Long term, I'm not worried about DeCuire or the program. As for this season, I am very concerned. My concern goes well beyond the SD game. The SD game was a perfect example why Andy Martin should have remained on this team. I said when Martin was released, I did not like it because we lacked the paint depth. Granted, he was a project player, and I feel with a fire lit under him as a JR, he would have helped when needed. Offense and rebounding aside, he would keep a few more baskets off our opponents score, with his presence inside defensively. You cannot coach his kind of length. I wish we had Andy on the team this year.
Andy Martin aside, I'll move forward with my concerns. The only consistent players so far this season are Breunig, Gregory, and for the most part Weisner. Everyone else has been drastically inconsistent. Travis does not yet know what he can rely on the others to do. Sorry but this at this stage of the season, there should be at least 6 players having established themselves. Dunn, for me has been disappointing. Jamar was right, he needs to play mean and with some attitude. He is a terrific ball handler, athletic, and quick, there is no reason in the world why he should not be driving the ball more often. Gregory is not as athletic or as quick, yet Gregory makes things happen for himself and setting up his teammates. I am not sure why Dunn is playing passive offensively, could it be the propensity for fouls? If so, my advise is F the officials, that is why teams have depth!!! Dunn was expected to be the 3rd or 4th option this season, at worse expected to be a ball distributor. He absolutely has to pick his game up.
Gfeller, has me really concerned. Last season he came out on fire then lost his shot and never got it back all season. Well guess what? Despite having an absolutely great shooting stroke, his consistency has disappeared. He has to realize his perimeter shooting is why the GRIZ recruited him. He has to fill that role consistently. He has not been consistent. Granted, I feel he is to good of a shooter to not find his stroke again. I just don't know if he can do it consistently. He is the 2nd somewhat disappointment this season.
Kemp, like last season, he is inconsistent on both ends of the court. The SD game was an encouraging game for him offensively. He has to be relied on give the GRIZ paint depth, inside scoring, and rebounding. To me, he has not lived up to his vast potential, so far.
Bradshaw, I actually like his development this season, even with inconsistent results. He looks comfortable out there running the offense and shooting. He is actually looking to make things happen. Last season, we just did not see that in him. I have a feeling better productivity will come if he just continues to let the game come to him.
Lopez, I honestly feel for him that he has to play the post so often. He is a true SF, with a nice offensive game. He is over matched playing the post though. That hurts him offensively and defensively, just like it has Weisner the last few years. With the outside game struggling as a team, I actually would not mind seeing Lopez get a few more looks per game. In limited opportunity this season, he has consistently delivered from the perimeter. To me, he has earned more opportunity, which is one of the few support players who has earned more.
Krslovic (sp?) is a nice player with a bright future. He is always near the ball on the boards. He has a knack for knowing where the ball will be. Offensively, he is solid for a FR. Being a FR big is never easy. I expect his play to be inconsistent. He does struggle with some defensive inconsistencies.
Edmonds is the 1 unknown player who I feel will just get better with time. I absolutely love his overall game. He is more athletic than Jamar. He has no weakness offensively (like Jamar). He needs to find defensive consistency. Providing he gets back on the court, he is the only player outside of Weisner, Gregory, and Breunig I'd be riding. Keep him on the court as much as possible. I have a feeling the payoff would be huge as the season progresses. He has all conference and all region like potential. Edmonds is capable of being an AJ, Matthews, Jamar like player. He is the best option ready to contribute more right here, right now. Even if his offense is off, his ball distribution skills and versatility (can play PG, SG, and SF) is invaluable. Edmonds can play against any kind of team at any of the 3 positions.
Nwosu, due to lack of minutes, I cannot evaluate his game, one way or the other. However, based on his video it looked to me he was a little slow getting his shot off comfortably. However, he does look to be a solid defender and ball handler. If rest of the guards (not named Gregory) continue to play inconsistent, I would not hesitate to see what Nwosu can bring to the table. At worse, it might light a fire under the other guards.
With all that said, upon everyone getting healthy and able to play, Gregory, Weisner, Breunig and Edmonds should be on the court 30 plus minutes per game, when not in foul trouble. Dunn is capable of those minutes too, but needs to step up his game. I base this entirely what I have observed so far. I feel they have earned those minutes. If and when other players step up, then allocate more minutes to those players as they earn the minutes.
I do feel the FT shooting will improve overall. The only player I worry about from the line is Kemp. As for DeCuire and his staff, I really cannot argue with their coaching strategy and overall vision. I just think a loud statement needs to be made regarding minutes to light a fire under a few guys who need it lit. Right now, it looks to me that conference coaches were justified in the pick of the GRIZ to be 8th. Personally, I still see 4th or 5th with inconsistent play. I see a contender still if Travis can get everyone to play consistently well .
I look forward to the new year. GRIZ please prove to everyone you are a conference contender and not a pretender. GO GRIZ!!!!