Just got back from the Convo, and am satisfied but also a little annoyed with our result. A few observations
1: Shareef is LEGIT. I have never seen a guard up in someone's grill like that before in my 2 years of watching OU basketball. Forced a ton of steals and mistakes from the opposing PG. He's going to get huge minutes in place of Jaylin when J sits.
2: Hadaway got better as the game went on, loved his scrapping and clawing for rebounds and great defensive cycles. He'll be great this year. Thought Clayton / GWiz were wayyyyyy too soft tonight with that. Seemed like when Reef was playing hard / getting on the others it lit a fire under Aiden.
3: GWiz is improved but, still is a project. If others can score, all he needs to do is rebound, set screens, provide defense and finish at the basket if needed. Still gives me a heart attack though when the ball is in his hands though.
4: We played a four guard lineup at some points during the game and while it was alright at times I don't know if it'll work in NC / MAC play. the lack of forward depth is worrying me.
5: Boals put in Corna / Estis / Nicol in closing minutes and thought they could have uped the score, but missed a few opportunties. Estis seemed alright at Point and Corna / Nicol were pretty meh on D. I think they will likely be on bench most of the year.
6: AJB was extremely slow to start but eventually got a few good opportunities and capitalized. Elmore was good offensively but a bit inconsistent on D. He had a few very good defensive cycles though. Miles was a bit invisible which was alittle disappointing.
Overall, solid game but we definitely have holes we need to patch up before we see Troy. Our guard play is solid with Reef and Hadaway stepping up to the plate tonight with intensity and energy on D. Our shooting was a bit rough along with our rebounding but think they will fix that in preparation for Troy. IJ was in street clothes tonight, I'm very worried if he reinjured himself / staff sitting him out as a precaution or a much different and concerning reason. He seemed in great spirits when I talked to him earlier in the week.
Last Edited: 11/2/2023 10:19:47 PM by Cellis033