Got my first look at the team tonight. First off I was surprised with the crowd, especially the students. Not bad at all for an exhibition game and I think
this bodes well for the season attendance.
Cedarville surprised me, very tough and hustled hard and stayed with MSU for about half of the first half before they wore down, but they seem to be very good for their level. Hats off to them. I think this was a better test than I expected even though the score didn't show it and I'm happy we played a solid team instead of a pushover. Their big guy could play in the OVC and be a factor.
As for MSU I was impressed with Faried's increased size and strength as many of you have mentioned before. That will help him but he still has a long way to go on his midrange game which I thought he improved some last year. He had 2 ugly face up jumpers and was terrible at the line (which he started off last year too). If he is to make it at the NBA level these areas still need work but otherwise he looked good around the hoop and on the glass like last year only a little stronger. Stallworth was red hot then got knocked cold and had to leave the game which is my biggest concern right now. Anyone have an update on him?
I thought the starting lineup was a little odd with Proffit and Hill instead of Shingles and Harper. Maybe it's due to these guys missing some practice time (I know Shingles has for sure not sure on Harper). I thought Harper looked good and Hill and Peterson are both improved though Hill took a couple of forced shots that looked bad. Proffit was very solid although he didn't score as much as I though he might, but he will be a big help in the backcourt giving us another guard to turn to along with Goodman who I thought was the most impressive of the newcomers. His defense is super and his offense was better than I thought. He is similar to Cecil Brown but a little better overall in my opinion and he will get a lot of playing time. I was dissapointed that Simmons didn't play, I was looking forward to seeing him. How long is he out this time and also John Lamb? We need everyone healthy and ready for UK!
As for the other new guys Terrell will help but he seemed a bit tenative right now but he is an athlete for sure. Clemons looked comfortable and I think he'll be a good one in time. Beharie has a lot of potential but needs to get a lot stronger. When he does he'll be a good OVC player because he has the talent I think,but I dont see him doing a lot this year behind Faried and Simmons. Didn't see enough of Marshall to get a good feel on him. Hosea also didnt play and I kind of liked Williams for a walk on.
I think this is easily Tyndalls most talented team from top to bottom and one of the deepest in terms of overall talent all the way down the roster since I've been following MSU (over 20 years). What we lack is a go to scorer, ala Minard or Roberts, but what we have is great versatility and a number of guys who could beat you on a given night.
Cedarville surprised me, very tough and hustled hard and stayed with MSU for about half of the first half before they wore down, but they seem to be very good for their level. Hats off to them. I think this was a better test than I expected even though the score didn't show it and I'm happy we played a solid team instead of a pushover. Their big guy could play in the OVC and be a factor.
As for MSU I was impressed with Faried's increased size and strength as many of you have mentioned before. That will help him but he still has a long way to go on his midrange game which I thought he improved some last year. He had 2 ugly face up jumpers and was terrible at the line (which he started off last year too). If he is to make it at the NBA level these areas still need work but otherwise he looked good around the hoop and on the glass like last year only a little stronger. Stallworth was red hot then got knocked cold and had to leave the game which is my biggest concern right now. Anyone have an update on him?
I thought the starting lineup was a little odd with Proffit and Hill instead of Shingles and Harper. Maybe it's due to these guys missing some practice time (I know Shingles has for sure not sure on Harper). I thought Harper looked good and Hill and Peterson are both improved though Hill took a couple of forced shots that looked bad. Proffit was very solid although he didn't score as much as I though he might, but he will be a big help in the backcourt giving us another guard to turn to along with Goodman who I thought was the most impressive of the newcomers. His defense is super and his offense was better than I thought. He is similar to Cecil Brown but a little better overall in my opinion and he will get a lot of playing time. I was dissapointed that Simmons didn't play, I was looking forward to seeing him. How long is he out this time and also John Lamb? We need everyone healthy and ready for UK!
As for the other new guys Terrell will help but he seemed a bit tenative right now but he is an athlete for sure. Clemons looked comfortable and I think he'll be a good one in time. Beharie has a lot of potential but needs to get a lot stronger. When he does he'll be a good OVC player because he has the talent I think,but I dont see him doing a lot this year behind Faried and Simmons. Didn't see enough of Marshall to get a good feel on him. Hosea also didnt play and I kind of liked Williams for a walk on.
I think this is easily Tyndalls most talented team from top to bottom and one of the deepest in terms of overall talent all the way down the roster since I've been following MSU (over 20 years). What we lack is a go to scorer, ala Minard or Roberts, but what we have is great versatility and a number of guys who could beat you on a given night.
