Friday practice was at the JAM. No Friday scrimmage, just fast paced drills. The coaches were very vocal today, seeking "game speed". Everyone participated except Shrigs and the two transfers. Max thinks he can start running in a couple weeks. Gill-Caesar is recovering more slowly. Before the practice, Jamaal and a friend were working hard with a private trainer. Having a post-graduate "home" may be a bigger recruiting benefit than I realized.
The versatility of this team is impressive. Everyone except the bigs can handle and score one way or another, so we can create matchup problems in many ways.
I just can't see us struggling to score this season. The ball is being distributed more effectively, and the % of makes is improved. With Hemsley on the court we can run our way to easy buckets. And one of my biggest impressions from the exhibition and a couple practices is that D'Erryl is a much more effective backup at the point this season. Not a great passer, and he still doesn't possess a consistent midrange jumper, but he can take and make a three, and he may be the best on the team at getting to the rim off the dribble ... and now he finishes with either hand. Defends as hard as his pal Dakarai. He deserves minutes and I hope he sees them.
We're going to see Dakarai breakout on offense in a couple games this year. He can get to the rim (though he doesn't finish particularly well), and his jumper is passable. With the way he defends, he should see enough minutes to develop some confidence.
The coaches seem to be excited about Nolan. He has good size and can shoot effectively beyond the arc. With a year of physical maturity and weight training, he'll be fun to watch.
Shrigley and Hoetzel work HARD on the sidelines, and seem to enjoy it. That will pay off for them.
I'd wager that Z threw down at least a half dozen slams off missed shots. And a great, great attitude. Already a leader.
The team chemistry appears to be very good this year. The ball is moving more quickly and ends up in the shooter's hands ... and everyone expects everyone else to make the shot. No question that Winston is much more mature than the earliest versions. You can see he is thriving in the senior leadership role.
Malik is so GIFTED. I wish he didn't glide through practice quite as much. But how can you convince a man that young and that talented that life is short and he needs to work hard everyday? Coach Fish cuts him no slack and I love that.
I've attended many practices over the years, and that is where you see Steve Fisher earning National Coach of the Year Awards. He defers to his coaches, and draws out their comments. But when he needs to make a point, he makes it. Sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly, but always directly. We're so lucky to have him on the Mesa.
Final thought. I believe the coaches know this year - barring more injuries - is likely to be special. There is a higher level of expectation at practice, more coaching to the high talent level. This will be a great ride.
