First game in front of a crowd this Friday (exhibition)
You are going to see a lot of different combinations.Don’t get too concerned about line-ups because they are trying things out and Malik Abu is out and Sam Hunt may not play with a bruise (lower leg – not serious).
Team is getting better. Getting in better shape, guys are starting to believe in one another and they are playing better basketball. Hopefully the game Friday will be another step forward.
Guys are starting to step up as leaders. Lennard Freeman and Al Freeman have done a tremendous job.
Not sure how many games Malik will miss. They are taking it slow. He’s going back to the Dr. next week to learn a little more.
Malik has been on the bike and he’s getting treatment. Next week he might start shooting.
Keatts was happy with Lennard Freeman’s play in the secret scrimmage vs Campbell. He thinks he finished with 15pts and 8 boards. Yurtseven was a little slow as far as catching on. He was effective defensively, but not offensively.
You may see more of a 4 guard lineup with Torin Dorn as a stretch 4.
The team is learning how to compete. Practices are a real competitive. Guys are getting in better shape now.
Going to miss the extra guard with Braxton’s waiver being denied. They need Lavar Batts to play more minutes.
Markell needs to be more of an offensive option. Last year he was the 5th or 6th option. This year he’s 2nd or 3rd. He needs to show leadership from the point guard position.
Keatts looking for a lot of floor burns on Friday. Says this team is fun and they have been showing him tremendous effort.
The starting lineup has not been decided and it will be decided in the next couple of days.
Beverly decision is a tough thing. Keatts is disappointed. He is not a transfer and he’s getting held up on a technicality. Keatts thinks he should just be able to pay back financial aid for the summer class he took.
Ohio State gave permission for Braxton to go to NC State. Thad Matta wrote a letter in support of Braxton, telling them that the staff made him come and enroll early because they were told they were going to return.
Dorn can score inside and out. He’s athletic and strong and can make outside shots. Looking at the NBA, you are starting to have more 4 guard lineups with a stretch 4, meaning a 6’5 or 6’7 guy as the 4.
Dorn gives you versatility because at the 4 he’ll still be able to switch a lot of screens. He can be a mismatch when a big guards him. Looking around college basketball, nobody posts their 4 man anymore, so they really don’t have to worry about Dorn getting posted up.
Braxton is struggling because he trusted in a lot of adults. He’s done nothing wrong. He had a 3.6 at Hargrave and only could go to Ohio St. early was because he graduated. He’s got trust issues right now. He’s a bit depressed. He deserved to play.
A little piece of Keatts is holding hope out that somebody sees this kid deserves to play and reverses the decision.
From a University standpoint, there isn’t much more you can do. But Braxton and his family are looking at some different options,