Mayne Street
Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2008
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- 121
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If you're looking for entertainment value, check out Rodney Williams. That kid can fly! Here are some of my thoughts on the game, which Cooper won 76-59:
Rodney Williams - he had 3 dunks in the first 3 minutes of the game. He threw down a 360, multiple alley-oops, and thundering put backs. I was impressed with his leaping and rebounding ability. He has a good looking shot, but he didn't use it much. He scored 29 points in the game, had several rebounds and blocks (don't keep stats during the game, sorry). He didn't play a whole lot of defense. He stands underneath the hoop and just tries to block shots. It was effective though, as several Armstrong players had to alter shots in the lane to get over Rodney. He'll need to work on his conditioning when he gets to college (he jogs up and down the court every possession). He also won't be able to get in the lane at will in the Big Ten and get easy putbacks. As fun as Rodney is to watch, I'm not getting my hopes up for him as an impact player as a freshman. He needs to add some muscle and learn how to play Tubby ball. However, as an example of his freakish athletic ability, Rodney elevated for a rebound that went behind his head. While in the air, he reached behind his head and caught the ball with one hand, then dunked with a fully extended arm. It was incredible!
Quincy Bethea (#10) - the only other player on Cooper that showed some talent that could take him to the college game. He could shoot from long range and ran the point well. Ultra-quick guard and superb defender. I checked Rivals and he isn't even listed. He's a senior and I would think he'd have some lower level D1 offers or D2 offers.
Damarius Cruz (#14 Armstrong) - clearly Armstrong's best player. He has a smooth stroke, but was streaky. He has very good ball handling skills and is speedy. Damarius got into the lane and was able to finish with Rodney looming. Another senior that didn't show up on Rivals.
Andy Seidlitz (#21 Armstrong) - a poor man's Blake Hoffarber. He kept Armstrong in the game with his three point shooting.
Marquel Curtis (#30 Armstrong) - a non-factor in the game. I was hoping to see him step up in a big rivarly game. Missed a lot of open shots and didn't look comfortable until Cooper had broken the game open. He's only a sophomore, so look for this name to keep showing up as the season progresses.
Overall thoughts on the game - Cooper plays up-tempo offense and scrappy defense. The scrappy and aggressive defense lead to a lot of petty fouls 30 feet from the hoop. I think Armstrong would be better suited for a half-court game, but they got caught playing Cooper's game. A wildly entertaining game with Rodney creating his own highlight reel. I'm more of a basketball purist and enjoy the team game that Hopkins plays. However, if you haven't seen a Cooper game, I strongly recommend spending the $6 because Rodney's dunks will blow your mind.
Rodney Williams - he had 3 dunks in the first 3 minutes of the game. He threw down a 360, multiple alley-oops, and thundering put backs. I was impressed with his leaping and rebounding ability. He has a good looking shot, but he didn't use it much. He scored 29 points in the game, had several rebounds and blocks (don't keep stats during the game, sorry). He didn't play a whole lot of defense. He stands underneath the hoop and just tries to block shots. It was effective though, as several Armstrong players had to alter shots in the lane to get over Rodney. He'll need to work on his conditioning when he gets to college (he jogs up and down the court every possession). He also won't be able to get in the lane at will in the Big Ten and get easy putbacks. As fun as Rodney is to watch, I'm not getting my hopes up for him as an impact player as a freshman. He needs to add some muscle and learn how to play Tubby ball. However, as an example of his freakish athletic ability, Rodney elevated for a rebound that went behind his head. While in the air, he reached behind his head and caught the ball with one hand, then dunked with a fully extended arm. It was incredible!
Quincy Bethea (#10) - the only other player on Cooper that showed some talent that could take him to the college game. He could shoot from long range and ran the point well. Ultra-quick guard and superb defender. I checked Rivals and he isn't even listed. He's a senior and I would think he'd have some lower level D1 offers or D2 offers.
Damarius Cruz (#14 Armstrong) - clearly Armstrong's best player. He has a smooth stroke, but was streaky. He has very good ball handling skills and is speedy. Damarius got into the lane and was able to finish with Rodney looming. Another senior that didn't show up on Rivals.
Andy Seidlitz (#21 Armstrong) - a poor man's Blake Hoffarber. He kept Armstrong in the game with his three point shooting.
Marquel Curtis (#30 Armstrong) - a non-factor in the game. I was hoping to see him step up in a big rivarly game. Missed a lot of open shots and didn't look comfortable until Cooper had broken the game open. He's only a sophomore, so look for this name to keep showing up as the season progresses.
Overall thoughts on the game - Cooper plays up-tempo offense and scrappy defense. The scrappy and aggressive defense lead to a lot of petty fouls 30 feet from the hoop. I think Armstrong would be better suited for a half-court game, but they got caught playing Cooper's game. A wildly entertaining game with Rodney creating his own highlight reel. I'm more of a basketball purist and enjoy the team game that Hopkins plays. However, if you haven't seen a Cooper game, I strongly recommend spending the $6 because Rodney's dunks will blow your mind.
