A few things to look forward to as we sit in the dog days of summer...
A. Jalen Brunson will get the ball Day One
B. Jalen will play like a senior from the get go. Very creative driver - changes speeds. Three level offensive player - can finish at the cup; has a midrange game; can shoot from deep. Will he be a consistent shooter - not sure he will as a frosh. Will he be an amazing leader - great passer - superb with the ball - yes.
C. Arch will play the 2 - a lot. His ability to move without the ball will be unreal - just a difference maker. He will come back much quicker than last year - a more consistent shooter - just quicker and tougher. He and Jalen will make Jay look like an offensive mastermind
D. This team will push the ball and be a lot of fun on the break whether its creative finishes from Arch/Brunson - high wire finishes from Bridges/Hart - or secondary break threes from Booth/Jenkins - it's going to be fun to watch.
E. Josh Hart will build on his 2014/5 season. His ability to drive the ball will take a step up - a big one. He remains a dangerous three point shooter - with a better midrange game. Brings his usual toughness - needs to keep his composure consistently.
F. This team will resemble the Golden State Warriors - lots of ball movement; lots of deep shots; lots of lanes for guys to drive - and different from last years team, this team has 3.5 legit guys off the bounce - Brunson, Booth, Hart and Arch (.5).
G. Bridges will be a huge energy guy off the bench. Rebounds, shoots it from deep, finishes on the break - great skill set for how we play. A very willing defender, will he be a consistent/effective defender? Slashes with hard cuts on offense. Could have a terrific freshman (wow) season.
H. Jenkins adds a huge dimension as a stretch 4. Don't believe that picture from the weight room - Kris isn't withering away this off season. He does bring unreal shooting ability with great decision making and leadership. Will continue to work as a defender and rebounder. His decision making, ball skills and shooting ability will add a lot to this team's spacing and offensive production. Lanes get open for others to drive when he is on the floor. On his way to 2000!
I. Delaney can make three's, busts his tail on the glass and can pass the ball. He will be solid down the road. Maybe not this year, but he's a good prospect - not a great one, but a good one.
J. Reynolds will play - likely the 8th man. We'll see what he does with the chance.
K. Will Phil miss an open shot this year? He doesn't miss many. Plays the 1 also and can defend. All league kid his junior year... Competitive kid - don't let the smile fool you. This kid is tough and competitive. Complete player for a sophomore - very polished game. He, Jalen and Arch - might be the most cerebral backcourt I've ever seen in college basketball. Purists will LOVE this backcourt.
L. We will score. A lot. ...and in flurries. LOTS of answers.
M. Dante is a player. Confident. Swag. Tough. Will be very surprised if he redshirts.
N. 1-7 this years team every bit as good as last years. 8 will be a freshman Booth vs. Reynolds this year.
We may lose a couple of games or so more this year - or we may not. This team will be VERY good - VERY VERY good. Let's get another BET Regular Season and Post Season and then roll the dice in March again! Raise the ticket prices - this team will be VERY fun to watch...
