Day 2 was fun. It was the first full day of three games. The last one was entertaining going to double overtime.
Side note… If you have ever attended the PIT or any basketball event that features bleacher seats….. Embrace the grind baby! It’s part of the charm of the PIT.
Double side note….. I learned after the first couple days years ago. Always pick a back seat at the top up against the wall, but you’ll have to fight me for it.
I just wanted to highlight a few things I really enjoyed watching today, a few players that struggled and a few things I found intriguing.
Things I enjoyed
Terrell Brown Jr. provided the most dominant performance so far. He penetrated the lane at will. His quickness and physicality allowed him to get by the defender and shield him off consistently. Loved the way he played today. Flat out bucket getter. He had 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. While shooting 8-13 from the field. Basketball is an easy game when no one can stop you from getting easy shots….. Touche Mr. (What Can Brown Do For You) Brown. Also, UPS I’m here for an NIL deal or whatever, ad space, who cares, you’re welcome for the free ad from the 5 people that will see this.
Jamal Cain had a solid day. He struggled to make an impact the first day, but showed an ability to knockdown open 3’s and m/r jumpers. Cain has good size. Despite his slender build, he seeks contact in the lane. He has some toughness to him.
The overall athleticism from Quenton Jackson and Anthony Duruji. Jackson is intoxicating to watch as an athlete. Full throttle at all times. Duruji was much the same. Bigger and just as explosive. Even though he had several goaltends, some of those would’ve been legal in Europe.
Players That Struggled
Darryl Morsell struggled shooting today. That is the main concern with him. Can he consistently make the perimeter shot. Not so much m/r, but perimeter.
Jimmy Boeheim‘s shooting. If he’s not making shots what is he offering on offense. Yes, he had rebounds today, but that can be inflated in this type of setting.
Payton Willis is really struggling to create his offense. He isn’t getting separation at all.
Trent Frazier struggled to knock down his shots he normally makes.
Things I Found Intriguing
The matchup between Garrison Brooks and Nate Watson. Watson dominated Brooks in the paint in 1v1 situations. Watson is the biggest man here. He out physicals everyone. Once Brooks went up against a different big he went back to scoring and doing his thing. I just found this interesting. Watson went to his wheelhouse and Brooks had no answer. If Brooks is struggling with his jumper against bigger defenders. he may not be able to out muscle bigger bigs.
Cole Swider’s versatility. He showed an ability to attack off the dribble and draw fouls. He struggled shooting the 3, but has proven that in his career. He’s a better athlete than he looks also.
Gaige Prim’s old school hooks in the paint. Now….. he didn’t make them, but you could see he can.
JD Notae didn’t play today.
Hopefully Rocky Kreuser’s shoulder is fine.
The Young Veteran 