I am not the type of person to quote and rely on analytics to a high degree, and this site will be providing this from people much more qualified than me. I would like to give observations from time to time that do not necessarily show up in the box score or analytics. This is my first attempt.
Ticket Gaines – If you read the stat sheet from last night, you might get the impression that Ticket, Corey Floyd and Slim Castro did not play a major role in the victory. Watching the game gave a much different answer. I am pretty sure Ticket guarded every Wisconsin starter at one point or another. He provided a level of defensive versatility reminiscent of Justin Minaya, which is as high a compliment as I give. In addition to his outstanding defense, he also had five rebounds and three steals, plus provides a level of grit with his willingness to mix it up and hit the floor consistently. Many announcers and writers use the term ‘glue guy’ and Ticket is the type of player that epitomizes that.
Corey Floyd – Similarly, Floyd’s numbers from last night do not stand out, but his effort, especially in the first half helped the Friars blunt any chances of a Wisconsin comeback. He stifled both Chucky Hepburn and A.J. Storr during his initial appearance. This was exemplified coming out of the 12:00 minute TV timeout. Storr tried to drive on him and Floyd forced him into Josh Oduro for the miss, and then blocked 7 footer Steven Crowl’s follow (though it didn’t show up in the box). On the following trip, he faked out Storr, forcing him into a double dribble, then a missed drive the next time down. By the time he checked out, the seven point lead ballooned to sixteen points.
Rafael Castro – The biggest concern for this edition of the Friars is the lack of depth, primarily down low. The late departure of Will McNair did not give Kim English the opportunity to find another back-up big with game experience. When Josh Oduro picked up his second foul on a questionable call halfway through the first half, it appeared a door opened for the taller Badgers. After a couple of minutes going small with Bryce Hopkins at the 5, Castro came in and gave the Friars a strong effort off the bench. Wisconsin was unable to take advantage of the foul trouble as Slim was willing to mix it up with the physical big men over the final five minutes, effectively stifling any chances of a comeback.
Jayden Pierre – It is clear that Pierre has benefitted from Coach English’s style of play, but it is also a fact that he is helped by the role his teammates play. Last season, he would usually spell Jared Bynum and was often the only player handling the ball in a walk it up offense. Now, in addition to the quick pace and more free-flowing offense, it helps that Bryce Hopkins, Devin Carter, Ticket, Floyd, and Garwey Dual all can bring the ball up the court, allowing Jayden to get in better position to cut, drive, or pop out from three.
The Coaching Staff – I often pay attention to the coaching staff during the course of the games and couldn’t help but notice the level of involvement of the staff with the players during the game. After timeouts, Coaches English, Felton, and Tomlinson especially are demonstrating their points to the players before they return to the court. It is also clear that Dennis Felton is using his experience, often working during game action as almost a second coach to English. Nate Tomlinson is also quick to review key points to the players who are subbed out.
All in all, the season is still young and there will probably be a few valleys over the course of the Big East schedule, but the early returns are cause for excitement.
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