Weekend Takeaways
Nico Mannion
The point guard showed his ability to play with great poise and confidence. Further, his IQ stood out with his feel for the game and command on the court. Also, he does a great job of attacking the basket and getting of floaters and runners with great touch. In addition, he is very smooth coming off ball screens being able to distribute or score. Arizona’s success will run through Nico Mannion’s control of the offense with his great feel for the game.
Texas
Texas was able to get a statement win Saturday night at Purdue. The defense on Texas to not allow any single Purdue player to have a huge speaks to the team defense of Texas. Also, Matt Coleman is elevating his game to the next level he was very effective scoring 22 points and getting seven assists. Furthermore, Gerald Liddell stepped up in a big way providing interior scoring and defense. This Texas team has a bunch of veterans and young players playing well this could be a breakthrough season for Shaka Texas, Smart.
Virginia Defense
It’s another season for Virginia and another stifling defense allowing 34 points a game. The ability of Kihei Clark to give constant ball pressure sets the tone defensively. Also, the ability of the big men of Virginia to hedge and recover is the best in the country. In addition, the activity of the defense being in help constantly and recover with ease. Next, Mamadi Diakite provides great versatility guarding on the perimeter and doing great around the basket. Furthermore, Braxton Key is an important piece to the defense guarding wings and bigs locking them down with his size and mobility. Tony Bennett has a defense ready to keep them in every single game this season.
Tres Tinkle
Tinkle is proving himself to be the potential favorite to win PAC 12 player of the year. Furthermore, his ability to score at all three levels is very good. His size gives him a great advantage to get shots off over the top of the defense effectively. Next, his performance against Iowa State was great going for 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. He can give Oregon State a shot at the NCAA tournament and allow them to compete towards the top of PAC 12. Tinkle’s ability to take over games will ultimately determine the success Oregon State has this season.
Washington
The length of Washington’s 2-3 zone will poise problems for teams throughout this season. Also, they did a great job of containing Tristan Clark with the defense of Jaden McDaniels and Isaiah Stewart. In addition, Nahziah Carter gave Washington a go-to scorer on the perimeter with his ability to shoot and drive. Further, Washington was able to dominate on the glass with McDaniels and Stewart getting seven boards as well as combining for 33 points. Next, Quade Green had a poor game offensively going 1 of 7. If he can take the next step to provide consistency Washington will elevate into a major problem for teams.
Images Courtesy of, Arizona Sports, Oregon Live, Houston Chronicle
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