So Cal – LV Showdown Preview: 5 Questions
(1) Are There Really 40 Seniors In The Country Better Than Julian Strawther? I know, I sound like the thousands of people who like to complain about rankings. (Which I suspect is just an example of how difficult it is…
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Continue Reading(1) Are There Really 40 Seniors In The Country Better Than Julian Strawther?
I know, I sound like the thousands of people who like to complain about rankings. (Which I suspect is just an example of how difficult it is for people in society to respect opinions that differ from theirs). However, I’m really intrigued by this question. Strawther is averaging 42 a game right now. He put up 48 against one of the top teams in Nevada and threw up 51 at Hoophall. Obviously, there is a lot more that goes into player projections than just scoring numbers, but at some point production is production. He’s a 6’6 bouncy athlete with ITG range. If you want to tell me there are 40 players in the country better, I’ll listen but at this point, you need to make a good case.
(2) How Good Are Jacob Huggins and Jared McCain?
No clue, but we are going to learn a lot about these freshmen on Saturday. Huggins is a long 6’6 athletic defender whose size and athleticism alone should allow him to see minutes. McCain is a cerebral PG that understands how to pick his spots on both ends of the floor. I will be really intrigued to see how he performs in this setting as he will be taking on a long and athletic Coronado squad.
(3) What’s The Story With Boubacar Coulibaly?
I quadruple checked and Coulibaly is nowhere in our top 250. His film showed that he played for Dream VIsion and was a participant at several top camps. If I get to the gym and he’s actually 6’10, I’m asking questions. He currently holds 6 offers including one from Colorado, he looks like a fluid athlete and bigs are always at a premium, so what am I missing. I’ll let you know on Sunday.
(4) Can Bishop Gorman Take Small Ball To Another Level?
My fact-finding mission about Coulibaly will also double as research on Gorman. With the absence of Max Allen Gorman’s top 7 players are all guards or wings. They are tremendous guards or wings but nontheless this is still basketball, and going up against an opponent with a true 5 will be an interesting test for Taitz, Collins and the rest of the crew. I know they will have a plan of attack, but I still want to see if one of the elite teams in the nation can adjust without any true big on the roster.
(5) What Unknown Player Will Have The Biggest Impact In A Game On Saturday?
Loaded questions, because unknown is a relative turn. However, I’m going with Semaj Threats. He won’t start, but he is going to have plenty of opportunities to leave his imprint on the game. Threats is a relentless defender that can impact the game with his perimeter defense alone. One of the reasons why I choose him is because he is a fearless player with the self confidence to take the big shot if called upon. Etiwanda vs DP may be one of the most competitive games of the day and may come down to a player like Threats coming up huge in big moments.