to get a road win against a PAC-12 school (even if it is Washington) when we don‘t play well. I thought the Pokes showed a lot of resiliency in this one.
The missed FT’s were a problem, but not something that I think will linger. Our shooters were bothered by the length and athleticism of Washington. Might pose a challenge against top end MWC schools, but not too worried about that either overall.
Two major concerns moving forward. The first is the lack of ball handling options. Really needed Dut to come in and have an impact right away and that hasn’t happened. The second is related which is lack of playmakers outside of Maldo. We have a lot of good finishers (and one elite one in Ike), but not a lot of guys that make plays for others. I think Foster can really help keep the ball moving if we can get him back soon.
Washington is a bad offensive team, but they are a good defensive team, and I think the Pokes can really learn from this experience. I felt they really got us out of our offensive flow and we mostly just ended up taking turns posting Graham and Maldo. Not that those are bad decisions, but I don't think the rest of the team got in a good flow as a result.
Last but not least, Graham Ike. Just…damn. Washington tried to get by without sending a double letting their 6’10”, 235, 4th year former 4-star recruit try to defend him and Graham might as well have just laughed in Coach Hopkins face. The double team did slow him down and he will need to get better about kicking it out of the double team because he is going to see a lot of double teams this year.
Next Steps:
1. Foster - I think we really need Foster healthy. Wenzel can shoot, but he doesn't move the ball or put the ball on the floor as well as Foster.
2. Dut - Hopefully he can get a lot of playing time against Hastings and start to get comfortable. We need another ball handling guard to take the pressure off Maldonado
