What’s up everybody! Hope everyone is having a great week. Below, I’m gonna go over some things I’ve heard from a multitude of sources. As always, summer reports should be taken with a grain of salt, especially when the full roster hasn’t participated yet.
This team needs another consistent shooter to step up alongside Antonio Reeves. Rob Dillingham has been solid in that department, Adou Thiero is knocking down corner three’s, and Reed Sheppard has been hitting at a high clip I’ve been told.
In terms of Sheppard, I think he’s going to play a significant role from everything I’ve been told, meaning a CJ Fredrick-ish type of role this season. I was kind of worried about his minutes awhile back, but the more I gather, I think you can expect quality mins.
Joey Hart is a fantastic shooter and has his moments, but I believe a lack of on-ball defense will hamper his chances at significant minutes early on. He’s a good athlete, but is adjusting to the speed of the highest level of college basketball. Typical freshman that will take time to develop. Highest standing vertical on the team.
There’s been talk about Ugonna Onyenso struggling, and that’s not totally wrong, but he has bright moments as well. Still excellent in rim protection and provides a lob threat, not much added on offensive end. Will benefit from Bradshaw and Mitchell being on the court with him. Wouldn’t sell stock.
Jordan Burks is more flashes and potential over production at this time.
Rob Dillingham’s quickness and speed with the ball in his hands translates. The physicality of the college game is what will be the biggest learning curve, and he’s taking that in stride. He’s dribbling more with a purpose and getting to his spots and has shown aggression on defense. They’re focusing him on being able to make plays for others, using his ability to score to force the defense to collapse, and using that to get others involved.
Rob and DJ are a work in progress playing together, as you’d expect in June. Just developing chemistry, but I’m told they’re learning things from one another and have a great deal of respect for each other. Those two being able to play with Reeves at the 3 and Justin at the 4 for spurts is going to be the key to the season imo.
Adou Thiero has made a great physical leap, and like I said earlier, I’ve heard he’s knocking down corner 3’s at a pretty solid clip. He’s the X factor of this season to me with his defensive playmaking and ability to handle the ball at his size, and willingness to play wherever on the court.
One source told me Justin Edwards “is better than they thought”. I think there’s going to be some good and bad moments from him in Canada, but he’s got the highest ceiling of all of the freshmen. When his feet are set and he’s not fading, his jumper has been pretty consistent. Provides a secondary ball handler and facilitator for the group.
Have heard nothing but good things about DJ. Alpha on the court, well respected, attacks every possession. It’s just coming down to him honing in his point guard skills and becoming a better defender. He will provide energy and leadership for the team and be a source of a lot of in-game runs throughout the season due to his intensity. Needs to become a more consistent shooter, but very effective when heading to the rim.
I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about John Welch. He’s well received and well respected by the players and goes above and beyond what others have done in the past regarding player development, film breakdown of plays for each kid, etc. Home run hire imo.
One last note, I’ve heard that they’re making an emphasis on getting away from any long twos and discouraging them. 15 feet jumpers and three’s are the go-to in the offense, as well as layups. I expect more dribble drive this season than in years past and they have the pieces to do it.
This team needs another consistent shooter to step up alongside Antonio Reeves. Rob Dillingham has been solid in that department, Adou Thiero is knocking down corner three’s, and Reed Sheppard has been hitting at a high clip I’ve been told.
In terms of Sheppard, I think he’s going to play a significant role from everything I’ve been told, meaning a CJ Fredrick-ish type of role this season. I was kind of worried about his minutes awhile back, but the more I gather, I think you can expect quality mins.
Joey Hart is a fantastic shooter and has his moments, but I believe a lack of on-ball defense will hamper his chances at significant minutes early on. He’s a good athlete, but is adjusting to the speed of the highest level of college basketball. Typical freshman that will take time to develop. Highest standing vertical on the team.
There’s been talk about Ugonna Onyenso struggling, and that’s not totally wrong, but he has bright moments as well. Still excellent in rim protection and provides a lob threat, not much added on offensive end. Will benefit from Bradshaw and Mitchell being on the court with him. Wouldn’t sell stock.
Jordan Burks is more flashes and potential over production at this time.
Rob Dillingham’s quickness and speed with the ball in his hands translates. The physicality of the college game is what will be the biggest learning curve, and he’s taking that in stride. He’s dribbling more with a purpose and getting to his spots and has shown aggression on defense. They’re focusing him on being able to make plays for others, using his ability to score to force the defense to collapse, and using that to get others involved.
Rob and DJ are a work in progress playing together, as you’d expect in June. Just developing chemistry, but I’m told they’re learning things from one another and have a great deal of respect for each other. Those two being able to play with Reeves at the 3 and Justin at the 4 for spurts is going to be the key to the season imo.
Adou Thiero has made a great physical leap, and like I said earlier, I’ve heard he’s knocking down corner 3’s at a pretty solid clip. He’s the X factor of this season to me with his defensive playmaking and ability to handle the ball at his size, and willingness to play wherever on the court.
One source told me Justin Edwards “is better than they thought”. I think there’s going to be some good and bad moments from him in Canada, but he’s got the highest ceiling of all of the freshmen. When his feet are set and he’s not fading, his jumper has been pretty consistent. Provides a secondary ball handler and facilitator for the group.
Have heard nothing but good things about DJ. Alpha on the court, well respected, attacks every possession. It’s just coming down to him honing in his point guard skills and becoming a better defender. He will provide energy and leadership for the team and be a source of a lot of in-game runs throughout the season due to his intensity. Needs to become a more consistent shooter, but very effective when heading to the rim.
I’ve heard nothing but fantastic things about John Welch. He’s well received and well respected by the players and goes above and beyond what others have done in the past regarding player development, film breakdown of plays for each kid, etc. Home run hire imo.
One last note, I’ve heard that they’re making an emphasis on getting away from any long twos and discouraging them. 15 feet jumpers and three’s are the go-to in the offense, as well as layups. I expect more dribble drive this season than in years past and they have the pieces to do it.
