This is a different team then the one that lost to OU. You saw the metamorphous begin in the Virginia game.
This team is beginning to peak, Beginning is the key word.
The monster game by Reynolds has paid multiple dividends. It has transformed Reynolds into a confident and aggressive player, especially on the offensive end (where that was previously a 5 on 4 game). Ochefu's view of the proceedings seems to have lit a fire of aggressiveness that is refreshing. He is taking it to the rack with authority now. The baby soft layins are gone. Thank God. He seems to be playing with a sense of urgency. He needs to play somewhat selfishly for us to prosper.
Brunson is beginning to come into his own. Again, beginning is the key word. Arch on the ball more, and Brunson looking to score works in multiple ways. Arch will get his, and Brunson picks his spots more selectively.
Booth showing some passion, aggressiveness, and emotion. He needs to, Although his shot is still curiously funky (I don't remember it being that way last year) . As long as it goes thru the hoop I'll take it.
I believe Josh Hart isn't scoring as much because he didn't have to. He steps up offensively when the team is faltering offensively. It's a good sign when he doesn't have to carry the offensive burden.
The beauty of this team is the interchangeability of players, and the true molding of all 8 into the rotation.
The past 2 years, there were times when I found myself saying that such and such a lineup isn't working. It was obvious. As the season has progressed, it seems that, regardless of the 5 on the floor, on both ends of the floor, there is excellent balance, and we seem to click. It's something that is still evolving, and that is probably the difference between this year's squad and the 2 years previous. Not a knock on those teams, but their identity's were well established much earlier, and by February, you knew exactly what we were.
I believe that, as my son pointed out, Brunson and Booth are the keys to this team. When they play well, and provide more then token offense, this team is very difficult to beat. The other parts are well established. The defense is consistent across 8 players.
It's very hard to imagine that this squad could develop , and continue to develop, to this level after watching them get destroyed in Hawaii. It's a credit to the staff and players to have become this cohesive and successful. This is one terrific run.
This team is beginning to peak, Beginning is the key word.
The monster game by Reynolds has paid multiple dividends. It has transformed Reynolds into a confident and aggressive player, especially on the offensive end (where that was previously a 5 on 4 game). Ochefu's view of the proceedings seems to have lit a fire of aggressiveness that is refreshing. He is taking it to the rack with authority now. The baby soft layins are gone. Thank God. He seems to be playing with a sense of urgency. He needs to play somewhat selfishly for us to prosper.
Brunson is beginning to come into his own. Again, beginning is the key word. Arch on the ball more, and Brunson looking to score works in multiple ways. Arch will get his, and Brunson picks his spots more selectively.
Booth showing some passion, aggressiveness, and emotion. He needs to, Although his shot is still curiously funky (I don't remember it being that way last year) . As long as it goes thru the hoop I'll take it.
I believe Josh Hart isn't scoring as much because he didn't have to. He steps up offensively when the team is faltering offensively. It's a good sign when he doesn't have to carry the offensive burden.
The beauty of this team is the interchangeability of players, and the true molding of all 8 into the rotation.
The past 2 years, there were times when I found myself saying that such and such a lineup isn't working. It was obvious. As the season has progressed, it seems that, regardless of the 5 on the floor, on both ends of the floor, there is excellent balance, and we seem to click. It's something that is still evolving, and that is probably the difference between this year's squad and the 2 years previous. Not a knock on those teams, but their identity's were well established much earlier, and by February, you knew exactly what we were.
I believe that, as my son pointed out, Brunson and Booth are the keys to this team. When they play well, and provide more then token offense, this team is very difficult to beat. The other parts are well established. The defense is consistent across 8 players.
It's very hard to imagine that this squad could develop , and continue to develop, to this level after watching them get destroyed in Hawaii. It's a credit to the staff and players to have become this cohesive and successful. This is one terrific run.
