Overall
Note this was written before looking at stats for the game, and is based entirely off how I thought the gophers looked from my couch. First and foremost, this is an exhibition against Concordia St. P, so contextualize it. We should beat a D2 school handily (and did!). I wanted to just get a close look at the new look team, so I purposely avoided twitter/social media during the game so I would focus closely on the game. Here are my thoughts:
This team is damn good 1-8 on the depth chart, but will struggle to live up to expectations will any major injuries. The score with the starting lineup in was ridiculously in our favor. It was like 6 mins in and the game was over and we took our foot off the gas. We could have blow them out by a lot more, but I am happy the backups got a ton of minutes. MVP was Murph. For an exhibition game (against a D2 school nonetheless), there were a lot of fans there compared to recent years, not that this should be a shock with us being #15. Hopefully the barn will be rocking all year!!
Murph
They couldn't stop him tonight if they tried. Murphy looks ripped, like STACCCKKKEED. Also looks more composed, and less prone to dribbling into a turnover. He is going to be an absolute monster this year. Like all-conference 17 and 10 beast mode type monster. He reminds me of Draymond Green off the top of my head. I think he will be our MVP at the end of the year. Will be a pro.
Nate
Nate is really good. Like really good. Played up to what I expected (expectations are high). He will be 1st team all-conference this year, vying for POY. Took good shots and made good passes, even if he didn't get the assist directly.
Reg
Didn't foul, though their players couldn't and wouldn't test his size. Had a few prototypical blocks. Solid on offense.
Dup
McBrayer was very solid but not spectacular. Which I love! With Washington, Murph, Mason, and to a certain extent Coffey as ball dominant playmakers, it was great to see him take what the offense gave him and not force things. Very under the radar night.
Amir
Looks stronger, more toned if anything. Still could use more girth. Feel like he listened to all the off season talk about him needing to be more assertive in the offense. Felt like this lead to him forcing it a few times early in the game, where he put his head down and drove into multiple defenders on his way to the basket, leading to turnovers or bad shots. Settled down as the game went on. Nailed a couple threes. Still a great player, don't mean to diminish the other facets of his game like rebounding, playmaking, and passing ability (tons of assists tonight!!!). Stock still rising with him and he will be great this year, no doubt!
Jelly
Forced it far too often, but looked really, really good at times. It's game 1 tho. If he learns (which I think he will) to take what is there, he will be great. Played some solid defense. Think he will contribute a ton this year! Welcome to the era of the#Jellygoph
Can't wait!
Harris
Looks tiny. Same height and slimmer than Washington IMO on TV. Played confident though, nailed a NBA range three, and took it to the cup fearlessly once or twice.
Fitz
Super impressed with him. Looked explosive. Rebounds. Plays solid D. One thing to note, his jump shot is UUGLY. I hope he sticks to the painted area…. Going to be a critical player this year, but if he can play like he did tonight against legit coemption, watch out Big 10!
