What a tremendous start to the 15/16 season for the Cats. Top 5 in America again - heading for a 1/2 seed - doing it the "Wright" way on and off the court. Some thoughts:
A. Don't get to post a lot - coaching two teams and work is making me work these days! Watch all the games though, but don't get to as many of the high school events...
B. Some reasons why we are 17-2 or so at this point. First is that we are incredibly well coached. Defensively we put on a clinic vs. GTown. Closing on shooters with incredible effort/hustle, but most importantly under control so we don't give up easy dribble drives. Giving ground as we contest shots (Ochefu does this very well)so that we don't put them on the line and we don't give up "and 1's" - and most importantly, we don't get in foul trouble. Understanding who are catch and shoot guys vs. catch, dribble, square and shoot guys. ...and multiple other reasons why we are so well coached defensively - and have been for many years. The difference is that as well as we are coached defensively, we are now coached that well offensively. The mix of dribble drives vs. three's. Guys consistently taking shots they can make. Our spacing... Cuts into open space. As much as we put on a clinic defensively we now do the same offensively. Jay has really raised his game. No one calling for the old gray hair to sit on his bench anymore!
C. That Xavier game was such a tone setter. We're not any good as we got drilled by OU and at UV. Xavier is a clear F4 contender. New sheriff in town. Blah, blah, blah. ...and we smoked them from the tip. Better in every phase. Haven't looked back since.
D. I never thought I'd see another Kyle Lowry in the blue and white and one has evolved in front of our very eyes. The three things that marked Kyle to me since I saw him in AAU were: his will to win - always; his crazy out of nowhere rebounds; and his ability to play at breakneck speed/effort and rarely if ever make mistakes and of course - one more for extra credit - the greatest penetrator/finisher, that I have ever seen. Now there is a 6'5 version in blue and white - Josh Hart. Same type of stuff... Hates losing. Crazy rebounder, effort without mistakes and a ferocious and creative guy off the bounce. What a package this season.
E. Omari Spellman is a flat out stud. Absolutely the most complete big Jay has recruited as his ability finish in the lane, step out with touch, make free throws, rebound and defend are all very strong - ergo - his national Top 10 rating. He will be a better offensive player than Daniel and it won't take long into his college career to do that. A Zach Randolph/Elton Brand type prospect with a mean streak - can and will score. But let's not underestimate what Daniel is doing. His effort, energy and skill in pursuing and securing rebounds is truly remarkable. He has become an elite rebounder. His defensive presence has improved significantly this season - contests with force at the rim and with his usual quickness and smarts on the perimeter. He isn't perfect, but Daniel is a mighty good Big East center - really toughed it out against the Hoyas.
F. Shout out to Arch - and to JTVU and to the beating we took in supporting Arch when we signed him and as I like to say, "How did that all work out?". BE POY as a junior and tracking to be a first team All BE performer as a senior. Is it the back cuts? Is it the midrange game? Is it the all out effort for loose balls? Is it the daggers from 3? Is it the big rebound when needed? Is it the pass for the layup? Is it the extra pass for a wide open 3? Yep - it's all that and of course add in the overall "presence" that many of the great one's have. Is he better than GMAC? Is he better than Kyle Lowry? No idea. I do know this. He's won an awful lot of games as one of the five starters at Villanova. He's another Scottie. Came into the program in some unsettled times and left a Villanova legend with a lot of W's behind him. Hopefully a F4 is in the future for his last run.
G. I thought Bridges would be a complete bust. Wow - what a freshman debut. Again, the backcuts for alley oops or creative finishes. The strong dribble drives. The Hollywood smile. The effort on top of the press. The defensive work on DSR and others. The rebounding length. The ability to make 3's. Very diverse skill set. Future looks bright!
H. Phil hasn't been healthy and isn't comfortable - yet. I look for a big stretch run from #5. It is in him.
I. Jalen is a freshman. Is what it is. Not a burner of an athlete. Not an elite shooter. He's a terrific basketball player. Needs to focus on consistently becoming that and let the league take care of itself.
J. Kris might not score 2000, but what an offensive weapon as a junior. Props to him and the staff (again!) for diversifiying his offensive game and toughening up his defensive game.
K. Got to Springfield Mass for a couple of games at the Hoophall Classic at the Hall of Fame. Saw Sacred Heart from Waterbury CT play against Foothill Christian from LA. Mustapha Heron is a flat out star in the making for Sacred Heart. What a physical specimen. 6'5. Tank. Jumps out of the gym. Incredible speed and force. Makes 3's. Finishes with flair. Think G. Henderson wtth skills. Future NBA all star. He scored 31. TJ Leaf was his opponent though different in skill set. Leaf is a 6'10 true PF. Great passer. Solid in the post. Steps out frequently and drills 3's. He had 30 or so also. Great battle. Too bad neither will be Cats.
L. Whether it's Bamba, Harvey, Walker, Samuels, Roundtree, Green, Wright - we're going to get guys. Seems like a pretty fertile crop in '17.
M. Two other notes - in collaboration with OldT... Multiple members of the coaching and evaluation fraternity say to watch out for E. Paschall. Star in waiting... Other note: Stud Alert: 7'3 Cheshire Academy (CT) freshman Center - ok, Jay - Forward!!! - Chol Marial from the Sudan. Gave Spellman headaches Friday night and is only a frosh! Not just tall - can play.
The beat rolls on in the Main Line. Enjoy every game!
VUSports (Eric W.) @VUSportsdotcom 50m50 minutes ago
