1. The officiating was balanced. I had noticed Jamie Luckie talking w/KK at one of our non-conference games & again in the Bahamas and last night as well. Based on body language, JL "likes" and/or respects KK more than our last 3 coaches. Imho, it showed in the officiating. After watching live and re-watching espn, the officiating even w/Valentine was called both ways.
2. The commentators both did their job. They always do. The more that they "build up" Penn State, the better the WIN for NCSU will look. It's not a commentator's job to just say nice things about the home team. They, like the refs, were not perfect, but they called it both ways. I never have had a problem with that.
3. In past years, not scoring until 14:34 in the first half would have likely led to a greater deficit than 11-0. The defense kept us from getting to deep in a hole & led to a W.
4. Al Freeman hit several driving layups toward the end of the shot clock. I think he is becoming our "go-to" guy on this team.
5. This team, based on the composition, has a lot of "role" players. Also, Coach KK's philosophy tends itself toward DIFFERENT PLAYERS having good games vs. DIFFERENT MATCHUPS. So many times fans want to gravitate toward Player A or B, being "the man" but this team will have varied results, imho, based on the matchups. Sam Hunt played great last night, but was non-existent versus N. Iowa & Tennessee. Why? Matchups. Markell was ok last night and Batts, but they will likely shine versus other teams...
6. I like our Coach's consistency in certain areas so far. He really is always teaching. Sometimes he tends to over coach a little, but I think that is necessary EARLY in the SEASON. I really will be surprised if this team isn't a "different" team come late January.
7. Again, Y7 prospers based on matchups. Also, he is becoming more comfortable shooting his outside shot & Coach KK seems content to let him. Dorn, as the article stated, had a weak game shooting, but did other things like rebound. That seems to be his MO, this year.
8. Braxton shot terrible (1-11) but knocked down 7-8 free throws down the stretch. Markell was 1-4 on free throws but hit several big ones down the stretch. That is growth & MENTAL TOUGHNESS. How can any Pack fan not be impressed with the hustle, leadership, and toughness of L. Freeman? He always gives 100%.
Finally, I think that it will be normal to expect the unexpected with this team for the next 6 weeks... for example, Batts made 2 threes last night... who saw that coming? That's what young players do. That's what a TEAM that is "finding itself" and trying to learn how to play together does... I think that with KK, JJ, the Hargrave assistant & others, this is something they are able to do - help put talented players together over a season and help them evolve. I have no idea how good or bad this team will end up, but I think that our coaches are giving 100% and whatever happens, I'm ok with that.
2. The commentators both did their job. They always do. The more that they "build up" Penn State, the better the WIN for NCSU will look. It's not a commentator's job to just say nice things about the home team. They, like the refs, were not perfect, but they called it both ways. I never have had a problem with that.
3. In past years, not scoring until 14:34 in the first half would have likely led to a greater deficit than 11-0. The defense kept us from getting to deep in a hole & led to a W.
4. Al Freeman hit several driving layups toward the end of the shot clock. I think he is becoming our "go-to" guy on this team.
5. This team, based on the composition, has a lot of "role" players. Also, Coach KK's philosophy tends itself toward DIFFERENT PLAYERS having good games vs. DIFFERENT MATCHUPS. So many times fans want to gravitate toward Player A or B, being "the man" but this team will have varied results, imho, based on the matchups. Sam Hunt played great last night, but was non-existent versus N. Iowa & Tennessee. Why? Matchups. Markell was ok last night and Batts, but they will likely shine versus other teams...
6. I like our Coach's consistency in certain areas so far. He really is always teaching. Sometimes he tends to over coach a little, but I think that is necessary EARLY in the SEASON. I really will be surprised if this team isn't a "different" team come late January.
7. Again, Y7 prospers based on matchups. Also, he is becoming more comfortable shooting his outside shot & Coach KK seems content to let him. Dorn, as the article stated, had a weak game shooting, but did other things like rebound. That seems to be his MO, this year.
8. Braxton shot terrible (1-11) but knocked down 7-8 free throws down the stretch. Markell was 1-4 on free throws but hit several big ones down the stretch. That is growth & MENTAL TOUGHNESS. How can any Pack fan not be impressed with the hustle, leadership, and toughness of L. Freeman? He always gives 100%.
Finally, I think that it will be normal to expect the unexpected with this team for the next 6 weeks... for example, Batts made 2 threes last night... who saw that coming? That's what young players do. That's what a TEAM that is "finding itself" and trying to learn how to play together does... I think that with KK, JJ, the Hargrave assistant & others, this is something they are able to do - help put talented players together over a season and help them evolve. I have no idea how good or bad this team will end up, but I think that our coaches are giving 100% and whatever happens, I'm ok with that.
