Xavier Henry and KU’s first game

As a lot of you guys know, I’m a big KU fan, so I’ll give you guys updates from time to time, I know their is a slight bias, but for the most part im pretty objective and I consider myself down to earth as far as analysis goes. Take it for what it’s worth, but there are a lot of potential pros on Ku’s team so here is what I think.

I just finished watching KU’s first game against Hofstra as well as watching Xavier Henry for the first time as a collegiate.
Within the first few minutes of the game, Xavier hit a 3 pointer, drove the lane got fouled and sank both free throws, and converted a 3 point play after being fouled on a put back dunk. As the game progressed, his jumpshot was on as he hit 5-8 3’s and finished 8-12 from the field and 6-6 from the foul line for 27 points 4 rbs 2 asts a steal and a block. I know Hofstra isn’t the toughest of opponents but Xaviers’ Bball IQ, phsyical prowess, and well rounded game made me a believer that his stellar play will continue throughout the year for an extremely talented and deep Kansas team. I think he is going to be one and done for sure, Evan Turner had a great debuit for this season and I’m excited to see Avery Bradley play, along with Willie Warren the 2010 draft could be chalked full of talented shooting guards.

Other notes, Marcus and Marieff Morris are both about 20 pounds heavier with muscle and in great shape. They are much improved from last year, and although I think they are both 4 year players, if they keep improving at this rate they could be two potential first rounders. Thomas Robinson is a beast super raw, but his potential as a rebounder, shot blocker, and energy player is very much evident. Kansas probably has 8 pro players on their roster, and Elijah Johnson is a very quick energetic young point guard with a knack for getting in passing lanes and running the floor.

Collins played very smart and heated up from beyond the arc as the game progressed, even in a blowout he played under controlled and not once brought the ball up the court and popped a 3 without passing. Aldrich played limited minutes, but still had 11 and 9 with 4 blocks, he looks even more polished and is in good shape, he showed intensity around the rim ripping rebounds from opponents and blocking shots with authority. Tyshawn Taylor spread the ball around nicely, played good D and was a great glue guy for this talented KU team, I still think another year of college will help elivate his status, but although not a standout on this KU team, his talent doesn’t go un noticed.