I understand that Buddy, Cam, and Hornbeak missed Tuesday practice with injuries or pain. No practice Wednesday and all but Buddy were back today. Buddy is wearing a boot and a smile and pushing himself around on a scooter. He could play now. But, a small stress fracture won't heal until he stays off of it for 2 or 3 weeks.
They were sloppy and turnover prone for the 1st hour. For good reason a 1st time visitor would have been sure this group had a very long way to go. They took a break after an hour and shot free throws. The 2nd hour the story changed.
There was a lot of 5 on 5 work both in the full and half court. They finished up with another set of three minute games. Several players stood out. Spangler's mid range shot is improving daily. Spangler's shot looks good and he made several from mid range out to the 3 pt. line. But, other than shot making, Bennett looked the best of the two today. He seemed to be in the right spot to make a nice play all afternoon. Spangler wasn't.
Booker's shot is starting fall some. It is taking awhile for him to start looking like a shooter. But, he is getting there. Another improvement for him is that he has kind of quit doing things that make him look bad. Woodard is getting better every day as a ball player. But, to me, he looks to be displaying a noticeable lack of confidence in his shot.
Cole had a decent outing today. Even when he is doing some things well, he still looks awkward. Hornbeak wasn't bad at anything today. For the last couple of practices he just hasn't stood out.
Cam was scoring well when open looks came his way. A couple of times he looked like a player that would be hard to stop. Tyler was back to making shots again today. Tyler is probably no better shooter than Booker. But, Tyler is finding ways to get himself open and Booker isn't. Because of that Tyler is able to sometimes impact the offense while more often than not Booker is just out there.
I think that brings me to Cousins. His defense is consistently very good. Offense is where the big improvement has been. Cousins is fast and he is getting around screens and finding a little space. Then he is able to hit a crease in the defense and pull up for a jumper. He is doing a lot of damage with 10/12 ft. jumpers. I don't know if those shots will be there for him in games or not. Those shots are going for him now and he looks good doing it.
The 2nd half of today's practice was probably their best so far. The staff was openly pleased with them and told them so. Time is running out for those that could make one of these practices and haven't yet. I believe the kids really appreciate fans showing up and it is a hoot.
They were sloppy and turnover prone for the 1st hour. For good reason a 1st time visitor would have been sure this group had a very long way to go. They took a break after an hour and shot free throws. The 2nd hour the story changed.
There was a lot of 5 on 5 work both in the full and half court. They finished up with another set of three minute games. Several players stood out. Spangler's mid range shot is improving daily. Spangler's shot looks good and he made several from mid range out to the 3 pt. line. But, other than shot making, Bennett looked the best of the two today. He seemed to be in the right spot to make a nice play all afternoon. Spangler wasn't.
Booker's shot is starting fall some. It is taking awhile for him to start looking like a shooter. But, he is getting there. Another improvement for him is that he has kind of quit doing things that make him look bad. Woodard is getting better every day as a ball player. But, to me, he looks to be displaying a noticeable lack of confidence in his shot.
Cole had a decent outing today. Even when he is doing some things well, he still looks awkward. Hornbeak wasn't bad at anything today. For the last couple of practices he just hasn't stood out.
Cam was scoring well when open looks came his way. A couple of times he looked like a player that would be hard to stop. Tyler was back to making shots again today. Tyler is probably no better shooter than Booker. But, Tyler is finding ways to get himself open and Booker isn't. Because of that Tyler is able to sometimes impact the offense while more often than not Booker is just out there.
I think that brings me to Cousins. His defense is consistently very good. Offense is where the big improvement has been. Cousins is fast and he is getting around screens and finding a little space. Then he is able to hit a crease in the defense and pull up for a jumper. He is doing a lot of damage with 10/12 ft. jumpers. I don't know if those shots will be there for him in games or not. Those shots are going for him now and he looks good doing it.
The 2nd half of today's practice was probably their best so far. The staff was openly pleased with them and told them so. Time is running out for those that could make one of these practices and haven't yet. I believe the kids really appreciate fans showing up and it is a hoot.
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