Went last minute. Barely any live bodies there so loved moving to row 12 for an eye-level view of action.
Bigs:
Freeman had his way. As mentioned ... foul trouble will be his biggest obstacle.
I like potential of Dembele / Traore / Brauns. Athletic, high-energy but undersized will cause challenges.
Hoped to see Tadjo??
3's / Guards:
Harding had a VERY poor game. Just seemed out of sorts and to struggle in all aspects. Disappointed in this particular performance, against what should've been easy opponent, given what thought was some good steps forward at end of last year. Feel a lot of it is simply being really small.
Given above, Fran went with Brock way too long. Wanted (and needed) to see more Thelwell as I'm expecting mature direction and consistent contribution from him as team gels and season rolls on.
Peyton shot poorly from 3, too. No shock. He is what he is there but more than made up for it with 2-point offense and effort.
Dix sluggish start but - as obvious from box - he came around for a solid all-around game. Doubling his box score (consistent 16 - 5 - 5) is gonna be crucial.
Always looks like he's less than happy / unsure? He'll have off nights and hope it doesn't disrupt how he can contribute in other ways.
Coop is gonna be good. Bad shooting night but looked like he belonged / not intimidated and played the game opportunities.
Young Sandfort had a solid night. At times, felt he pressed untimely / inopportune shots last year. We all be thrilled if he can repeat this box most nights when called upon.
Overall:
Tough challenge for Hawks. Yes, they won handily but Minn-Duluth worked hard and was quick enough to disrupt Hawks' passing and guard play.
Rebounding was VERY underwhelming (disappointed in that). Do believe it will be a strength.
As always - defense is gonna be mostly below average to bad.
3-shooting was weaker than expected. Iowa compensated by being able to wear them down and attack interior. It's definitely gonna be the Freeman - Sandfort - Dix show (in that order) and those 3 are versatile enough to score in / out / at the line.
Fouls have to be addressed. It's a drop off from top 5 to next - especially inside.
Saw enough to support exactly what I expect for this year ...
- Always competitive and a shooter's chance for a good upset.
- Still generally undersized and very thin at PG and 5.
I see 19 W's and a good NIT team.
X-factor will be Harding, how much Pryce / Cooper contribute, fouls and consistency from the main 3.
