RE: No time for Souleymane???

[Harris, Derek C]

After watching last nights game, here
is my take on each individual player.

Hicks is the most important player on this
years team.  If he can contribute 12 ppg and
7-8 rebs a game UC should have no problems 
scoring points in the paint.  Last night he
was just an absolute freak.  He shoot has
improved to the point were he can hit 10-12
footers on a regular basis and probably hit
a couple of 3's as well.  Teams will not be
able to double team Maxiell if Hicks is on 
the floor.  He showed 4-5 different post moves 
last night and looked comfortable playing with 
his back to the basket.  
Maxiell looked lost at times and didn't play with
the intensity until the second half.  He still 
has a nice low post game and his outside shoot 
looked better as well.  He missed on his only three
attempt, but his form has improved.  Jason still needs
to develop another low post move, but he did drive
the ball to the basket and nail a couple of 5 foot 
jump shots over Tory Reed.  Defensively he just 
dominated NKU's big men.  I think Jason will have the
responsibility of guarding the opposing teams center.
James White looks much better playing small forward and
I think he could have a breakout year as well.  He looked
much more aggressive on offense while driving to the basket.
His 3 point shot has also improved to the point were he 
could make 2-3 a game.  James should take the ball to the
basket every time he touches the ball.  He is probably are
best passer in traffic and went to the foul line 3-4 times
last night.  He also played tremendous defense on Kelsey lat
night.  
Jihad will be our starting point guard by mid-year.  He was
extremely quick with the ball and made two pin point passes in
traffic that UC was unable to capitalize on.  His best 
attribute is the ability to knock down some outside shoots.  
Jihad nailed 3 three pointers last night and routinely broke 
down defenders while driving to the basket. He was a major 
steal for UC.
Kirkland I don't even want to speak about.  He played an 
absolutely horrible game......very disappointing. 
Roy Bright put together a solid game last night.  He battled
for loose balls, out rebounded taller players, played decent
defense and nailed 3 jump shots including a 3 pointer.  Roy's
outside shoot looked very smooth as he hit nothing but net on all
three attempts from outside.  He will play some valuable minutes
this year.     

On another positive note UC scored 103 points last night without 
having are top two shooting threats in the lineup (Banks and Nick Williams).
If this team can hit there outside shoots we should have another banner
year.
D/Taylor Mill

-----Original Message-----
From: Christopher K. Adams [mailto:address@hidden
Sent: Monday, November 08, 2004 9:02 PM
To: address@hidden
Subject: [UC Basketball] No time for Souleymane???


I was surprised that Souly did not get into the game. However, here are some
observations from this game.

Hicks will score!!!  It wont be as easy against division I opponents, but he
will score. Defensively he may not even be close to the 5 that Kareem was,
but he will score WAY more points.

Bright will give valuable minutes to the interior. I was impressed
offensively and defensively by him.

Muhammad can give us the scoring point we've been missing. Think of Logan,
but don't expect him to have all his attributes yet. Offensively he's there
already, give him time on his defense and understanding of the offence.

Moore is healthy! While not the scorer that Muhammad is he knows the offence
better which is evident by his 6 assists tonight.

Max and White continue. Just like last year but with more experience!!!
Double digit scoring from both and a total of 14 rebounds between them. Cant
say much more.

Kirkland???  Not sure what to say except he needs to work on his shooting.
Ofer eight???

I was also surprised by Patzwald and Murray. Murray had some clean-up points
off of a missed shot and from  the announcers comments it sounded like he
just appeared there to take it! Hopefully this guy can develop and give
valuable minutes. Patzwald had a steal at the end of the game, hopefully he
can also develop quickly to give us some minutes.

Only wish I have before the next exhibition game is that the defense gets
better. Oh, and also that we see Souly play and find he is exactly the
person we need to give the post players time to catch there breath.

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