UTPB was not a very good team. They had only 1 good player. We also couldn't get the ball in the paint very often. Which means our bigs don't know how to body position very well. Guards needed to penetrate in order to get a big open. Lathon also couldn't get his game going. Thomas was in foul trouble all night, which means he was not a big factor. We also are not very good at free throws, again.
While those were the challenges, the Miners had a lot of upside. Our bigs are strong and athletic in the paint. Our forwards are very active, can rebound, and are not bad at defending. Our guards have a great command of this with a combo of ball skills, speed, and vision. While the Miners could have done what they wanted the last 10min of the game, they also need to improve.
Terry) + I like his style of play & passion for coaching kids. - he's got little to work with this year.
EZ) + good paint protector & blocker. - no post moves or shot on offense.
Odigie) + good post moves & has a soft shot. - little defensive skills.
Dekonic) + OK shot & good movement. - free throws, defense, weak hands. (reminds me of Flaggert)
Thomas) + good shot, Driving ability, & OK Defense. - still can't seem to settle down with fouls.
Lathon) + most talented on court w/speed, rebounding, & vision. - bad shooting & seemed confused.
McGee) + best ball skills on team & a good shoot. - needs to drive more & feed bigs.
Gilyard) + speed, shooting, driving, & improved D. - gets careless & needs to protect rock better.
Two others came in very late, but not enough to read skills.
It's going to be a long season. I think if we focus on kids development and not wins/losses, we will be fine. On a side note, I like this team better than last years. Last year we had better players & experience, but this team has unbridled talent and are accomplishing more with less.
