Overall, I thought we looked a step faster last night than in the two exhibition games. And there seemed to be more of a sense of seriousness, swagger, and purpose than before. I have had more fun watching these three games than I have had in the previous 5 or 6 years combined.
Andrew Carr - I thought he played well. I like the way he keeps his arms straight up when defending around the basket. And I liked how he confidently took that second 3-pointer after missing the first. And he did have the highest +/- so I'll take this performance!
Amari Williams - Beast. I was wrong about his athleticism and his speed. He is like no other UK player in recent memory. His free throws may hurt us at some point in the season. But his overall value is matched only by Butler and Oweh.
Otega Oweh - What can you say about this guy other than he is the total package. Other than a bad shot decision early in the first half, it was a near perfect performance. I am beyond thrilled to have this young man as a Cat!
Lamont Butler - I thought he showed another gear in his first step last night. Did Tom Hart say "quick as a hiccup"? I like that! But he just seems so confident on defense, like you can try to beat me but I'm going to catch you and probably block your shot. If he never scores a point, his value on the court is immeasurable.
Jaxson Robinson - I thought he let the game come to him and didn't force anything. We scored 103 points and Robinson had only 8. That's a good sign!
Koby Brea - The Kriisa pass and the Brea shot was the most fun part of the game. I miss that swagger and confidence we used to have. I love this kid's game. Yeah, he is the best shooter in college basketball, but he also attacked the basket successfully. Is he a liability on defense? I guess we'll find out for sure when we play Duke.
Brandon Garrison - what a blessing to have a guy like this as your backup 5. He's not a beast yet, but I think he will be. Needs to look to pass a bit more. I thought he forced some things around the basket last night.
Collin Chandler - I think he quietly really helps this team. I believe he is, or will become, a good defender. He doesn't force anything, had a steal with two assists and no turnovers. His value will increase as the season goes on.
Ansley Almonor - Another guy who quietly helps the team. He is definitely a threat from the perimeter, but he is also comfortable around the basket. He's a tough guy to move on defense. And what stood out to me most was his hands around the basket. I can't believe we have a guy of this caliber as an 8th or 9th man. I'd say I look for this to change, but who's minutes is he going to get?
Kerr Kriisa - Not a bad game, but not a great one. He did have 5 assists to 1 turnover. And he had the highlight of the night. But I think he's forcing some perimeter shots rather than just taking them within the offense. It seems all of his shots have been from about 30 feet. I'm looking forward to when he feels comfortable with his role on the team and we get to see his personality on the court. Maybe he can get under the skin of a couple of Dukies!
The freshmen - On the bench where they probably belong. I do see Perry getting some clock at some point. He's too good of a shooter to not play a little. But I love not having to rely on freshmen.
Andrew Carr - I thought he played well. I like the way he keeps his arms straight up when defending around the basket. And I liked how he confidently took that second 3-pointer after missing the first. And he did have the highest +/- so I'll take this performance!
Amari Williams - Beast. I was wrong about his athleticism and his speed. He is like no other UK player in recent memory. His free throws may hurt us at some point in the season. But his overall value is matched only by Butler and Oweh.
Otega Oweh - What can you say about this guy other than he is the total package. Other than a bad shot decision early in the first half, it was a near perfect performance. I am beyond thrilled to have this young man as a Cat!
Lamont Butler - I thought he showed another gear in his first step last night. Did Tom Hart say "quick as a hiccup"? I like that! But he just seems so confident on defense, like you can try to beat me but I'm going to catch you and probably block your shot. If he never scores a point, his value on the court is immeasurable.
Jaxson Robinson - I thought he let the game come to him and didn't force anything. We scored 103 points and Robinson had only 8. That's a good sign!
Koby Brea - The Kriisa pass and the Brea shot was the most fun part of the game. I miss that swagger and confidence we used to have. I love this kid's game. Yeah, he is the best shooter in college basketball, but he also attacked the basket successfully. Is he a liability on defense? I guess we'll find out for sure when we play Duke.
Brandon Garrison - what a blessing to have a guy like this as your backup 5. He's not a beast yet, but I think he will be. Needs to look to pass a bit more. I thought he forced some things around the basket last night.
Collin Chandler - I think he quietly really helps this team. I believe he is, or will become, a good defender. He doesn't force anything, had a steal with two assists and no turnovers. His value will increase as the season goes on.
Ansley Almonor - Another guy who quietly helps the team. He is definitely a threat from the perimeter, but he is also comfortable around the basket. He's a tough guy to move on defense. And what stood out to me most was his hands around the basket. I can't believe we have a guy of this caliber as an 8th or 9th man. I'd say I look for this to change, but who's minutes is he going to get?
Kerr Kriisa - Not a bad game, but not a great one. He did have 5 assists to 1 turnover. And he had the highlight of the night. But I think he's forcing some perimeter shots rather than just taking them within the offense. It seems all of his shots have been from about 30 feet. I'm looking forward to when he feels comfortable with his role on the team and we get to see his personality on the court. Maybe he can get under the skin of a couple of Dukies!
The freshmen - On the bench where they probably belong. I do see Perry getting some clock at some point. He's too good of a shooter to not play a little. But I love not having to rely on freshmen.
