Here's the first blog - great stuff!
Here are a few spinets:
Personnel Update (After 4 practices)
Austin Hollins: Has had 4 very solid practices. Has a great demeanor on the court. Very quick release with good size. I love his business-like approach on the court and in the classroom. We are going to rely on him a lot.
Maverick Ahanmisi: Turned out his best practice last week. Showed toughess that I didn't know he had. Has the ability to make shots and play multiple positions for us. He has the potential to be our leader.
Malik Smith: Is playing arguably the best basketball on the team right now. The reason is he has the luxury of playing for me for a year. He is very comfortable in the system and has used it to his advantage. He truly believes every shot he takes will go in. He has also been a great leader.
Elliott Eliason: Also had a very good practice last week. Still needs to add some muscle in order to be more physical. His greatest attribute is his running. He doesn't know how good he can be.
Maurice Walker: It has been well documented that Mo has lost 45 pounds. He deserves all the credit for that. He has worked extremely hard to lose the weight. Although Mo has lost a lot of weight he is still not in great shape. When he isn't tired he becomes very effective. He is the best passer on the team by far. Needs to be more aggressive when he catches the ball on the low block.
Andre Hollins: Looked like an all conference player last practice. Didn't expect him to make the USA team because he had been studying abroad for a month. Andre is the epitome of a student athlete. Would love for him to be a more vocal leader. I fully expect him to have a great year.
Oto Osenieks: Has been solid over 4 practices. He has been playing mostly the 4 spot for us. It has given him the opportunity to shoot the three off of pick and pops. Would like for him to be more aggressive and physical on the glass.
Wally Ellenson: Had great success in the spring with the track team. It's very impressive for him to be able to become a high jump All American with a limited amount of practice. On the court he reminds me of a kid I coached at Louisville named Kyle Kuric. Wally is a very good athlete in the open floor and has shown the ability to offensive rebound. He has to continue to develop his three-point shot.
Joey King: Love his toughness. He truly believes he is the best player on the court. Confidence like that is extremely valuable. He raises the level of intensity for everyone in practice. His intensity is infectious. He, as well as Malik, both filed for NCAA waivers to be eligible this season.
Kendal Shell: Injured himself before last practice. Highest body fat on the team! To his credit he has lost a lot of weight. Will have a better feel for his game when he gets him shape. Great attitude and great kid.
Daquein McNeil: Day-Day, as well call him, has been the biggest pleasant surprise so far. Most freshman are tentative when they first come in but that has not been the case with him. Biggest room for improvement with him is his three-point shot.
Charles Buggs: Has a long way to go, but probably has the most potential to grow of anyone on the team. He will be very effective when we put in the press because of his length and athleticism.
Deandre Mathieu: Still in summer school at home. Really looking forward to working with him in the fall. Has great speed and quickness. Is a pass first point guard.
My staff is taking our newest T-Wolves addition to dinner tonight. Hopefully Gorgui brings that new bonus check for when the bill comes around!
Thanks again to Kris Humphries and Larry Fitzgerald for stopping by last week. We will have another practice this afternoon, then its off to July recruiting to hopefully find the next great Gopher!
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Go Gophers!!
