[valentine]

 What players have been surprising you from your teams in terms of stepping it up or not living up to the bill so far?

For UNC:

There has been hoopla (and rightfully so) about the monster Center from 8 miles down the road in Jahlil Okafor.  But my boy Kennedy Meeks is being slept on.  Grant it he doesn’t have near the upside that Okafor does, nor the post moves.  Big Snacks Meeks is down to 265 lbs and in just 22.5 minutes a game putting up 13.8 ppg, 9.7 rpg, and 1.8 bpg (this is the biggest shock IMHO) all on 61.5% from the floor.  He is looking a lot more explosive, has even broken the press a few times this year and has shown a touch out to 18 feet, would love to see him take a few 3’s.  With big performances against a fiesty UK front line and against Okafor could it be possible that Bigsnacks gets some looks in the late first round?

The other big that has stepped it up is Isaiah Hicks.  He never gets down on himself, gets out there plays with a ton of energy and gets the job done.  He is showing flashes of Kenneth Faried.  Last season he was forced into limited action playing out of position at the 3 and this year is blossoming at the 4.  He is always in the right place at the right time, crashes the boards hard and is freakishly quick and athletic.  I think he is still a year away from the draft, but if he continues to work hard, there is no reason I can’t see him playing a similar role to Faried in the NBA as an energy guy in a middle of the pack team or a 6th or 7th man on an upper level team.  Proud of this guy.

Brice Johnson on the other hand has been somewhat of a dissapointment.  While Meeks is making the most out of his added touches after the departure of James Michael McAdoo (superstar smh), Johnson has not.  He has been visibly frustrated out there when things don’t work out for him, hasn’t shown a consistent motor on the defensive end and has been outworked on the boards.  He is a freaky athlete with a lot of talent, but between the years this season things haven’t been all there.  

Calling all the other homers of their teams to give us a report!  Hope you enjoyed, if not, I understand though haha.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fito91Participant]

Nigel Hayes has been awesome so far this season. The three point shot he added in the offseason has really added to his game. He had the mid range jumper last year, but with the extended range he has to be in discussions as a 2nd round pick maybe even better whenever he decides to enter. He’s only 6’7" or 6’8" but has a crazy wingspan and a lot of strength  for a sophomore. Pretty athletic too. He’s also been great on the glass

[fito91Participant]

Nigel Hayes has been awesome so far this season. The three point shot he added in the offseason has really added to his game. He had the mid range jumper last year, but with the extended range he has to be in discussions as a 2nd round pick maybe even better whenever he decides to enter. He’s only 6’7" or 6’8" but has a crazy wingspan and a lot of strength  for a sophomore. Pretty athletic too. He’s also been great on the glass

[MopgrassParticipant]

Paschal Chukwu: I hoped he’d be starting. It’s pretty obvious why he’s not starting. He doesn’t know he’s 7’2″ and can get lost a little on defense. Today, against Kentucky, he chased his own PG on offense to set picks and rolled to the basket. At some point I think his on PG was trying to escape him.

At the same time, he actually scared some Kentucky guys at the rim and I think they should have kept him out there for a bunch of minutes. They could’ve kept Dunn at PG, sat Cartwright, shifted the SF to SG, the PF to SF, and C to PF.

Chukwu is very mobile and can be powerful at times. Right now, he’s a rim protector who can catch lobs. They owe DeRosiers time at C, but Chukwu has serious potential. I think he’ll come out for the draft in 2016 and start next year.

P.S. Providence stuck with Kentucky until the last 5 minutes. It wasn’t the blowout it seemed.

[MopgrassParticipant]

Paschal Chukwu: I hoped he’d be starting. It’s pretty obvious why he’s not starting. He doesn’t know he’s 7’2″ and can get lost a little on defense. Today, against Kentucky, he chased his own PG on offense to set picks and rolled to the basket. At some point I think his on PG was trying to escape him.

At the same time, he actually scared some Kentucky guys at the rim and I think they should have kept him out there for a bunch of minutes. They could’ve kept Dunn at PG, sat Cartwright, shifted the SF to SG, the PF to SF, and C to PF.

Chukwu is very mobile and can be powerful at times. Right now, he’s a rim protector who can catch lobs. They owe DeRosiers time at C, but Chukwu has serious potential. I think he’ll come out for the draft in 2016 and start next year.

P.S. Providence stuck with Kentucky until the last 5 minutes. It wasn’t the blowout it seemed.

[barbabodomParticipant]

 For Harvard.
 

 

Wesley Saunders was supposed to have an impact, but not that big! He´s averaging 21/7/4/1/1 with good shooting %. Maybe he could join Jeremy Lin next year in the NBA.

 

As downside, Syiani Chambers appears to have regressed a step since last year. He´ll be vital for any tournment aspiration. Also, I was expecting that Chris Egi (4 star prospect) had an impact already in this season.

 

 

 

[barbabodomParticipant]

 For Harvard.
 

 

Wesley Saunders was supposed to have an impact, but not that big! He´s averaging 21/7/4/1/1 with good shooting %. Maybe he could join Jeremy Lin next year in the NBA.

 

As downside, Syiani Chambers appears to have regressed a step since last year. He´ll be vital for any tournment aspiration. Also, I was expecting that Chris Egi (4 star prospect) had an impact already in this season.

 

 

 

[Willo15Participant]

It wasn’t a blowout until the last 7 mins of the game when the Platoon system really took a effect on the legs and shooting of the Flyers. You could tell Dunn was tired from Ullis ball hawking defense from end to end. It also looked like Kentucky wasn’t focused as they were the Kansas game. Almost a bit disinterested. I’m a Kentucky fan, but it was good they were pushed by a good Providence team. What that being said Providence had to shoot the ball at a 70% clip in order to be up on Ky by 4. It shows teams have to shoot out of their mind in order to beat Ky or even play with them. Ky will lose some games this year rightfully so. As a fan I hope they do. It’s to much pressure going into the NCAA tournament undefeated. Look at Wichita State last yr. 

[Willo15Participant]

It wasn’t a blowout until the last 7 mins of the game when the Platoon system really took a effect on the legs and shooting of the Flyers. You could tell Dunn was tired from Ullis ball hawking defense from end to end. It also looked like Kentucky wasn’t focused as they were the Kansas game. Almost a bit disinterested. I’m a Kentucky fan, but it was good they were pushed by a good Providence team. What that being said Providence had to shoot the ball at a 70% clip in order to be up on Ky by 4. It shows teams have to shoot out of their mind in order to beat Ky or even play with them. Ky will lose some games this year rightfully so. As a fan I hope they do. It’s to much pressure going into the NCAA tournament undefeated. Look at Wichita State last yr. 

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

John Groce has these boys back on track to the days when they were consistantly a BIG10 power. After their first 5 games, they were top 3 in scoring in the nation. Transfers Ahmad Starks (Oregon St) and Aaron Cosby (Seton Hall) have brought streaky shooting but steady, veteran demeanors to a young team. Rayvonte Rice has improved his shooting, is the consumate teammate looking for a tourney run and I look for him fo be a borderline 2nd round pick. Nanna Egwu could be drafted in the second as well with his length, motor and excellent defensive post presence. The guys that I think are future NBA guys are Malcolm Hill and Simeon’s own Kendrick Nunn. Watch out for them in a few years.

Illinois beat Baylor on Friday in a grind out, defensive battle that was good to see considering their high scoring ways early on. They have a big December coming with games against Miami on Tuesday, Villanova, Oregon and Mizzou. How they come out of that will determine a lot but I believe they will finish top 4 in the BIG10 this year.

[i’m jus so offendedParticipant]

John Groce has these boys back on track to the days when they were consistantly a BIG10 power. After their first 5 games, they were top 3 in scoring in the nation. Transfers Ahmad Starks (Oregon St) and Aaron Cosby (Seton Hall) have brought streaky shooting but steady, veteran demeanors to a young team. Rayvonte Rice has improved his shooting, is the consumate teammate looking for a tourney run and I look for him fo be a borderline 2nd round pick. Nanna Egwu could be drafted in the second as well with his length, motor and excellent defensive post presence. The guys that I think are future NBA guys are Malcolm Hill and Simeon’s own Kendrick Nunn. Watch out for them in a few years.

Illinois beat Baylor on Friday in a grind out, defensive battle that was good to see considering their high scoring ways early on. They have a big December coming with games against Miami on Tuesday, Villanova, Oregon and Mizzou. How they come out of that will determine a lot but I believe they will finish top 4 in the BIG10 this year.

[Big_C_KUParticipant]

Kansas

Surprises

Svi is much better out the gate than I expected. Younger than 99% of high school seniors he shows such great knowledge and understanding of how to play the game. Shot isn’t falling but looks good. Had three 3s yesterday so hopefully that gets him going. Defense is very good, especially for someone as young as him. Going to be a special player especially next year at KU. 

Perry Ellis aggressive play since the Kentucky game. Not just looking to score more in the post but looking to finish strong over defenders. Seems the UK game lit a fire we didn’t know we had in him. Hopefully it continues.

Each game Frank Mason looks more and more like a PG. This past weekend he controlled all 3 games in the Orlando Classic and looked to pass more off the drive than just trying to score over the trees.

Disappointments

Selden’s offensive improvements. Selden has made great strides defensively but offensively he has been terrible. Shooting bad and doesn’t have the speed or quickness to get around defenders. They have no reason to play up on him. His lack of offensive improvement makes it fairly obvious he’ll be back for his junior year.

Kelly Oubre has been a major disappointment. Just doesn’t understand much about the game. Doesn’t know positioning on offense or defense and plays lackaidaisical and without energy. Self wants to play him but he doesn’t give anything and usually makes negative plays. Yesterday’s game was baby steps as it was the first time this week he didn’t make a number of bad mistakes while on the court. Didn’t make anything positive either. I expect him to get things figured out but it will more than likely be too late for his draft stock this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Big_C_KUParticipant]

Kansas

Surprises

Svi is much better out the gate than I expected. Younger than 99% of high school seniors he shows such great knowledge and understanding of how to play the game. Shot isn’t falling but looks good. Had three 3s yesterday so hopefully that gets him going. Defense is very good, especially for someone as young as him. Going to be a special player especially next year at KU. 

Perry Ellis aggressive play since the Kentucky game. Not just looking to score more in the post but looking to finish strong over defenders. Seems the UK game lit a fire we didn’t know we had in him. Hopefully it continues.

Each game Frank Mason looks more and more like a PG. This past weekend he controlled all 3 games in the Orlando Classic and looked to pass more off the drive than just trying to score over the trees.

Disappointments

Selden’s offensive improvements. Selden has made great strides defensively but offensively he has been terrible. Shooting bad and doesn’t have the speed or quickness to get around defenders. They have no reason to play up on him. His lack of offensive improvement makes it fairly obvious he’ll be back for his junior year.

Kelly Oubre has been a major disappointment. Just doesn’t understand much about the game. Doesn’t know positioning on offense or defense and plays lackaidaisical and without energy. Self wants to play him but he doesn’t give anything and usually makes negative plays. Yesterday’s game was baby steps as it was the first time this week he didn’t make a number of bad mistakes while on the court. Didn’t make anything positive either. I expect him to get things figured out but it will more than likely be too late for his draft stock this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TimeForNineParticipant]

 I’ve really been impressed with Dakari Johnson so far. He’s a monster on the glass and is so much better at running the floor this year. He definitely surprised me with a 12-14 performance from the free throw line recently (he makes Shaq look like Dirk at the line sometimes), and he’s getting around 10 and 8 in under 20 minutes.

Outside of the platoons, Dominique Hawkins’ athleticism has been quite surprising as well. He tested at the UK Combine with a 44 inch vertical, and put it on display with a one-step alley oop. Very impressive for a 6 foot guy.

As a team, it’s still hard for me to believe how phenomenal they have been defensively. No team has shot 40% against the Cats this year. I’m just hoping all of this leads to an amazing run in the tournament.

 

 

 

[TimeForNineParticipant]

 I’ve really been impressed with Dakari Johnson so far. He’s a monster on the glass and is so much better at running the floor this year. He definitely surprised me with a 12-14 performance from the free throw line recently (he makes Shaq look like Dirk at the line sometimes), and he’s getting around 10 and 8 in under 20 minutes.

Outside of the platoons, Dominique Hawkins’ athleticism has been quite surprising as well. He tested at the UK Combine with a 44 inch vertical, and put it on display with a one-step alley oop. Very impressive for a 6 foot guy.

As a team, it’s still hard for me to believe how phenomenal they have been defensively. No team has shot 40% against the Cats this year. I’m just hoping all of this leads to an amazing run in the tournament.

 

 

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

To start the season, Illinois to me has looked impressive granted the competition has yet to be ramped up.  Although Illinois did grab an impressive 62-54 win against the then 5-0 Baylor Bears.  

As far as offense is concerned, Illinois has been lights out.  They are currently tied for 6th in the nation at points per game averaging 90 points per game.  That is quite a jump up from the offensive output we had last season.  We struggled to score for a majority of the Big Ten slate, and maybe we will again this season, but so far, that does not seem likely.  

Illinois’ peremeter shooting has been spectacular to watch.  With the backcourt additions of Ahmad Starks and Aaron Cosby, they have led to a well-balanced attack from the perimeter.  Rayvonte Rice has seen career numbers from long range this year as well.  Nnanna Egwu, the starting senior center has also experienced early success from distance.  

On defense, Illinois has played solid.  They were known for the hard-nose defense last season late in the Big Ten slate, and they again appear to have rock solid defense, grinding out that slow-paced 62-54 victory over Baylor.  That game was their toughest challenge on the offensive side, and they used their defense to overpower the Bears.  

Overall, I have been impressed with what I have seen so far.  However, they have a tough schedule ahead of them, going up against #15 Miami later tonight, #10 Villanova, Oregon, and Missouri.  Then the rugged Big Ten season begins after the Missouri game.  Illinois has a tough road ahead of them, but as long as they remain strong as a unit, the sky is the limit for this team.  I look forward to watching them grow and develop together. 

 

 

 

 

 

[NCarmean18Participant]

To start the season, Illinois to me has looked impressive granted the competition has yet to be ramped up.  Although Illinois did grab an impressive 62-54 win against the then 5-0 Baylor Bears.  

As far as offense is concerned, Illinois has been lights out.  They are currently tied for 6th in the nation at points per game averaging 90 points per game.  That is quite a jump up from the offensive output we had last season.  We struggled to score for a majority of the Big Ten slate, and maybe we will again this season, but so far, that does not seem likely.  

Illinois’ peremeter shooting has been spectacular to watch.  With the backcourt additions of Ahmad Starks and Aaron Cosby, they have led to a well-balanced attack from the perimeter.  Rayvonte Rice has seen career numbers from long range this year as well.  Nnanna Egwu, the starting senior center has also experienced early success from distance.  

On defense, Illinois has played solid.  They were known for the hard-nose defense last season late in the Big Ten slate, and they again appear to have rock solid defense, grinding out that slow-paced 62-54 victory over Baylor.  That game was their toughest challenge on the offensive side, and they used their defense to overpower the Bears.  

Overall, I have been impressed with what I have seen so far.  However, they have a tough schedule ahead of them, going up against #15 Miami later tonight, #10 Villanova, Oregon, and Missouri.  Then the rugged Big Ten season begins after the Missouri game.  Illinois has a tough road ahead of them, but as long as they remain strong as a unit, the sky is the limit for this team.  I look forward to watching them grow and develop together. 

 

 

 

 

 

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