ZL and Tre

[MuggsyB]

I liked what they did last night.  Both young men can attack and Zaide has had two games where his shot looks pure.  He's also a very good rebounder for a 2G.  No doubt their playmaking and consistency has to improve, but I think we're beginning to see two solid rotational players moving forward.  It's very difficult to play spot minutes because you're always concerned about missing shots or making mistakes.  What we saw yesterday could pay big dividends for MU moving forward.  Kam's 4th foul was truly a blessing in disguise.  I'm confident both guys will continue to improve and add to their arsenal. 

[muwarrior69]

I liked what they did last night.  Both young men can attack and Zaide has had two games where his shot looks pure.  He's also a very good rebounder for a 2G.  No doubt their playmaking and consistency has to improve, but I think we're beginning to see two solid rotational players moving forward.  It's very difficult to play spot minutes because you're always concerned about missing shots or making mistakes.  What we saw yesterday could pay big dividends for MU moving forward.  Kam's 4th foul was truly a blessing in disguise.  I'm confident both guys will continue to improve and add to their arsenal. 

Amazing what an increase in NIL will do.

[wisblue]

One thing I will say about them is that, unless Norman can change his form, Lowrey will always be a better three point shooter.

Lowrey's set shot with a nice arc looks pretty good and I'm not surprised that he can hit a decent percentage when he takes a pass and is squared up for the shot.

Norman's slingshot, on the other hand, produces a relatively flat arc and is, IMHO, doomed to a low percentage.

[Zog from Margo]

One of the more impressive plays last night was Lowery taking Telfort to the bucket and scoring over him. Norman with 5 rebounds last night and Lowery with 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Neither is afraid of contact.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

One thing I will say about them is that, unless Norman can change his form, Lowrey will always be a better three point shooter.

Lowrey's set shot with a nice arc looks pretty good and I'm not surprised that he can hit a decent percentage when he takes a pass and is squared up for the shot.

Norman's slingshot, on the other hand, produces a relatively flat arc and is, IMHO, doomed to a low percentage.

Tre does surprisingly good work inside, particularly for a guy his size; I don't think we saw that facet of his game much last year.

But yes, I agree, he is going to have to completely remake his outside shot.

[GoldenEagles03]

Just a random post here relating to Tre...thought it would be fun to share since he's a topic of discussion. I was looking for some of his high school highlights the other day to see how he found success on the offensive end and I came across this clip. A full court make off a rebound for Christopher Norman III. Never knew his name was Christopher.

[jesmu84]

Seeing both in person, up close, for the first time -

Tre is a little thicker and his on-ball offense reminds me more of Stevie - more bully ball, less explosive athleticism.

Zaide is LONG and very explosive/athletic. He got some impressive rebounds. He can be a defensive menace if he works hard.

OT - Owens is a similar mold to Zaide. He's slightly ahead offensively, but behind defensively compared to Zaide.

[JakeBarnes]

Seeing both in person, up close, for the first time -

Tre is a little thicker and his on-ball offense reminds me more of Stevie - more bully ball, less explosive athleticism.

Zaide is LONG and very explosive/athletic. He got some impressive rebounds. He can be a defensive menace if he works hard.

OT - Owens is a similar mold to Zaide. He's slightly ahead offensively, but behind defensively compared to Zaide.

To preface, in no way am I saying they are playing to that level, but it is clear to see that Zaide and Tre are the "next men up" for Chase and Stevie. Shaka always told Zaide that if he wanted to get on the court more, watch what Chase did and emulate it.

Feels like both took that to heart. Saw some great flashes from both, but really nice to see it out of Tre tonight. He was an aggressive scorer in HS (not unlike Stevie) and I think a few more efforts like this one will really strengthen the team this year and beyond.

Zaide looks like he's been able to take that step already (jumper is nice, had a Chase-esque steal and drive, and is a better rebounder than Chase). Would love to see him keep this up. Makes me amped about him for next year.

[SaveOD238]

Kam's 4th foul was truly a blessing in disguise.

I had the same thought.  In some ways, last night was like the Creighton game last year without Tyler and Oso, where we got to see what this year's team would look like.  And I liked what I saw, at least in terms of defense and rebounding.

I just really wonder who is going to be the top scoring option next year.  There's no one obvious for that key role, unlike the last several years where we knew Tyler/Kam and then Kam/Jop were going to be the lead dogs on offense.

[MU82]

We had very little chance of winning last night if our sophomores didn't step up.

Very proud of them for how they excelled when we desperately needed them.

[StillAWarrior]

We had very little chance of winning last night if our sophomores didn't step up.

Very proud of them for how they excelled when we desperately needed them.

When Kam left the game at 13:32, if you'd have told me that Shaka would be able to leave him on the bench until 3:25 I'd have been very skeptical. It was really an outstanding effort from the rest of the team -- and especially Norman and Lowery.

[Frenns Liquor Depot]

When Kam left the game at 13:32, if you'd have told me that Shaka would be able to leave him on the bench until 3:25 I'd have been very skeptical. It was really an outstanding effort from the rest of the team -- and especially Norman and Lowery.

I liked that the dug in.  It seemed like the entire team was locked in on taking each possession one at a time (O & D).  It was like they too were thinking about how much time can we get for Kam and each min was a victory for the mission.

[tower912]

I just really wonder who is going to be the top scoring option next year.  There's no one obvious for that key role, unlike the last several years where we knew Tyler/Kam and then Kam/Jop were going to be the lead dogs on offense.

Chase, Ben, Royce, DO, will be competing for top scoring option.

[BM1090]

Chase, Ben, Royce, DO, will be competing for top scoring option.

I'd bet Zaide outscores either Royce or DO. He's going to have a green light and he's going to be on the floor a lot.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I'd bet Zaide outscores either Royce or DO. He's going to have a green light and he's going to be on the floor a lot.

I'm not sure if he'll outscore either but I'm starting to think it's pretty likely he's going to start next season with the expected amount of development over the summer.

[MU82]

Yeah, I hope I'm not setting myself up for disappointment, but I'm starting to think Zaide is gonna be a damn good player barring unforeseen health issues.

[tower912]

Trust Shaka's recruiting.  Trust development. Trust the process.  I doubt Tre or Zaide become all Americans.  But I trust they can be starters next season.

[NCMUFan]

When Tre scored on that drive on the right side, the camera showed the bench go crazy with Kam leading the cheering.

[JakeBarnes]

Yeah, I hope I'm not setting myself up for disappointment, but I'm starting to think Zaide is gonna be a damn good player barring unforeseen health issues.

I'm still the one with receipts of "Tre is gonna be a stud pg." So I'm loving the confidence builder Tre had last night.

[Newsdreams]

Trust Shaka's recruiting.  Trust development. Trust the process.  I doubt Tre or Zaide become all Americans.  But I trust they can be starters next season.

Still worried about next year

[tower912]

A bong hit will help.

[MUfan12]

When Kam picked up his fourth, he lingered on the floor to dap up and encourage each guy before going to the bench. Loved that.

[Newsdreams]

A bong hit will help.

Going right now before heading to dangerous Milwaukee tomorrow

[MuggsyB]

Here's what I'll say about both of them:   They possess very solid blow by speed and overall athleticism.  Especially with their 1st step hard right.  They are also quite strong and can laterally get the job done defensively.  Now, we mentioned their shooting and inconsistency, but I think we're seeing glimpses of them figuring it out. 

Once the rudimentary playmaking improves, as well as decision making in general, they're going to be highly productive multi-tool players imo.   And don't forget JTY will be back.  It's extremely important to remember Scoopers that zoomability isn't taught.  You either have it or you don't.  Granted, I wish we had a deadeye shooter in the pipeline sort of in the mold of a 6'6 Rowsey, but I suppose I'm thinking too far ahead.  Regardless, having these types of guards bodes well for our future once their get more comfortable with the aforementioned points (no pun intended) made here. 

[bilsu]

Lowery should play more than he does.