If I were to rate what I want to see out of today's game on a scale of 1-10 ...
10 - No injuries!
5 - Shaka, his assistants and the players learn a few things that can help MU have a 20-plus-win season.
1 - Pretty much anything else.
Hoping our players play so poorly that Izzo won't poach any of them after the season.
Things id like to see:
Fru holds up against MSU big men
Nigel and Fears play even
DO is able to take over a few possessions and grow confidence
Royce continues his aggressive play
MP2 shows up with some big 3s
Minnesale asserts himself.
I dunno. Just looking for some good measuring sticks to show season is gonna be good
Quote from: JakeBarnes on October 25, 2026, 10:44:03 AMThings id like to see:
Fru holds up against MSU big men
Nigel and Fears play even
DO is able to take over a few possessions and grow confidence
Royce continues his aggressive play
MP2 shows up with some big 3s
Minnesale asserts himself.
I dunno. Just looking for some good measuring sticks to show season is gonna be good
That's fair. And, mostly, nobody gets hurt!
Also ...
Minessale
Quote from: MU82 on October 25, 2026, 10:56:47 AMThat's fair. And, mostly, nobody gets hurt!
Also ...
Minessale
My wish list is 1) everybody has fun and 2) the teams go out for pizza together after the game (parents included).
*edit: 3) no Spartans rape or assault anyone.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2026, 11:01:41 AMMy wish list is 1) everybody has fun and 2) the teams go out for pizza together after the game (parents included).
I was hoping Wang Chung was #2
Quote from: MU82 on October 25, 2026, 10:56:47 AMThat's fair. And, mostly, nobody gets hurt!
Also ...
Minessale
Just gonna call him Nolan this year. No way I'm getting this name right now that my phone thinks it's correct
Im still waiting to see the youtube stream live before i believe it
Not enthused by all the MSU commenters in the stream
Wow, is no one watching the game today?
NCAA Tourney seeding is on the line.
The chat on the youtube stream is the equivalent of having a green sewage leak in your MU themed basement man cave.
When all you've seen is the NBA so far and then you tune into an NCAA exhibition game, it reminds you just how big of a GAP there is in the level of play.
Student section is empty.
I've only been able to watch a minute here and there. Is Cam Ward playing at all?
So the backboards are "slanted" on both ends... and MU is shooting well and MSU can't hit anything. Uh oh, don't fix anything
Huh, MU doesn't seem to stink so far ::)
Alex E! Nice shooting
Um, this team might be really really good
Quote from: wadesworld on October 25, 2026, 12:30:18 PMI've only been able to watch a minute here and there. Is Cam Ward playing at all?
Yeah.......good thing free throws no matter because he looks rough at the line.
Phillips will break out this year. And the freshman look better than I thought.
Love this 1st half. Every player doing something good and showing up. Gotta love the frosh scoring 17 points or so.. Vs good competition. Hope Shaka continues to play lots of combos- it is an exhibition - more important than winning imo..
Too many fouls and turnovers......not surprising but really nice first half.
Lots of guys played and contributed .........thought we competed well on the boards.
65% shooting and 50% 3pt shooting at half against a non scrub team.
Tide turning
Well, it was a great season for a while. Maybe next year...
THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
MATT HELDT!!!
a "very special guest?!" ::)
WTH, Fru for 3
Quote from: JakeBarnes on October 25, 2026, 01:44:38 PMTHIS IS NOT A DRILL.
MATT HELDT!!!
Correction: Mark Heldt
Quote from: JakeBarnes on October 25, 2026, 01:56:01 PMCorrection: Mark Heldt
Ok, I did hear that right. Well, I heard what he said...
yeah nice of "Mark" to stop by
I'm so old we had determine if our beers were cold by holding them with our hands. Kids today have it easy
The last few minutes of this game has been brutal basketball.
I hate our zone.
Quote from: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on October 25, 2026, 09:24:48 AMHoping our players play so poorly that Izzo won't poach any of them after the season.
A complete and utter failure.
UConn won bigger in East Lansing. Transitive property means MU should cancel the season.
Quote from: tower912 on October 25, 2026, 02:41:22 PMUConn won bigger in East Lansing. Transitive property means MU should cancel the season.
Effin' MSU buzzer beater 3!
Love the win. Yeah, only an exhibition game. But it was a really fun one. I don't care about the "brutal basketball" at the end.
Won't comment until Willie gives us his review from his fat cat suite seats.
Quote from: Vander Blue Man Group on October 25, 2026, 12:02:38 PMNCAA Tourney seeding is on the line.
You're joking, but based on the reactions from MSU fans, including the people sitting directly behind us, you would think it was. Things like made free throws really had them whooping.
Quote from: wisblue on October 25, 2026, 03:38:00 PMYou're joking, but based on the reactions from MSU fans, including the people sitting directly behind us, you would think it was. Things like made free throws really had them whooping.
Next your going to tell us Izzo got T'd up in an exhibition game.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2026, 03:49:17 PMNext your going to tell us Izzo got T'd up in an exhibition game.
Honestly deserved a second as well.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on October 25, 2026, 04:09:01 PMHonestly deserved a second as well.
Pretty sure he bumped the ref on top of just going back and continuing to argue after the first one.
Quote from: WhiteTrash on October 25, 2026, 03:49:17 PMNext your going to tell us Izzo got T'd up in an exhibition game.
Not
nearly as much fun as watching Hurley get tossed at the Fiserv game at the end of the season. Hurley always provides everyone with his weird facial expressions and exaggerated body language, making him look like a certifiable wacko, after he gets tossed.
My all-time favorite T up was when I saw Huggy Bear get tossed, enter the tunnel, and then come back out fuming and letting everyone know how pissed he was. He was lucky the cops at the game didn't cuff him.
Quote from: Scoop Snoop on October 25, 2026, 04:24:51 PMNot nearly as much fun as watching Hurley get tossed at the Fiserv game at the end of the season. Hurley always provides everyone with his weird facial expressions and exaggerated body language, making him look like a certifiable wacko, after he gets tossed.
My all-time favorite T up was when I saw Huggy Bear get tossed, enter the tunnel, and then come back out fuming and letting everyone know how pissed he was. He was lucky the cops at the game didn't cuff him.
Huggy was intense.
Honestly, I'd be disappointed in Shaka if he got T'd up today. I guess Izzo has earned the right to do it his way in the twilight of his career.
Quote from: TallTitan34 on October 25, 2026, 04:09:01 PMHonestly deserved a second as well.
How was the focus and intensity?
Quote from: TallTitan34 on October 25, 2026, 04:09:01 PMHonestly deserved a second as well.
It was an awful call. Nolan bumped him mid-air, not defending his reaction.
Quote from: MUDPT on October 25, 2026, 04:56:01 PMIt was an awful call. Nolan bumped him mid-air, not defending his reaction.
I second this—it was a bad call.
Quote from: Uncle Rico on October 25, 2026, 04:48:13 PMHow was the focus and intensity?
MSU scored. Not good enough.
Quote from: Sir Lawrence on October 25, 2026, 05:01:38 PMI second this—it was a bad call.
Be assured, the selection committee will take it into consideration.
I watched the full game live because I'm sick in the head. Biggest takeaway for me was the amount of contributions we got from non-starters. Royce and Nigel did not have their A game and yet this was a very comfortable win.
Clark - Looks to have taken a major jump from unplayable to serviceable D1 backup. Massive development if this wasn't a fluke.
Owens - I thought he was our best player in the first 5 or so minutes. Still didn't seem to get a ton of time and I'm not sure why. Maybe Shaka just trying different rotations.
Other notes:
Fru seems to impact the game in all the right ways. Thought he played solid D and his movement and presence at the top of the arc on offense was impressive. Don't see him being a major scoring threat every game, but a massive upgrade all around at the C position.
Minessale wasn't great, wasn't terrible. Looks like he can handle the rock and play D. FTs near end of the game were smooth. Doesn't look overmatched.
Stevens is a player, man. He gets overshadowed by Nigel but I can absolutely see him earning all conference honors over the course of his career.
Egbuonu had some great moments. He has a chance to contribute this year.
Porter looks like a serviceable backup PG but his defense is going to be a big problem.
Overall I was probably more positive about this years team than most, and this game only made me more excited for the season to start.
Fru is a big improvement over Gold, and I wasn't a Gold "hater." And I'm quite encouraged by Clark - he looked like a basketball player and, unlike last season, he didn't get gassed after 3 trips down the court. If what we got from Fru/Clark (and a little bit of Parham) today is indicative of what we'll get from the 5 this season, that's a huge upgrade from 2025-26.
Minessale looks like a solid addition. Made some mistakes but also did some nice things and didn't seem overmatched going against a B18 team.
Stevens was the best player on the floor IMHO. Excited about him taking the next step.
Owens and Phillips looked good, and the freshmen look like they'll be able to contribute. Gives us much improved depth.
Incredible shooting by Egbuonu. But I remember Owens hitting something like his first eight 3s as a freshman ... so I ain't assuming Alex is the next Steph!
They promoted the Fears-James matchup and I don't blame them, but neither played very well. Nigel was waaaay too loose with the ball. Hope that gets cleaned up.
He wasn't the only turnover machine but we shot really well today, so that covered up a lot of warts.
All in all, I'm every bit as optimistic as I was before the game. We're an NCAAT team.
Early overreaction: Michigan State is nowhere near as imposing as in past seasons, especially their bigs. Sparty didn't look close to being a top-10 team today. Not surprised UConn throttled 'em.
EDIT to add the most important thing: Nobody got hurt!
Quote from: tower912 on October 25, 2026, 05:07:49 PMMSU scored. Not good enough.
Hoo boy! The scoop eeyores are going to have some competition with the new and unimproved version of Tower. Even muwarriors69 is OK with the opponent scoring, as long as we win the game. Oh
wait! I may be mistaken about that.
Sarcasm
https://x.com/missyzahn1/status/2114448956696801288?s=61
Tre and Al Amadou? Nice.
Entirely different trajectory coming into this season than last and plenty of reasons for optimism. Feels nice.
Michigan State vs. Marquette (Exhibition) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1UjPxpRBGA)
Quote from: muwarrior69 on October 25, 2026, 06:50:36 PMMichigan State vs. Marquette (Exhibition) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1UjPxpRBGA)
thanks!
Shooting like that is good.
Turnovers were bad.
Cut down the latter while maintaining the former and we're in for a very fun ride.
Nice too see the team had the size and athleticism to match up well with a traditionally strong and athletic Big Ten team. Very positive sign, especially with rebounding. Very nice to see the freshmen with size and athleticism and skill contribute as well.
Have been very positive all offseason about this team's floor and ceiling but I think the ceiling may be higher than I thought if today is any indication.
Good showing. Very encouraging.
Izzo was very complimentary.
Takeaways:
- Starters were competent and able to keep up with Michigan State. I expected the first five to be solid, they delivered in that regard. Never felt outmatched and usually felt like the better unit.
- Owens deservedly starting over Minessale, based on that limited viewing. Owens still hasn't ironed everything out, but he's more ready for this level. Nolan looked like a Summit player, needs to adjust to the speed and athleticism he's going to see.
- My biggest worry was the bench, and they looked very good. Porter, MP2, Minessale, Johnston, Egbuonu, Clark all had their moments. If we can narrow that six down to 3 reliable guys, we'll be in good shape.
- Clark specifically deserves a mention. He looked a lot more polished. If he can give us 10-12 decent minutes, we are in a much better place.
- Shooting overall looked good. Not sure we'll get that regularly from Egbuonu, but nice to know we have multiple long range options, if only in this small sample size.
- It's only an exhibition, but what I hoped to see was a competitive first half. We got that and then some. Also got a win when a loss would've been a perfectly fine outcome. Hard to not come away positive.
- That said, we do need to clean up the turnovers and fouling. But having teachable moments from a win is probably a positive for the coaching staff.
Quote from: MuMark on October 25, 2026, 06:05:37 PMhttps://x.com/missyzahn1/status/2114448956696801288?s=61
I enjoyed Kam getting into it. Voiced his displeasure with the officials at some calls and tried to get a t-shirt during the t-shirt toss timeout.
My comments and predictions:
- Minessale doesn't make the leap
- Agree with most of Brew's points except getting the rotation down to 3... this could be a pretty deep team with guys like Egbuonu, MP2 and Porter who can come in, not make mistakes, and actually contribute for 3-5 minutes, 2x per game. The team could be 8 or 9 deep.
- Clark must play. 10-12 minutes, occasionally more. Build some confidence because he seems to be doing much better.
- 18 doesn't really have a place on this team until we need 5 more fouls.
- Not sure Owens is my starter but for now it's the right decision. If I were Shaka I'd be telling MP2 and Egbuonu the spot is theirs to take.
- Jerel's not my favorite commentator. Sorry.
Agreed Brew. You and 82 have longer summaries of what I was thinking during the game. Never outmatched or outclassed in any way with a win as the cherry on top. Should be a fun year.
Tower, glad to hear Izzo was complimentary. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on MSU since I believe that is your second favorite team and you probably have a good feel for them. Overrated slightly or legitimately high expectations? What was their fan bases feel for the team going into the year?
I wonder if the exhibition gets MU a couple more votes in the AP poll. Currently at 3 haha.
I don't believe there is a new poll today, however.
MSU defenses are well known for NOT turning their opponent over. :/
1. Adrien Stevens looks like he could be the second best player on the team. There's a calm when he has the ball in big moments, and his 3-pointer (from downtown) to end MSU's run was big.
2. Minessale looked overmatched athletically early in the game but I thought he was much better in the second half. I'm pretty sure he won't be a starter for MU this season unless he makes a big jump. Utility dude off the bench isn't the worst thing in the world for your first year of high-major hoops.
3. Josh Clark needs more confidence finishing through contact. I think he'll get there soon, though. A few of these buy games might help things click. He can really move for a big man, I loved his activity flying around the court.
4. Parham needed to finish stronger at the rim but we saw it last year and he's capable. IN the second half, the ball movement just died as soon as he got it on the perimeter, but the offense was so out of sorts it might not have been all his fault. Good poise down the stretch, though.
5. Turnovers might be an issue this season? We'll see see how much solidifying roles and rotation will help that.
6. Damarius and MPIII are not getting as much playing time, and we don't know why just yet.
7. The freshman looked really good and arguably made the difference between a comfortable win and a competitive one. Ethan is athletic as hell and looks ready. Egbuonu's shooting stroke is noice but he needs to improve footspeed.
8. MU looked bigger than MSU. I don't have the full stats yet, but all of our 6'7" dudes make us look way more imposing than previous squads
I've got to say that, despite it being just an exhibition game, it felt competitive. It wasn't like MSU went deep into their bench or had its foot off the gas the entire time. In fact, MU rotated the lineup much more. I know it was a home game but MU looked like the better team for most of the game. They did look bad during that stretch in the second half, but their counterpunch set things right.
I doubt MSU finishes the season at the 6th best team in the country... But I think this confirms Marquette will be MUCH improved this season and suggests being top-25 is on the table
Quote from: SchnitzelBoy on <strong>Today</strong> at 09:50:34 AMI've got to say that, despite it being just an exhibition game, it felt competitive. It wasn't like MSU went deep into their bench or had its foot off the gas the entire time.
Agreed, I found it interesting that they were still going with starters into the final seconds and playing the foul game down the stretch. Both teams seemed to treat it like an actual game. That was part of the reason for my optimism. While sloppy, it could've just been a regular early season game.
Wont go into individual players, think its all been covered by others in this thread already.
Ill just say I did not expect us to be bigger and so much more phsycial than an Izzo team. And all 11 players who played for us look like they can play at this level. Lots of things to be encouraged about. This is a top 25 team.
My thoughts:
Nigel was sloppy but we know he can do a lot better. The fact that it was still a comfortable win despite an off game from our star PG is encouraging.
Adrien is the most improved player on the team. His behind the back dribble in transition that lead to a dunk and his logo 3 to beat the shot clock and end MSU's 11-0 run were the highlights of the game.
Damarious was fine. Made a couple of nice passes, defended, and got a couple easy buckets. Doesn't look like he made a huge leap but he's decently reliable.
Royce didn't have his best game but I'm not too worried. Just needs to cut out some of the silly fouls. Looks like our 3rd C.
Fru won't put up gaudy stats but he just makes winning plays. Defends well, can catch and finish inside, can make some nice passes, and the occasional 3 to boot. Exactly what MU needed at C.
Porter will be valuable as a backup ball handler but his defense is a liability. Fine in small doses when Nigel needs a breather. And Porter can play 20 mpg vs cupcakes, so Nigel doesn't have to play 35 mpg every night.
Minessale isn't ready for a major role but he clearly belongs. Defends well, handles the ball, and doesn't do anything to hurt MU. A nice glue guy off the bench.
MP2 is nice catch and shoot option off the bench. His defense is improved as well. Not seeing a star leap but he will be a solid backup with the occasional hot shooting night.
Clark looked like a serviceable backup C. That's all MU needs from him.
Ethan Johnston is like a bigger, more athletic version of Minessale. The big difference is Nolan has much more experience. Not sure if Ethan grows enough in season to leapfrog into the main 8-9 man rotation, but he's at least playable.
Alex Egbuonu is a bit like Phillips but with an extra 40 pounds of muscle. Looks like a solid catch and shoot player that can catch fire from time to time. His defense is still bad but it's much improved from HS, which was completely unplayable at the college level. Another in-season growth story to track.
Overall, I see a much improved team. Nigel, Adrien, Royce, and Fru are the core 4 but I see 7 more players capable of playing a role. Their individual minutes will vary from night to night, but I think Shaka will give each of them a chance. Whichever role players play the best in the first half will get more minutes in the 2nd half when the rotation shrinks.
Quote from: SchnitzelBoy on <strong>Today</strong> at 09:39:23 AMMinessale looked overmatched athletically early in the game but I thought he was much better in the second half. I'm pretty sure he won't be a starter for MU this season unless he makes a big jump. Utility dude off the bench isn't the worst thing in the world for your first year of high-major hoops.
This.
I thought he looked more comfortable in the second half. Had a great tip-in, led a fastbreak, was more confident with the ball, made FTs down the stretch.
He looks like a guy who can be a solid contributor to our team even though he won't come close to putting up the numbers he did with future Big East champion St. Thomas.
https://msuspartans.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2026-27/marquette-exhibition-/boxscore/20904
Apologies if a box score has already been posted.
DO looks like largely the same player as last year. NM will either be starting or getting more minutes by conference play.
Quote from: Its DJOver on <strong>Today</strong> at 11:05:24 AMhttps://msuspartans.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2026-27/marquette-exhibition-/boxscore/20904
Apologies if a box score has already been posted.
DO looks like largely the same player as last year. NM will either be starting or getting more minutes by conference play.
Thanks for posting the box score. Confirmed what my eyes told me - we outrebounded them 33-23. Even during the good years, getting 10 more boards than a Big Whatever team didn't happen often (if ever).
As for DO vs NM ... I'm not sure Shaka will put much emphasis on who starts at the 3. The guy playing the best in a given game will get the most minutes that day. Even yesterday, NM played 24 minutes to DO's 18. And there's nothing wrong with having NM available to come off the bench to play the 3, 2 or 1.
Quote from: MU82 on <strong>Today</strong> at 10:59:40 AMThis.
I thought he looked more comfortable in the second half. Had a great tip-in, led a fastbreak, was more confident with the ball, made FTs down the stretch.
He looks like a guy who can be a solid contributor to our team even though he won't come close to putting up the numbers he did with future Big East champion St. Thomas.
I will add that he did well towards the end of the game. Smart plays (even causing Izzy to get a T ;D )
But seriously another ball handler smart player at crunch time. Won't make a stupid play, won't panic.
Not talking another Kolek or Travis, but a competent player.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on <strong>Today</strong> at 08:59:01 AMTower, glad to hear Izzo was complimentary. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on MSU since I believe that is your second favorite team and you probably have a good feel for them. Overrated slightly or legitimately high expectations? What was their fan bases feel for the team going into the year?
Izzo answered that in his presser. To summarize, he has good players that he likes. The UConn and MU games showed that they have been a little content going into the season. Izzo says he can fix that.
Quote from: pbiflyer on <strong>Today</strong> at 12:06:59 PMI will add that he did well towards the end of the game. Smart plays (even causing Izzy to get a T ;D )
But seriously another ball handler smart player at crunch time. Won't make a stupid play, won't panic.
Not talking another Kolek or Travis, but a competent player.
I agree with your heady player assessment.
I do think based on one game against a top 15 type team that he is being a little undervalued by some with their assessments. I think yesterday may the tip of the iceberg with him. I don't think he looked overmatched, I think he looked like it was a preseason game and needs to get his legs under him at this level. I expect big things from him this year.
Really encouraged by everyone who played. My expectations are only growing for this team.
Overall, a very encouraging showing.
I have 2 concerns:
--too many turnovers, but I think this will be cleaned up
--too many fouls from the bigs. We are going to need 18 at some point during the conference season to eat some minutes when Fru and Clark get early fouls.
Also, there were only a couple hundred students there, but I heard they are away at Fall Break.
Finally, Kam Jones was there the entire game. Showed up at the start and stayed till the end. Great to see.
Quote from: BrewCity83 on <strong>Today</strong> at 01:28:46 PMOverall, a very encouraging showing.
I have 2 concerns:
--too many turnovers, but I think this will be cleaned up
--too many fouls from the bigs. We are going to need 18 at some point during the conference season to eat some minutes when Fru and Clark get early fouls.
Also, there were only a couple hundred students there, but I heard they are away at Fall Break.
Finally, Kam Jones was there the entire game. Showed up at the start and stayed till the end. Great to see.
So was Mark Heldt
Quote from: Galway Eagle on <strong>Today</strong> at 01:54:03 PMSo was Mark Heldt
I met Matty's dad at a tournament. Trying to remember his name. Maybe it was Mark and he was there. ;D ;D
Can someone explain why they think Minessale wasnt ready or looked overmatched?
24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turns, 50% shooting, solid defense against a preseason top 10 team. Id be estatic if our 6th man gave us that most nights. Sure i want the turnovers to be down, but the whole team was sloppy. Porter also had 3 in a third of the minutes but most of the commentary on him has been positive.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on <strong>Today</strong> at 02:06:19 PMCan someone explain why they think Minessale wasnt ready or looked overmatched?
24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turns, 50% shooting, solid defense against a preseason top 10 team. Id be estatic if our 6th man gave us that most nights. Sure i want the turnovers to be down, but the whole team was sloppy. Porter also had 3 in a third of the minutes but most of the commentary on him has been positive.
I found him to be tentative on the offensive side and lacking athleticism (causing some indecision). He seemed capable and can eat some mins. You never know with transfers but was impressed with the potential upside of other new comers above him.
FWIW primarily I thought he looked slower than the other players on the court. Definitely appreciated him as a glue guy, making free throws at end, generally being in the right place at the right time, making some good passes. Not a net negative at all - but didn't look like a candidate to spend time at point and didn't look like a top 3 option to score - which was sort of my expectation from Canada, UWGB and his last year at St. Thomas..
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on <strong>Today</strong> at 02:06:19 PMCan someone explain why they think Minessale wasnt ready or looked overmatched?
24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turns, 50% shooting, solid defense against a preseason top 10 team. Id be estatic if our 6th man gave us that most nights. Sure i want the turnovers to be down, but the whole team was sloppy. Porter also had 3 in a third of the minutes but most of the commentary on him has been positive.
100% TAMU.
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on <strong>Today</strong> at 02:06:19 PMCan someone explain why they think Minessale wasnt ready or looked overmatched?
24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turns, 50% shooting, solid defense against a preseason top 10 team. Id be estatic if our 6th man gave us that most nights. Sure i want the turnovers to be down, but the whole team was sloppy. Porter also had 3 in a third of the minutes but most of the commentary on him has been positive.
Agree. Especially in the second half, he looked quite comfortable and less tentative. Shaka using him in crunch time, as we tried to preserve our lead, showed he has confidence in him, too.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's still a bit of an adjustment period ahead, especially against the better teams on our non-con schedule. But nothing I saw yesterday led me to think, "Hmm, maybe this guy can't play on this level."
Quote from: TAMU, Knower of Ball on <strong>Today</strong> at 02:06:19 PMCan someone explain why they think Minessale wasnt ready or looked overmatched?
24 minutes, 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turns, 50% shooting, solid defense against a preseason top 10 team. Id be estatic if our 6th man gave us that most nights. Sure i want the turnovers to be down, but the whole team was sloppy. Porter also had 3 in a third of the minutes but most of the commentary on him has been positive.
I can make a case both ways.
On one hand he felt a little tentative/hesitant, and wasn't as involved offensively as we maybe talked ourselves into expecting.
On the other, it's his second exhibition at this level, in this program, against a top-10 team that wasn't exactly making life easy even if we beat them pretty handily.
I'm not going to say that anything I saw yesterday says he's a bust or not ready or whatever, but similarly nothing he did (except free throws, which looked good) appeared to convince me that he *was* ready to be a major contributor.
Small sample size.
Most exciting thing to me is outrebounding an Izzo team by 10. I'm guessing we aren't going to shoot close to as well as we did last night regularly, but if we can rebound like that we'll win games we don't shoot well in.
Athleticism isn't something I'm concerned about with Minessale. He'll be a contributor. He may not work his way into the starting rotation, mainly due to the flexibility he provides off the bench and being able to help at the guard or wing positions. But I'd be surprised if he's not in the top 5 in mpg. He's figuring out his role on the team. He's going from being the best player in his conference to being the 5th best player at best on his own team. He's a contributor.
When I said, "major role" I was talking about top 3 scorer on this team. I see Nigel, Royce, and Adrien as a pretty clear top 3 with a bunch of guys who can have a night.
I definitely see Nolan being a very valuable Swiss Army knife off the bench, with a good chance to finish the year top 5 in minutes.
I don't think many Scoopers expected him to have more of a role than James, Stevens and Parham. Or Fru, for that matter.
Based on all that I read about him, and the St. Thomas videos I saw, he pretty much was exactly what I expected yesterday, especially in the second half.
His tip-in, where he got up there with the bigs and tapped the ball into the basket, was actually quite impressive IMHO, and he also had an effortless fast-break dunk. He might not be as athletic as Nigel James or Cooper Flagg, but he didn't look un-athletic on those plays.
If not posted yet and for those that want to rewatch or missed the live game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1UjPxpRBGA
Anyone know something about the Colorado secret scrimmage? If it was posted elsewhere, I apologize in advance.
The only thing I have heard is from a presser with the Colorado coach. Generalities like he always likes facing a Shaka team. Well coached, well conditioned, always pressuring which his team struggled with.
Thanks Tower