For those that saw the game last night what were your first impressions of the newcomers and returning guys? Thought it was a good kickoff to the season. Obviously we didn't get to see Jalen or Coleman-Lands but we saw the other 12.
Remy Martin- came off the bench as it seems Self is trying to coach him up to his standard that he expects of his guards. Remy is very quick, confident and as advertised in his 4 years at ASU can really score in a variety of ways. Funky shot, even made a 1 foot midrange jumper. We have missed having a guard like this since the Graham/Mason days. No disrespect to Dotson who was one of my favorite guards to play here but Dotson dominated the game in different ways, living on dribble penetration and spot up perimeter shots. Martin is clearly wired to score and look for his shot. We'll see how that continues to mesh with Self's way. Note to Bill- let him be who he is, you got him here to do what he does best. Embrace it and build around it. His defense looks like a work in progress. He's small so playing him with Harris who's small could be something teams with big guards exploit.
Agbaji- Clearly looked in even better shape then previous years. Seems like the NBA process really helped him get to the next step physically and possibly with some skill development that has been inconsistent. He's the Thomas Robinson of wings physically to come through this program. His perimeter shot has improved tenfold since he got here. Saw glimpses last night of being a playmaker, not just scoring but making winning plays. Clearly a Top 3 player on this team. Excited to see what he does.
McCormack- Besides the hair being different I don't think we saw anything out of the ordinary from Dave. He's skilled around the basket, he looks in great shape, perhaps even having a little more pep in his step then we've seen the previous 3 years. Saw good effort from him attacking the boards. You still wish he'd use his big frame to his advantage, a few shots he had his patented fade away from the basket when he was clearly in a position to go up with it going towards the basket. That's just who Dave is. Clearly a very important part of this teams potential success. The drop off to his backup in real games is probably going to be the most noticeable weakness on this team.
Braun- Personally I hope he comes off the bench when we have Wilson back from suspension. Last night was kind of a snapshot of who Braun is most of the time, an inconsistent spot up shooter on offense that cannot create his own. I do have a sour taste in my mouth from last year regarding him because this guy got a lot of looks last year and simply didn't produce. There were several shots last night that reminded me of his struggles. I think he's a great piece to have in the 2nd unit, we know he's going to play heavy minutes & capable of big games when he's locked in. Physically he looks to be in the best shape since he got here. I think its more mental for him then anything.
Harris- According to Self the most improved player in the offseason. I saw a more confident player on the court last night. He moves the ball on offense and was a pesky defender. He still has zero offensive game and that's still the major issue with a player like Harris. I see this as a major problem when playing good teams. Last night wasn't going to be one where we saw whether Dajuan has improved enough to start or not. Seems like Self's next favorite pet. I need to see more.
Cam Martin- Don't think we got much of a read on him last night. Interesting that he was the 4th big to enter the game behind Mitch/Clemence. Big body at least. Believe he missed his only perimeter look, shot looked good.
Zach Clemence- Looks like a typical Self Big that's going to be put in the toughening box. Definitely needs to develop physically on his lower body. We didn't see his good looking perimeter shot. Made a few buckets near the hoop. Not sure what role he will have but found it interesting he subbed in before Martin.
KJ Adams- Seems to be operating on the wing at least from this exhibition game. Physically he's good to go already, heck of an athlete. Was very surprised at his ability to make the right pass as a freshman from his spot into the post. That's something you usually see from upperclassmen and not a freshman right off the bat. Good debut from him I thought.
Yesufu- Seen a bunch of fans that were disappointed with his game last night. I will say this kid is a heck of an athlete, he can get up. He's quick and was a willing passer all night. Struggled to score a few, felt like nerves maybe? Seemed like he was trying to figure out his place and not being a ball dominant guard like the role he had at Drake. I want to see more of him.
Pettiford- By far the most impressive freshman to play last night. He didn't look like a freshman out there which is good to see when your playing inferior competition. He's quick, he makes the right pass, he has handles and is an athlete. Perimeter shot looked good, in & out from what I remember on his only attempt. This is probably the freshman Self has to make an emphasis to play, not just for the betterment of this team but for the future. Very excited by him.
Cuffe- Briefly saw him play the last few minutes. Holy Macaroni can he jump. Makes him look bigger then he is with his elite athletic ability at the guard position. Definitely a RS candidate based on his injury + moving down a year to join KU this season. Might be the only game action he gets with him buried on the depth chart. We'll see. Very exciting guard for the future if he sticks around.
Mitch- Same ol Lightfoot back for his 59th year. Made a 3, blocked a few shots. He's a hawk!
