Red/Blue Thoughts 11/1/09

[the1b0b]

I couldn't get down to the game so watched later on the webcast.
First impressions were overall positive, I didn't see a Chris Rodgers
(an immediate disliker) out there. I want to caveat that I watched
this on a 2x2 screen in very low resolution and the teams kept
switching so it was a little tough keeping Parrom and Williams
straight for example. The intangibles are good, going by body
language etc, I like the positive vibe. We need to steal a couple of
early wins to get this very, very young team some confidence.

The Russian (actually Ukrainian) who desperately needs a nickname
looked good. Very mobile for 6'10, nice footwork on the block and
seemed comfortable back-to or facing the basket, even jacking a 3 that
looked good but didn't drop. It's hard to judge strength posting
Jamelle and Tree but he didn't impress me as a rebounding force, this
is an overall team concern I think. He did disappear a bit in the 2nd
half which was either conditioning or planned rest, not sure.

Momo at first blush reminds me of Damon. Very, very aggresive to the
basket but I'd like to see how well he shoots. His D needs work but I
think its more technique than desire which is the right problem to
have for a Freshman. The kid has swagger, can't wait to see him and
Nic in the same backcourt. If the 2 of them really get going and we
play uptempo, I think we can be good.

Fogg is my favorite guy, solid on D, hit open 3s, not afraid to go to
the rack. Just a great glue guy, can't be overstated.

Tree should never be put in a press conference. Nothing to comment,
he is the Tree and a known quantity.

Not much read on Hill or Parrom, kept mixing them up but nothing
jumped out.

Judkins worries me, he couldn't hold Jones and did get a few buckets
but I suspect he is going to slip low on the depth chart and there
exists the possibility of becoming a distraction. The good news is
that we will probably play 8-9 guys every night so he will have
opportunities.

Williams showed me a couple of flashes, a good slashing wing type but
banged inside a little.

Lavender is appearantly our knock down 3 guy but he was pretty silent.

Jamelle looked like he was only going about 65% and didn't have a
great shooting night. He did look focused though and knocked several
shots out on monster blocks. He did look for 3s in rythym which is
key, so I'm not concerned. Jamelle appears to have matured by about
10 years, attitude and such. This can be huge.

Shumpert looked nervous out there, he'll be the Bagga of course but
lets pray he writes better. I wouldn't know Ross Davidson or Dondre
Wise if I passed them in the hall.

Miller runs a good press conference, quietly charismatic. I feel as
confident at the coach position as I could possibly, much more than I
expected at this early stage.