Impressions of the Moorhead game

[BigGopherFan]

From the 11th row, midcourt view:

It was tough to truly gauge how the Gophers played against the Dragons because they where simply bigger, faster and stronger. They relied on Sampson early and gained a HUGE lead because the tallest player for Moorhead was 6-8. The 3-point shooting was EXCELLENT. You could tell the guys where loose and comfortable. It will be interesting to see how they will shoot when the games actually count. So, here is my quick evaluation of each guy:

Nolen: Quiet night on offense. Pretty typical good defense, however.
Westbrook: Seemed to blend in a little bit and then simply exploded for a five-minute stretch in the second half. He treated it like what it was: A preseason exhibition.
Johnson: He looks like an NBA-ready player. His jumper looked smooth in the warm-ups, and he carried it over to the game. His defense — like always — was awesome. He reminds me of the type of player that plays in the ACC (6-7 swingman with great vertical and solid defense and rebounding).
Carter: He's like a DJ clone when he's at his best, except a little bigger. He dominated against the Dragons underneath, but I could see him excelling on the perimeter. I think his play will be pivotal this season, considering we may not have White or Mbakwe.
Sampson: Dominated underneath. However, his post moves where just OK I thought. He gained weight and has bigger arms, that was obvious.
Iverson: Disappointment. He lacked a secondary move that haunted him last season. Somehow I see his minutes diminishing. He simply blended in against the Division II Dragons. I loved this kid coming out of high school, and I thought he could be an NBA-type guy, but he didn't show that against Moorhead. Maybe it was just a bad game. I thought he gained weight (muscle) too.
Hoffarber: Smooth and calm. No pressure, and he made every shot he took, except one. He could have a HUGE season. As always, he was playing hard every minute he was in there. Might be my favorite player.
Joseph: Looked awesome. Elevated well on his shot and stroked with confidence. I don't know why Tubby would ever put him at PG. He excelled at the 2-guard. He showed why he was a 4-star guy who chose the Gophers over UConn.
Cobbs: He doesn't physically look like a kid who graduated high school in June. He has "Big Ten" arms and seems to have a pretty decent first-step. He missed a dunk though, but who cares. I don't know if he's going to be a dynamic freshman, but he will certainly be a serviceable backup to Nolen.

 

[Dr.Don]

Thanks for your report. Lotsa guys mentioned, meaning lotsa action by all.

 

[Jim V2]

From the 11th row, midcourt view:


Joseph: Looked awesome. Elevated well on his shot and stroked with confidence. I don't know why Tubby would ever put him at PG. H.

Nice vantage point.

I'd guess the reason Tubby would put him at PG is because Devoe wants to be in the League, and figures he can only get there as a PG--not big enough to play 2 in NBA.

 

[kiedro]

Don't give up on Iverson yet. We need a banger particularly in the Big Ten. Also remeber he is our best post defender.

 

[From the Barn]

Colton just seemed out of it. I don't think it was indicative of anything other than an off night. It happens to the best of us.

And umm...Johnson and Sampson are much better post defenders, but whatever.

 

[Rick Mons]

I'd add that Rodney Williams also looked pretty good on both sides of the court. Made the crowd sit up and take notice on a couple of defensive plays.

Dominique Dawson also played last night. I assume that he can still red-shirt if they're only exhibition games?

Does anyone know what the current cut-off is for how many games/minutes before a red-shirt cannot be used?

 

[Mulligan]

I'd add that Rodney Williams also looked pretty good on both sides of the court. Made the crowd sit up and take notice on a couple of defensive plays.

Dominique Dawson also played last night. I assume that he can still red-shirt if they're only exhibition games?

Does anyone know what the current cut-off is for how many games/minutes before a red-shirt cannot be used?

I think if he plays in any regular game he's used his eligibility for the year. There isn't a set number of games or minutes. It's different if there's an injury; don't know the numbers.

Iverson didn't look smooth, but he got right up and made the two free throws after the blatant foul which was good. Also got a quick basket I think right after that. I really liked the way Joseph looked. He's even smoother than last year. Just makes it look effortless. Cobbs isn't flashy but has looked steady.

Watching the team I had the thought it might not matter how long Bostick's suspension is going to last. If he had much of a chance to get minutes, he might have already buried himself. Not sure where he's going to fit in. Carter is bigger and a better defender and can do more. Blake and Devoe shot the ball awfully well though it might be different if players like Kramer and Grant are out there defending. And then there is Rodney Williams. I liked the way the student section started to buzz whenever it looked like Rodney would have a chance to make a play. He might really be the one to keep Devron on the bench.

 

[andy]

From the 11th row, midcourt view:

Nolen: Quiet night on offense. Pretty typical good defense, however.

Sampson: Dominated underneath. However, his post moves where just OK I thought. He gained weight and has bigger arms, that was obvious.

Joseph: Looked awesome. Elevated well on his shot and stroked with confidence. I don't know why Tubby would ever put him at PG. He excelled at the 2-guard. He showed why he was a 4-star guy who chose the Gophers over UConn.
[

A couple of comments/questions....

Is Nolen always that serious and straight-faced looking, even angry? He looked the whole night like someone shot his dog. I don't expect players to always look like they're having fun, but when they're winning a gimme-game by 40 it seems like they might. I don't see many games in person so I'm wondering if that is how he usually appears.

Sampson was active and productive but he still sometimes looks like Jerry Holman down low... ie, rolling away from the hoop instead of towards it and/or going up somewhat tentatively with the ball, or even settling for put-ins and layups when a dunk would be the most effective way of scoring over a smaller opponent. Regardless, he will be a good post for us.

Devoe Joseph is way too good to have fewer than 25 minutes a game. His only knock may end up being that he is still skinny enough to get knocked around in the Big Ten, but often times great talents transcend whatever physical level of play they are involved in.

 

[ShowinGoldyLove]

Devoe Joseph is way too good to have fewer than 25 minutes a game.

No one will get >25 min a game this year, too much talent & depth.

Even last year, where we weren't as deep as this year, only 2 players had more than 25 min/game (Johnson & Nolen, and they were at 27 and 26). Tubby just doesn't play anyone that many minutes.

 

[andy]

No one will get >25 min a game this year, too much talent & depth.

Even last year, where we weren't as deep as this year, only 2 players had more than 25 min/game (Johnson & Nolen, and they were at 27 and 26). Tubby just doesn't play anyone that many minutes.

I guess what I was saying is that I acknowledge the fact that Tubby limits his players' minutes to 26-27 minutes max, and that Devoe (as long as he hustles on D) ought to be in the upper range of minutes allotted.

 

[lovealawyer]

Westbrook: Seemed to blend in a little bit and then simply exploded for a five-minute stretch in the second half. He treated it like what it was: A preseason exhibition

All I saw that game was his usual selfish self making bad shots