We have more talent this year and can seem to shoot better. If we can shoot like we did tonight with Reese, Petty, and Mack knocking down a few 3's. We should be able to force our opponents to defend both the paint and 3 point line which we haven't been able to do in the past. I still think we should be an inside out team. Our success may ultimately hinge on our ability to feed our bigs down low. Smith is simply a load, and Hall is really good when he wants to be. Mack can contribute both down low and from the outside as can Reese. If we can limit our turnovers we have the makings of a pretty good team.All in all a solid opener. Didn’t look dominant, but the team definitely showed promise. Couple of things stood out to me:
I was most impressed by Petty’s shooting. We knew he could stroke it, but he was so streaky last year. Tonight he showed better shot selection, and he seemed to be far more confident in his game. That could change as we get into stiffer competition, but there’s a lot to like about his performance. We’re going to need him to be a consistent scoring threat if we hope to be competitive in the SEC.
Hall was arguably the most improved player in the SEC last year. This year it looks like he grew even more. His finesse continues to develop, and he’s still a bully down in the paint. I know Gafford at Arkansas is the creme de la creme of the SEC, but I think I’d take Hall over just about anyone else down low.
Lastly, the new comers look promising. Lewis isn’t Sexton, but the talent is there. There’s nothing he can’t do, it’s just a matter of how far he can develop. Mack has talent, seemed to press a bit at times, but I think he adds multiple dimensions when he’s on the floor. Hopefully both of them continue to elevate their games throughout the season.
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I still don't understand that from him unfortunately ... a lot of the fouls he got were from not blocking out/poor position. It can be fixed but he has to play with better discipline IMOGiddens still collects fouls quickly
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He is real good at shooting the ball, but he likes to get team involved... I wouldn't be shocked to see him erupt for 30 points sometime this season.How's Kira's jumper?
Think it was Cecil Hurts who compared/contrasted him to Sexton and said Sexton's game was from the rim out to the three and Kira's game is from the 3 pt. line in to the rim. I'm hoping this signals he's got a good 3 point shooting stroke.
CAJ said that in the post game press conference. I believe that is what he was saying, that Kira has a very smooth stroke and every shot he takes looks like it is going in the basket.How's Kira's jumper?
Think it was Cecil Hurts who compared/contrasted him to Sexton and said Sexton's game was from the rim out to the three and Kira's game is from the 3 pt. line in to the rim. I'm hoping this signals he's got a good 3 point shooting stroke.
They will get better as the season progresses. We have to stay healthy, or if someone gets injured it needs to happen yesterday so they get back before conference schedule gets deep.Watched the end of 1st half and entire 2nd half. If Hall and Petty can be consistent scorers, we can have a very good season. It'll be a tough night when those two are off.