Tom Welch played a lot at the 5 in the scrimmage and held his own. He needs to get acclimated to the speed of the college game. He was a lot more athletic and quick than I thought he would be. He reminded me a little bit of UNI's Seth Tuttle.
Tate Hall looks like he's going to be very valuable right away. He has the ability to play the classical 2, 3, and 4 positions. At 6'7" and with his shooting ability, he will create a lot of mismatches. He plays with a lot of intensity and desire. A few times when a close shot didn't fall, he looked like his shoulders sagged a bit before he gathered himself. He needs to keep from getting down on himself or pressing too hard after a play doesn't go right for him. Good outside shot with a really high release point.... no one will block his three pointer.
Paxson Wojcik looks like he's going to be a really great glue guy, with the ability to step out and score if he needs to. He really seems to like the hustle plays and defense. Has very long strides, good speed, good hands. Picks his spots on offense.
Keith Clemons, Marquise Kennedy and Jalon Pipkins got a lot of time, often playing together with Krutwig and Uguak on one scrimmage squad. Pipkins played more of a small forward type role, and Clemons and Kennedy were basically interchangeable combo guards. These three guys are pretty fast... Clemons and Kennedy both have a really quick (and long) first step. They're going to pass by a lot of medium-quick defenders. There were some moves reminiscent of Milton Doyle that we haven't seen for a couple of years, including a spin move on a driving layup. They appear willing to drive to the basket, at least for now, before they run into some of the more "physical" defenders on a lot of MVC squads.
Transfer Braden Norris and recent addition Sami Ismail also played a bit.
That's what I saw. Good crowd, and a lot of enthusiasm all around. Still worried about the "toughness" issue, especially since our backcourt is younger, less muscular, and an inch or two shorter than the past few years. I guess we just have to hope the refs keep a lid on the physicality.
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