Great to watch Cyclone basketball again. The new warmups look cool, but they did remind me of a Star Trek uniform, just a bit
Glad to be able to watch live on CloneZone, but what was up with all the instant replays? I swear they replayed every shot all the while ignoring the defensive side of the ball. Kinda funny.
Gilstrap can get up. He's strong, explosive off the floor to the rim. Aggressive rebounder. So quick and makes it look effortless. He's shifty around the basket too. Some of his ducking up and under moves remind me of Kenny Pratt. Played the 3 and a little 4. I heard coach say "off air" that that's "Gilstraps deal. He's seen him dunk like that off the rebound about a dozen times." God that is so nice to have back on our team.
In the second I liked how Mac called plays for him to use his athleticism to get to the hoop. It was funny when a defender would guard him, he'd inevitably just bounce off of Gistrap. Inside, outside, he's like Brackins, just super versatile.
The lob and dunk in the second half to Dendy was amazing. I haven't seen that kind of a play since Clark was here.
Christopherson. Had a nice tear drop in transition. Definitely looks to press the ball. Buried the 3 at the end of the first with time running out. Good job of keeping his wits about him. I hope the knee he banged up in the 3rd is okay. He has some nice court speed with the ball.
Colven. Looks like a D-1 point guard. You just know this kid is going to contribute this season. He had a crafty steal in the first half that shows the quickness. Good passer nice crossover when he's under control. He'll break some ankles before he plays his last game in a Cyclone uniform. Like Eric Heft said during the broadcast, "he still has a lot to learn". When he does though, he'll be awesome. I wish I could press the fast-forward button on this kids career. He did have a nice pass from the top of the key to Dorr, in the paint.
Buckley looks much more comfortable playing out there this year. Great pick and roll with Dendy for the alley-oop. I really liked seeing Buck and Colvin in at the same time. It reminded me of Will and Curtis hehe. I think he is the most improved from last years team.
Dendy. Athletic. long and a good shot blocker. It's nice to have that athleticism in the paint. Reminds me of Kato and I hope he changes peoples minds about coming into the paint like Kato used to. Awesome energy. He's actually crafty around the hoop too. This guy will surprise for sure.
Garrett. Got to play the 3 with Colvin at the point. DG uses his long lanky frame to D-up on his man and block shots and disrupt the passing lanes. He looks more confident that ever as well as stronger. I did want to see him shoot the ball better though.
Staiger. Dude can still shoot though he did take a bad shot following a successful 3. He also played a bit out of control when handling the ball.
Hamilton. This kid is a worker. He's gotten better at throwing it around down low. He looks quicker. Has a nice stroke at the line. I just feel he's going to be really good, maybe not this year but next for sure. I like the experience he got last year and is a dependable 5. Behind Buck, he's the second most improved player on the team.
Brackins. Still has it. He's the same dominant player we saw last year. Full of confidence and hustle. He hit 3's, 2's, 15 footers. Rebounded on the offensive glass and blocked shots. Every play I see this guy I thank the B-ball Gods that he decided to come back for his Junior year.
Boozer. Still a uber hopper but still a bit out of control. I wish this kid could find the bottom of the basket because he's such a great energy guy.
Offensive rebounding is much improved.
Overall athleticism is so much better it's not even comparable to last year. There is no doubt that this team will kick a lot of other teams ***** when the chemistry starts to really get working. They have all the pieces. It's night and day from the past three seasons.
This team has so much potential. I'm freaking stoked.