Finally got a chance to watch the first exhibition game of the year. Taking a page out of Peter King's book, here are 10 things that struck me about the game.
1) Jordan Scott surprised me
- If you read my starting lineup preview, you know that Jordan wasn't being handed the starting guard spot opposite Lawrence. Dixon and even Stitt were going to push him to seize the opportunity. In Jordan's first significant playing time, he did not disappoint. He led the team in scoring with 23 points and posted a very efficient stat line of 9-11 shooting and 5-6 from behind the arc in just over 20 minutes of play. Jordan's offensive game is multi-faceted. He's a great shooter, can drive to the rim and finish and has the athleticism to score in transition. If he can pick up the defense a little bit, Jordan Scott will be another key cog in the Cougar arsenal. He's certainly not short on confidence.
2) Andrew Lawrence made running the point look easy
-Scott's backcourt compatriot ran the team so effortlessly at times that it was hard to believe he's getting his first real shot at being a starter. I guess when you spend your summer going up against Tony Parker, an exhibition game against a DII opponent aint nuthin but a thang. Lawrence kept an even keel throughout the contest and knew when to distribute and when to take his own shot. When he did shoot, he showed tremendous accuracy by going 4-5 from three and finishing with 18 points in 20 minutes.
3) Wiedeman had a rough, rough game
-The Hulk just wasn't himself yesterday. Trent was called for some borderline travel and foul calls early in the game and was visibly frustrated. To add injury to insult, he also took a nasty spill after a flagrant foul in the back. The big man hit his side hard on the floor and was wincing on the ground for a few seconds before getting up. After the injury, he continued to struggle offensively. One thing Trent is going to have to adjust to this year is the double teams against him. Having Jeremy and a number of outside shooters around him last year opened up space for Wiedeman to operate. Now he'll have to refine his post moves and learn to use his new bulk to his advantage. Big Trent found other ways to contribute, he pulled down 6 rebounds and had 10 very scrappy points to go along with 4 fouls and 4 turnovers.
4) Baru definitely had some nervous jitters, but showed what he is capable of
-Adjehi's first offensive touch of the game resulted in a near-travel and an out-of-control turnover. We have to remember that for all the pressure and savior status we are putting on Adjehi, he's still just a kid. Like the other freshman, Baru needs time to learn the college game. Even throughout the course of the game, he seemed to settle in a little bit and calm down. Just play your game young fella. On the other hand, Baru's motor and rebounding dominance were definitely on display. He had a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds (6 offensive) and ran the floor very well. Great start to his career.
5) Wiggins looks less like Wiggins
-We go from freshman to senior. Antwaine Wiggins had a pretty good game. His defense on Stabler wasn't the best we've seen from him, but good ol' Twan was looking silky smooth on offense. He seems to be driving to the basket a little bit more before thinking about shooting the trey. If not for some so-so free throw shooting ("Come on Antwaine!" yelled Cremins), A-Wiggy probably could have eclipsed his 19 points.
6) Carlton has the potential to be a very serviceable big off the bench
- Note that I said potential. James had 7 rebounds off the bench yesterday. However, he needs to show me some signs of an offensive game. He's so athletic that he can rely on getting his points in transition, but a solid post game would really keep defenses honest when Wiedeman or Baru is out. Word is he worked real hard on his jumper this summer. It wasn't there today, so the jury is still out til next week.
7) Stitt has fast feet
-A lot was thrown at young Anthony Stitt this week. He had to adjust from high school to the college game, learn a new offense and perform well enough to earn himself some playing time. In my mind, he did really well. In his relief of Lawrence, Stitt ran the point well, had a nice give-and-go layup and showed great potential on defense. He's just so quick on his toes that his man has a tough time getting around him. His full-court pressure was also impressive.
8) Nori will find ways to contribute
-The 2/3 sophomore Cougar didn't wow anybody with his stat line, but he's an intelligent player who is confident in his abilities. He plays solid defense at the small-forward position and isn't afraid to drive to the basket or shoot from outside.
9) Cremins was vocal
-Probably the most in-game shouting I've heard from BC in a while. He was constantly dishing out orders to the players. Its easy to lose sight of how much Cremins lost with 4 starters gone. Whole new set of players he needs to teach the nuances of his game plan to.
10) Goudelock makes a pretty damn good color commentator
-With the lockout continuing and no roster spot at CofC, Andrew Goudelock stopped in to do some commentating for the CofCSports.com broadcast of the game. I thought he did a surprisingly good job. He was also more biased than Lou Holtz or John Kresse; coaching the CofC players on the court and cheerleading strong play by his fellow Cougars.
