Gopher Basketball
The two most impressive new talents on this particular day were Dan Coleman and Vincent Grier. Dan had a cold shooting day the last time I saw him in action, but this time he was back to being an offensive force. He literally scored from everywhere. There were a couple of monster follow-up slams, a nice jump hook off a spin move in the post, and at least a half-dozen 3-pointers. Dan also impressed while soaring for some rebounds (he’s got a lot of spring in his legs).
Vincent’s offensive performance wasn’t quite as well-rounded, but it was equally impressive. The majority of his points came in transition, as he pushed the ball at every opportunity (he never seems to get tired). He was also very active on the offensive glass. But just when I started wondering if Vincent is only a threat to score inside, he went and knocked down two 20-footers in a row. I also got my first extended look at what Vincent can do on the defensive end, as he had two impressive shot blocks (one on a 3-pointer and one from behind on a layup) as well as a clean steal from behind.
Dan and Vincent were far from being the only Gophers who played well on this day, but they were the two who stood out the most. Here are some other notes:
- Spencer Tollackson impressed in the halfcourt and in transition. He ran the floor well and was on both the passing end and the receiving end of several successful fast breaks. He also hit some nice short- and mid-range jumpers and just missed on a couple of attempts from long-range
- Walk-on Alex Popp wasn’t a big scorer during play (he did pick up an assist on a very nice bounce pass in transition), but he showed a lot of range afterwards. He’s one of those guys who makes 25-30 foot jumpers look as effortless as free throws
- Jeff Hagen again showed that his ankle is healed and was definitely limited him during the season. He got up quickly for a number of impressive blocked shots, and he was very active (and physical) in the paint
- Moe Hargrow again looked like he’s gained half-a-step of quickness since last season. He finished his drives very well, and he also knocked down a number of 3s
- Aaron Robinson turned in a few impressive plays, including one strong finish inside and a nice 17-foot jumper after a fake and dribble from behind the arc
- Vincent Grier is far from just being a scorer. In fact, at this point I would say that he has the best court vision on the team and may also be the team’s best passer. If somebody’s open, he’ll find them
- J’son Stamper is another guy who can do it inside and out. He had a smooth one-handed rebound dunk, hit a nice jumphook from the block, and also buried a 3-pointer (and looked natural in doing it)
- Brent Lawson was very active on the boards and in transition, and he also knocked down his open jumpers. He’s playing well
- Miles Webb impressed me with a very nice drive and pull-up jumper. I hadn’t seen that mid-range game from him much before
- Ryan Saunders knocked down some open jumpers (including two 3s) and looked like he’s gaining some confidence
- New walk-on Zach Puchtel showed a lot of strength to go with good skills and a solid feel for the game (just like he did in high school at Hopkins)
- Rico Tucker‘s jumper wasn’t falling like it usually does, but I continue to be very impressed with his form. He looks like a guy who will become a big-time threat from 3-point range at some point in his career
- With several post players also being adept passers and having good ball skills, look for the Gophers to run a lot of high-low offense this season
- The most dominant team on this day (7-0 or so) consisted of Adam Boone, Coleman, Grier, Lawson, and Tollackson. That’s a lineup we could conceivably see on the floor at some point this season
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