Cain and Elliott, EIU

[tower912]

GE's defense after missing the two free throws was great.  Didn't pout, kept his head in the game.  He was in position while getting picked on in overtime, just physically over matched.  Freshman versus senior.

Cain showed very good defensive footwork and positioning on the perimeter.  He contested at the rim and competed for rebounds.  But he had the ball pulled out of his hands after a rebound.  He, too needs to get stronger.

Both stepped up against EIU.  A nice building block.

[RushmoreAcademy]

+1
GE coming down and getting the block after the misses was the play of the game in my opinion.  Credit to the frosh.

GE's defense after missing the two free throws was great.  Didn't pout, kept his head in the game.  He was in position while getting picked on in overtime, just physically over matched.  Freshman versus senior.

Cain showed very good defensive footwork and positioning on the perimeter.  He contested at the rim and competed for rebounds.  But he had the ball pulled out of his hands after a rebound.  He, too needs to get stronger.

Both stepped up against EIU.  A nice building block.

[GGGG]

And after the block, you could tell he was PISSED that he missed those FTs.  Markus went up to him and pumped him up after. 

[We R Final Four]

Those FTs were brutal.

[tower912]

They no matta.

[warriorchick]

And after the block, you could tell he was PISSED that he missed those FTs.  Markus went up to him and pumped him up after.

Yep. At the next stoppage of play the entire team gathered around him and were completely supporting him.  It was great to see.

[DUNKS45]

Big upside for Elliott, he seems to have that mental toughness you need. Agree with chick, love the way the team got with him after the play.

[94Warrior]

And after the block, you could tell he was PISSED that he missed those FTs.  Markus went up to him and pumped him up after.

I overheard this exchange,  Marcus actually said, "FTs no matta."

[skianth16]

These guys are going to be pretty good by their junior or senior year, but good lord do they look small. I'm hoping they focus on defense this year and hit the weight room hard over the summer. If they can each add 10-20 lbs, I think it will really improve their presence on the floor.

[Boards]

Howard showed off how talented he is in his freshman season but man do I appreciate the grit nasty Elliot has shown early this year. dude isn't afraid of anything and thrives in the dirty work - no slouch finishing at the rim either. Really excited for GE's always humming motor. He is a cracked sidewalks type of player.

Side note I thought Cain looked willing to mix it up as well - he's clearly the more gifted athlete - the way he sprung up for rebounds and his long arms he'll absolutely come down with more of those as he learns positioning and gets more comfortable.

[StillWarriors]

Cain and Elliott's length stood out to me watching that game last night, especially Elliott's. To some degree, it helps make up for some of what they don't have in terms of strength. Their growth process will surely accelerate now without Cheatham around. It will be painful at times during the growing process but definitely good to see some glimpses that tend to suggest they will be very solid looking forward. No way to immediately make up for the valuable experience Cheatham had gained over the past two plus years, but Cain and Elliott's development and athleticism should help soften the blow.

[frozena pizza]

Elliott's lay-up when he almost got stripped going up was big time.  Yes, he showed some nice flashes but missing two free throws in that situation is not a good sign. 

Elliott, Cain and John have all had some nice moments and have also made a lot of mistakes.  Bottom line is that they won't contribute much in BE play and we are going to put everything on Rowsey, Hauser and Howard to take us as far as we can get.

[DCHoopster]

These guys are going to be pretty good by their junior or senior year, but good lord do they look small. I'm hoping they focus on defense this year and hit the weight room hard over the summer. If they can each add 10-20 lbs, I think it will really improve their presence on the floor.

The whole team besides John is tiny.  Eastern Illinois was bigger at most positions except the point guard.  It might not be to pretty once the Big East begins.  Harry
will help just making the team bigger.  Both Cain and Elliott are skinny, they need at least 20-30 lbs and that will not happen overnight.  I do feel Sam has filled out compared to last year.  Elliott yesterday was being schooled by that bigger player at EIU.  Still think they might have to play some zone this year.  Need a physical guard
next year with some muscle.  This year I think will be a challenge.

[muwarrior69]

I really do like these 3 star freshman; just may have chip on their shoulders to prove something.

[brewcity77]

The whole team besides John is tiny.  Eastern Illinois was bigger at most positions except the point guard.

I've heard people say Rowsey isn't actually 5'10"...if that's the case, that PG they listed at 5'7" couldn't be more than 5'3" or 5'4". Rowsey absolutely towered over him. At least 4-5 inches taller.

[GoldenDieners32]

I've heard people say Rowsey isn't actually 5'10"...if that's the case, that PG they listed at 5'7" couldn't be more than 5'3" or 5'4". Rowsey absolutely towered over him. At least 4-5 inches taller.

I was at marquette madness in october and rowsey and howard both walked right behind me, im 5'9 and rowsey was the same height as me

[brewcity77]

I was at marquette madness in october and rowsey and howard both walked right behind me, im 5'9 and rowsey was the same height as me

If so, that #2 was 5'5" at best. I've never seen Rowsey tower over a defender like that. Usually it's the other way around.