Anyone get the feeling that with four years of solid coaching in high school and four more years in college, Trend could have been one heck of a ball player? This is no dig at Crean, who unfortunately had him for only two years, even though I do believe he would have been worth redshirting.
You simply don't find that type of athleticism and length in guys that often. With some sound coaching, he may have been able to establish a jump shot, which would make him quite a difficult match-up offensively. Defensively, he still needs more polish on his technique, but he, again, has the length and athleticism to be great.
What a shame that he is gone after this year. I can only hope he continues to get solid minutes, because he gets the crowd and team going and he adds an extra dimension to our team that generally is unaccounted for.
The raw ability is there. Four years of solid high school coaching, solid college coaching, weight and conditioning program.....yeah, he would have been better than he is. Seems like a good kid, too. Ah, well, lets just hope he makes the most of the next (hopefully) 20+ games.
http://www.youtube.com/v/e5dLS7mXD-w&rel=1
I think Trend definitely earned a little more PT last night... I feel like our biggest fear was how he would match up against bigger, stronger 4s and 5s, and he was arguably our most effective big man against Harangody last night (though I do think Harangody was starting to tire out by the time he got in). I think his potential to explode with a great dunk or a nice blocked shot is very valuable, especially playing at home. I'd love to see him getting 10 minutes a game. I love his hustle.
I still think that he got absolutely robbed in the dunk contest at Marquette Madness. Mbakwe and Trend both should have advanced.
I like his quickness and athleticism too as a different look to Ooze and Burke...I think his core is a lot stronger than he looks (and last year) which is why he played well vs Hagrid. He would have been a good option for TC vs. WVU or for SH to get the ball over the zones they threw at us...plus, I think he can be more mobile in the weave with either a slash or high pick and roll option. Great that is evolving.
It'll be interesting to track his development if he lands on an NBDL team next year. If he works on his shot, he could be in the Francisco Elson-mold.
I thought the difference on both sides of the floor with Trend vs. Burke and Barro against Harangody was noticeable. He was able to use his athleticism to score some points and he held strong on defense despite having the smaller frame. Not that he stopped Harangody, but he was able to provide somewhat of a presence and not foul himself back to the bench.
He was a huge factor in the ND game. With Burke and Barro in foul trouble so early, we could have been in serious trouble.
Quote from: WashDCWarrior on January 14, 2008, 07:06:53 PM
He was a huge factor in the ND game. With Burke and Barro in foul trouble so early, we could have been in serious trouble.
agreed, and his athleticism surprised shrek.