Portsmouth Invitational Day 3 Notes
The second day of 3 games is in the books. Some players started to stand out more today. In years past it seemed players popped immediately. Well not that it matters, but some started to separate themselves with showcasing their skills more than others. And of course some struggled or continued to struggle.
Things I Liked
Javante McCoy had another solid game. I’ll admit I was surprised to see him at the PIT originally. But this year there seems to be a lot more love shown to low-mid major to D2-D3 players than anytime I’ve been here and I’ve been going for like 5-6 years. I’m not complaining I actually prefer that. With all that said McCoy is a lot more explosive off the dribble than I originally thought. I’ve watched him in the Patriot league for years and knew he was one of the better players. But he is proving his athleticism transfers for sure. His m/r p/up off drives has been deadly. He is creating separation off the dribble and hasn’t even showcased much of his 2 man game skills that I know he has.
D’Shawn Schwartz had a much better day today. He showed his scoring ability. He’s solid in the m/r game. Can post up smaller players. He also can knock down the c/s 3.
Alonzo Verge Jr. has continued to show his ability to create for others and pass. I’ll admit every time I’ve watched him in college it was all about him in Arizona State and Nebraska. How many buckets can he get, how many iso. shots etc. Well here at the PIT he has been a great PG. He’s setting up his teammates and is super vocal. He is playing with love and passion and its clear.
The domination by the Big Boys. Gaige Prim and Josh Carlton combined for 36 points and 16 rebounds. There was a span in the game where they were on the floor together and they were passing to each other in high-low post situations. It was beautiful to watch. I love big man basketball.
Fabian White Jr.’s shooting ability. He shot the ball very well from 3 today going, 4-7. I didn’t know he had that skill set. I knew his athleticism and defensive motor, but he can carve himself a role if he shoots like this from 3.
Tyrese Martin had a nice bounce back game. He showed an ability to score in transition and was effective attacking the basket.
Three players that had another good game that have separated themselves from the pack are…. Keve Aluma, Jared Rhoden and Jeriah Horne. Aluma has continued to show his versatility on offense. He can score inside and out. P/pop threat, and has lateral mobility on defense. Jared Rhoden is killing it in the m/r game. He has a nice stroke. He elevates and gets to his spot with ease. Horne has thee most obvious pro skill. Its NBA level. His shooting from 3 is on point. He is showing flashes or versatility in other ways as well.
Whoops I forgot one guy Justin Bean is the man. Super versatile. Freak athlete high motor and has added a 3pt shot to his repertoire this year. I’m a big fan. He’s a utility player in basketball. Ask him to do something and he will bring it to the table.
Players That Struggled
Michael Flowers was held scoreless. Not good for a scoring guard.
Darius Days was not as effective or aggressive today. He settles too much for jumpers from 3 or the m/r. Get to the rim with your big body fella.
One of the biggest surprises here honestly is how much Trent Frazier is struggling shooting. I know he’s streaky, but he hasn’t got hot at all yet.
Nick Muszynski has struggled with opportunities in the post. Obviosuly a showcase tournament doesn’t always favor bigs…. But, with his lack of athleticism he hasn’t flashed much.
Bryce Hamilton has struggled big time. He isn’t creating separation off the dribble. He’s struggling shooting in general. He’s a slasher/driver but can’t really even get that going. It’s been a tough go for him. He has tried to bring the defensive intensity though, which is admirable when you’re struggling offensively.
Things I Found Intriguing
Dallas Walton’s mobility. He is an athlete and rim runner. Hasn’t been able to showcase his ability to shoot from 3, but he’s had flashes of hustle and mobility that isn’t normal for someone his size.
Michael Devoe’s playmaking and basketball IQ. He flashed today in the 2 man game. He was aggressive attacking the basket. I like his game. Not a great athlete, but uses angles and his craftiness to gain advantages.
Silvio De Sousa has shown a few flashes of post footwork and mobility that opened my eyes. The problem is he has only had maybe 4 post ups in two games. The two I remember displayed quick feet and athletic finishing on the opposite side of the basket.
Trevor Hudgins once again shot well from 3. I know this is his main skill, but he has more than held his own this week.
I love Tommy Kuhse, but he had several turnovers today in p/roll from defenders deflecting passes. I view this more as an anomaly, because like I said I love Tommy Kuhse and the Gaels. They are always a must DVR for me during the season.
Something I Loved
Ryan Turell D3 Yeshiva University. He struggled his first game going 1-7 from the field with 3 points. Today he went 5-11 from 3, with 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. I’m not just trying to blow smoke here, but Turell hit his shots and showed confidence. For a D3 guy to come in here and bounce back like that is pretty awesome. He also had a 36o dunk after the buzzer just for the sake of fun. The thing that impressed me the most honestly was Turell showing a feel for the 2 man game. He called for a p/roll situation several times and created advantages every time. I didn’t know he had that feel in the 2 man game. I though he was strictly a c/s guy from 3. His confidence is growing and it’s cool to see. Also, I’m assuming it’s Turell’s family but they were electric in the crowd. Heckling the refs for fun. High fiving each other and fellow fans in the crowd. It was honestly the coolest crowd moment I’ve seen at the PIT since i’ve attended. Bravo.
See you all tmw for the conclusion of the PIT
The Young Veteran 