In Reply to: We lost in our secret scrimmage to SDSU today posted by mh on October 20, 2024 at 17:39:44
just some thoughts - sounds a lot like David Woods (BRO) was right in commenting that one coach took this as a scrimmage, fiddling with different combinations and playing a lot of players - 11 each of whom played 11 minutes or more - while the other, given all his squad's injuries, played it for the confidence boost that comes with being competitive. Of more concern is Kris Johnson's comment that Kyle is still trying to adjust to playing against players at this level.
This was just a scrimmage so not a big deal but thinking about the development of a brand new team ...
imo the major question about this year's team is can we hold up against strong front lines? Mara imo is still a project. It's pretty clear Cronin believes he will become a significant contributor but he was away much of summer and just is getting out of a walking boot this fall; whatever, we're yet to see any sign at all he will be an effective sub at the top level this season. Kyle has got to get comfortable and find ways to be effective because we're just too weak at this point on the boards
Also of note is the we have now had an intrasquad scrimmage and a practice game scrimmage and in both games Mack has been first or second in team scoring. Reports are that he's matured - physically and in his approach to the game. I'm thinking he could well emerge as the primary player at the off-guard position by the time conference play is here.
In fact, I'm thinking by January the rotation is going to be pared down and Cronin & staff are just gong to have to deal with the egos.
I think four guys will wind up playing near 30 minutes a game: Andrews, Johnson, Biladeau and Kyle - and Mack may wind up playing in the 20s as well.
I'm thinking:
PG - Andrews with Clark and Trent some as backups
2 Guard - Mack with Harris and Clark (and maybe some Johnson) back ups
Wing - Johnson with Stefanovic and Dailey as backup
PF - Biladeau with Dailey (and occasionally Stefanovic) as backup
Center.- Kyle with Mara and Biladeau as backups
Two things - Andrews has got to take control - as a lead guard which is what he is rather than a "true point guard." He has to score and force opponents to have to scheme to defend against him first - and that sets everything else us. And Kyle has to be effective as a primary option in the post.
Just a scrimmage and one guy going off from behind the line - BJ Davis who scored 28 for the Aztecs including 6-7 from behind the line - can beat you any night in today's game. And as noted, Cronin used this as a scrimmage, one step up for his kids who don't start playing actual games for another couple weeks still. But concerns continue to be Andrews playing like he did the last half of last season as opposed to the first half; Kyle providing significant rim protection and rebounding in the post; and Mara showing he can be a solid backup inside.
just early thoughts on the development of this team. Looking forward to hearing others' thoughts also