Tate's Buzzer Beater vs. Kansas State (Photo courtesy of the AP)
STARTING LINEUP
Anthony Tucker, before last game, had scored in dbl digits every single game to start his career. Excellent outside shooter (we knew that already). Can rain threes. Was off last game, but has a short memory. Needs to get tougher, D is a liability. Good handles, good passer, can get into the lane if he has to. Best shooter on the team.
Matt Gatens has fouled out of the last two ballgames, he is Big Ten ready right now. Doing all the things to make his team better. Can get frustrated at times, when he has good looks at the basket, he has made almost all of them. Good passer, good handles for his size, needs to rebound more. Great looking shot, too.
Aaron Fuller still seems undersized and will get eaten up in Big Ten play, but he plays very, very hard and has a great motor. Lacks a little on the D end, has trouble finishing near the basketball, has shown the ability to knock down the 3 ptr as well.
Jeff Peterson is stronger than last year, but I still see the tendencies of last year creeping in (driving into traffic, leaving his feet, forcing shots, etc...) However, he has kept his turnovers in check and has distributed it well. Has also hit some nice runners and treys from time to time.
Cyrus Tate has not been getting the ball downlow at all. A couple games ago he didn't even attempt a shot (that should NEVER happen). Isn't quite at the level he was at the end of last year, but he is working extremely hard down low and he will be key to our success this year. Rebounding very well this season and getting in good position, just needs more touches from the guards. Buzzer beater at the end of the KSU game for the win.
OFF THE BENCH
It's not who starts, it's who finishes.
Jake Kelly is the first guy off the bench (I'd assume because of his broken finger). I don't think he has an issue coming off the bench. He is coming in with a lot of fire and looks really good. There have been some sweet, sweet dribble drives by him, and some step back jumpers that have been really smooth. He has worked on his game and it shows. Our best all around player, in my opinion. His defense is very, very good this year so far. Really like what I see with him.
Jarryd Cole just is not in game shape yet. He hasn't been able to really do a lot of basketball things over the summer and he is still recovering from the ACL. Right now he doesn't look like the Jarryd of last year, he needs to continue to be weaned into the games. Hopefully by BT season he is ready.
Jermain Davis is a guy that is doing a lot of good things out there. Great handles, can get into the lane, plays good D, probably could work on his outside shot a bit more. Very athletic and can get up with anyone his height.
Andrew Brommer is the least refined of the new guys, as expected. He plays hard, which I liked. Very aggressive near the basket, but has a problem with fouls. Also has a problem with foul shooting, not the prettiest of FT shots.
Devan Bawinkel has a pretty good stroke (not as good as Tucker, Kelly, or Gatens), but he really suffers on the D end. Limited PT so far.
David Palmer could be the next Sam Perkins if he got more PT. He can stroke it from downtown, but other than that I don't know what else he can bring. He is still learning this new system, too. Limited PT.
JR Angle has only gotten mop up minutes.
Lil Lick has only gotten a few minutes of PT.
We are seeing about 9 players in the rotation right now.
Current Ratings for Big Ten Basketball Teams (RPI/KenPom)
It's still early, but fun to take a look... check out the discrepancies between the Pomeroy ratings and the RPI ratings. This is how out of whack these things can get this early in the season.The Big Ten is UP this year, some will disagree, but it's the truth. The Big Ten is a better conference than last year.
TIER 1:
Michigan State
Purdue
TIER 2:
Ohio State
Wisconsin
TIER 3:
Minnesota
Penn State
Illinois
Michigan
Iowa
Northwestern
TIER 4:
Indiana
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