My Player Assessments after Exhibition Game
Priders: I often comment on my assessment of the players after some of the early games. Before I do that, I have two comments. First, the Arena is simply the best basketball venue I have ever seen. It is fabulous in every respect. The new ventilation system makes for a more comfortable setting. Secondly, I continue to be amazed at the quality of some of the Division II players. Cedarville had at least three players who could be playing in Division I - Quinton Green (#55), Brandon Maughmer (#2), and a second guard...I think his name was Demond Parker (#1). It amazes me how the Division I teams overlook some of these players.
So, here is my unbiased assessment of the Flyers, new and old:
Rodney Chatmam: He is the real deal - great ball-handler, cool customer, superb court vision, and one of the relatively few guards who can shoot off the dribble. Love this young man; he can create a shot at will. He will be the starting point guard.
Obi Toppin: A man among boys. Early in the game he was playing outside more, but in the second half moved into the paint and did more damage. He took a superb 40-foot pass from Crutcher in mid-air and slammed it home. He is going to be a beast this year.
Ibi Watson: Was the WHIO Player of the Game, and it was well-deserved. He has a sweet stroke from three-land and is a decent ball-handler. He reminds me of Charles Cooke with a better outside stroke. He did not start, but there is no way this guy won't see 30+ minutes per game. He surprised me on the upside.
Trey Landers: Trey was Trey...he looks a bit stronger this year, if you can imagine that. He finished nicely around the bucket with some strong layups. He did not attempt an outside shot.
Jalen Crutcher: Smooth as can be. He played the two most of the time he was in there, and he seems more natural and effective at that position. Chatman is a better at penetrating the lane and by doing so left Jalen open for several open nice three-balls. I would say he is a lock for the two slot.
Moulaye Sissoko: He has a world of potential - big, strong, pretty good feet, and has good hands. He will not start this year, but will definitely be a major force in the coming years. He had some pretty nice moves around the bucket. Will definitely be a sound backup center his first year.
Jhery Matos: Jerry had a good passing game, but was playing defense with his hands and not his feet. He had four fouls in a spread of just 10 minutes or so on the court. He needs to be wide open to shoot the ball, as he has a slow release. Anyone who thought he might be a starter would change his or her mind after watching him tonight...not that he was so bad; it is just that there is too much talent ahead of him.
Jordy Tshimanga: Did not play, but was on the sideline...a real mountain of a man!
Ryan Mikesell: Did not hit a three attempt, but was effective in going to the hoop. I don't think he will be able to go to the hoop the way he did against a taller, more athletic team. I am not sure he will continue to be a starter given the level of talent pushing him, namely Ibi Watson.
Dwayne Cohill: In general, Dwayne looked very good...got to the hoop and finished on numerous occasions; demonstrated good hands on defense; and was very smooth running the point or at the two position. One thing still haunts Dwayne and it is serious enough to reduce his court time - he still has no confidence in his outside shooting. That is definitely going to restrict his court time.
Chase Johnson: He started at center - tall, quite athletic, and good moves around the hoop. Defensively, I think if he could bulk up and add strength that he might be a very good defender. He, like Sissoko, has good hands.
Walk-on Camron Greer: 5'7" point guard. I have watched him for two years and would not hesitate to play Camron in a pinch. He is a good ball-handler and is super quick.
All in all, the Flyers are going to be exciting to watch and will be able to go 11-deep with little fall-of on the quality of play.
So, here is my unbiased assessment of the Flyers, new and old:
Rodney Chatmam: He is the real deal - great ball-handler, cool customer, superb court vision, and one of the relatively few guards who can shoot off the dribble. Love this young man; he can create a shot at will. He will be the starting point guard.
Obi Toppin: A man among boys. Early in the game he was playing outside more, but in the second half moved into the paint and did more damage. He took a superb 40-foot pass from Crutcher in mid-air and slammed it home. He is going to be a beast this year.
Ibi Watson: Was the WHIO Player of the Game, and it was well-deserved. He has a sweet stroke from three-land and is a decent ball-handler. He reminds me of Charles Cooke with a better outside stroke. He did not start, but there is no way this guy won't see 30+ minutes per game. He surprised me on the upside.
Trey Landers: Trey was Trey...he looks a bit stronger this year, if you can imagine that. He finished nicely around the bucket with some strong layups. He did not attempt an outside shot.
Jalen Crutcher: Smooth as can be. He played the two most of the time he was in there, and he seems more natural and effective at that position. Chatman is a better at penetrating the lane and by doing so left Jalen open for several open nice three-balls. I would say he is a lock for the two slot.
Moulaye Sissoko: He has a world of potential - big, strong, pretty good feet, and has good hands. He will not start this year, but will definitely be a major force in the coming years. He had some pretty nice moves around the bucket. Will definitely be a sound backup center his first year.
Jhery Matos: Jerry had a good passing game, but was playing defense with his hands and not his feet. He had four fouls in a spread of just 10 minutes or so on the court. He needs to be wide open to shoot the ball, as he has a slow release. Anyone who thought he might be a starter would change his or her mind after watching him tonight...not that he was so bad; it is just that there is too much talent ahead of him.
Jordy Tshimanga: Did not play, but was on the sideline...a real mountain of a man!
Ryan Mikesell: Did not hit a three attempt, but was effective in going to the hoop. I don't think he will be able to go to the hoop the way he did against a taller, more athletic team. I am not sure he will continue to be a starter given the level of talent pushing him, namely Ibi Watson.
Dwayne Cohill: In general, Dwayne looked very good...got to the hoop and finished on numerous occasions; demonstrated good hands on defense; and was very smooth running the point or at the two position. One thing still haunts Dwayne and it is serious enough to reduce his court time - he still has no confidence in his outside shooting. That is definitely going to restrict his court time.
Chase Johnson: He started at center - tall, quite athletic, and good moves around the hoop. Defensively, I think if he could bulk up and add strength that he might be a very good defender. He, like Sissoko, has good hands.
Walk-on Camron Greer: 5'7" point guard. I have watched him for two years and would not hesitate to play Camron in a pinch. He is a good ball-handler and is super quick.
All in all, the Flyers are going to be exciting to watch and will be able to go 11-deep with little fall-of on the quality of play.