I attended the Apple Valley/Onalaska game tonight and wanted to share a couple of quick notes.
Tyus Jones – I set some really high expectations going into the game and that probably caused him to fall a little short tonight. He hit a couple really nice 3’s in transition and made an outstanding adjustment on a layup. Appeared to be unselfish almost to the point of concern towards the end of the game. I really wanted to see him take control in the final 3 minutes and he didn’t. Passing was sharp and the defense was solid. Missed dunk was a disappointment, he will have no trouble with another year of growing. Amazing first step on the drive, needs to finish stronger and will do so with size. Looks really good at the line….I’m sick of kids missing FT’s so this is a focus point for me. Possible shove towards the end of the game heading into a timeout was a slight concern of maturity. Overall: I can see why he is rated so high. I can’t wait to watch him improve in the next couple of years.
Matt Thomas – Split feelings within my group of friends. Ranged from bench player at best in the Big 10 to 3 year starter averaging double digits. He took over the game in the five 5-7 minutes. Nice range from the wing. Size is a concern. Shooting Guard is his only position and some would question his ability to get open looks. No question that he can hit the shot if he gets the look. Outstanding movement away from the basketball and doesn’t appear to lose any intensity on defense. I really liked this kid. I would love to see him play for the Gophers. Overall: Our shooting % would improve with him on the team.
Tubby – I spent 10-15 minutes in line for popcorn with Tubby and his wife tonight before the start of the game. I appreciated how gracious he was to me and everyone around him. It was impressive to watch his wife turn on the charm when the Apple Valley assistant came over to say hello after purchasing his nachos. It appeared that Donna Smith was part of the relationship building process tonight when she watched the 2H in the Apple Valley section next to what we believed to be members of the Jones family. Tubby joined them for the final 2 minutes of the game and received a nice handshake and hug from the gentleman. I was really happy to see what appeared to be a close connection to the Apple Valley assistant and members of the Jones family.
Bill Carmody – Talked to him on the way out tonight. Class act and very generous with his time. He already has a commitment from Sanjay Lumpkin (Benilde St. Margaret’s) and has made an offer to Matt Thomas. Matt Thomas would be a great fit for his offensive.
I can’t wait to read other recaps and to see the list of coaches that we didn’t find tonight.
Tyus Jones – I set some really high expectations going into the game and that probably caused him to fall a little short tonight. He hit a couple really nice 3’s in transition and made an outstanding adjustment on a layup. Appeared to be unselfish almost to the point of concern towards the end of the game. I really wanted to see him take control in the final 3 minutes and he didn’t. Passing was sharp and the defense was solid. Missed dunk was a disappointment, he will have no trouble with another year of growing. Amazing first step on the drive, needs to finish stronger and will do so with size. Looks really good at the line….I’m sick of kids missing FT’s so this is a focus point for me. Possible shove towards the end of the game heading into a timeout was a slight concern of maturity. Overall: I can see why he is rated so high. I can’t wait to watch him improve in the next couple of years.
Matt Thomas – Split feelings within my group of friends. Ranged from bench player at best in the Big 10 to 3 year starter averaging double digits. He took over the game in the five 5-7 minutes. Nice range from the wing. Size is a concern. Shooting Guard is his only position and some would question his ability to get open looks. No question that he can hit the shot if he gets the look. Outstanding movement away from the basketball and doesn’t appear to lose any intensity on defense. I really liked this kid. I would love to see him play for the Gophers. Overall: Our shooting % would improve with him on the team.
Tubby – I spent 10-15 minutes in line for popcorn with Tubby and his wife tonight before the start of the game. I appreciated how gracious he was to me and everyone around him. It was impressive to watch his wife turn on the charm when the Apple Valley assistant came over to say hello after purchasing his nachos. It appeared that Donna Smith was part of the relationship building process tonight when she watched the 2H in the Apple Valley section next to what we believed to be members of the Jones family. Tubby joined them for the final 2 minutes of the game and received a nice handshake and hug from the gentleman. I was really happy to see what appeared to be a close connection to the Apple Valley assistant and members of the Jones family.
Bill Carmody – Talked to him on the way out tonight. Class act and very generous with his time. He already has a commitment from Sanjay Lumpkin (Benilde St. Margaret’s) and has made an offer to Matt Thomas. Matt Thomas would be a great fit for his offensive.
I can’t wait to read other recaps and to see the list of coaches that we didn’t find tonight.
