Some of my thoughts are whines as well.
In November, I don't need to hear over and over again about RPI and Savannah State University. We scheduled them, we played them and Ziegler's column in the UT (I love Mark's articles) was annoying. The season is not just about getting to the NCAA, it is about the journey. Enjoy the Maui Classic, league games, players growing and winning as much as possible...these are things I love about Aztec basketball.
Ted Leitner's interview with Max after last Monday's game was horrible. I don't need to hear about a story that involves Bobby Knight and himself, what I want to listen to is how is Max's physical condition, how has he adjusted to Aztec basketball and maybe even a question about his relationships with other team members. Ted is always about Ted.
Dakari is a terrific defender, but of all the Aztecs in the past couple of years, he has the worst ability to finish a drive than even O'Brien or Shepard. He has no lift, no explosion on his drives and he can't shoot a lick from the outside (no jumper).
Max is and is going to be a super player for this team this year and beyond. He battles, scores and checks his man very well.
Malik, please play closer to the basket and take the 2 point jumper...you are deadly from within the arc and simply average from beyond.
Zylan, you could be the best of all three with a jump shot. Practice, practice, practice it everyday.
Shrigs is a senior and his on again off again shooting should be expected but keep shooting. You understand what you bring and when you hit several shots in a game, we generally win.
Teki needs to work on his jump shot as well, but he could become a real weapon as he readjusts to playing again...finishing should be a talent for him.
Hemsley needs to be able to drive to the left more and his crossover dribble would help.
Trey is a beast most of the time...he defends hard and is willing to rebound.
Valentine will offer no offense whatsoever unless he can keep the ball above his head. When he dribbles, he loses possession more times than not. He is still a valuable player especially against bigs from other clubs.
Again, Norain will get little time and in practice he needs to bulk up, get better lift on his shots and learn to dribble with both hands.
D'Eryell tries very hard and he will be able to offer some defense if any of our guards get in foul trouble.
The team looks good and could be an all timer! Everything depends so much on whether Malik can play down low and score the ball from close in, otherwise we have no inside game. Zylan is not the guy unless he is able to clear himself on a drive. Go Aztecs and keep competing hard!
