Watched on my phone and saw only parts and pieces yesterday... unfortunately was at a wedding
Got home late and "watched" the game, then watched the condensed version a few times this morning
Some thoughts:
When Geronimo plays like that, IU is a wholly different team. Even next to TJD, he is physically imposing. What impressed me the most? He did a great job sealing off players and positioning himself for rebounds/opening himself up for passes when TJD was double teamed. He went up strong, and with control around the basket.
TJD looked way more fluid and explosive. Over the last 3 games, he looked in pain. Backs a finicky thing, and back pain sucks. Not sure if it was just feeling better, or whatever treatment he took worked, either way he played physical, and tough.
Bates really needs to take better shots (JHS as well). He has the skill, just needs to make better choices. This isn't high school, you can't get away with taking a bunch of long 2s and be successful (as a team)
Galloway finally got back in a groove of driving the ball and using the floater. He killed UNC with that, and had a nice run with it... then stopped. Outside of X, he runs that Screen and roll with TJD the best on this team.
LOVED... not liked... LOVED the run of the freshman for 2-3 minutes in the first half. It's precisely what I had clamored for. Was it the difference maker in the guys being fresh? Who knows... but in my brain? Sure... they played super hard, made a couple mistakes, but it builds confidence for them IMO.
Finally....
I would personally pack Essegian's bags and move him to Bloomington if he hit the portal. These kids keep making their way out of state and turn out to be stellar players.
I get the feeling he'll be at Wisc for a long... long 4 years and we'll hate every second of it.
Got home late and "watched" the game, then watched the condensed version a few times this morning
Some thoughts:
When Geronimo plays like that, IU is a wholly different team. Even next to TJD, he is physically imposing. What impressed me the most? He did a great job sealing off players and positioning himself for rebounds/opening himself up for passes when TJD was double teamed. He went up strong, and with control around the basket.
TJD looked way more fluid and explosive. Over the last 3 games, he looked in pain. Backs a finicky thing, and back pain sucks. Not sure if it was just feeling better, or whatever treatment he took worked, either way he played physical, and tough.
Bates really needs to take better shots (JHS as well). He has the skill, just needs to make better choices. This isn't high school, you can't get away with taking a bunch of long 2s and be successful (as a team)
Galloway finally got back in a groove of driving the ball and using the floater. He killed UNC with that, and had a nice run with it... then stopped. Outside of X, he runs that Screen and roll with TJD the best on this team.
LOVED... not liked... LOVED the run of the freshman for 2-3 minutes in the first half. It's precisely what I had clamored for. Was it the difference maker in the guys being fresh? Who knows... but in my brain? Sure... they played super hard, made a couple mistakes, but it builds confidence for them IMO.
Finally....
I would personally pack Essegian's bags and move him to Bloomington if he hit the portal. These kids keep making their way out of state and turn out to be stellar players.
I get the feeling he'll be at Wisc for a long... long 4 years and we'll hate every second of it.
