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05-16-2024, 12:16 PM
Will add a lot more detail later tonight or over the weekend, but I really like both Wisconsin's Chucky Hepburn and James Madison's Terrence Edwards. Was a bit surprised by how well Kelsey was doing in the portal initially to be perfectly honest.
05-21-2024, 09:41 AM
So, the two incoming players that I've seen the most of are Chucky Hepburn (lead-guard Wisconsin) and Terrence Edwards (wing) James Madison). Saw a good game and a half worth of the former in March (his last two showings in the Big Ten Tournament); those were two of his highest scoring games on the season though, so maybe I'm jaded.
Saw less of Terrence Edwards (who ironically faced Wisconsin in the NCAA tourney). Sun Belt PotY in '24 and his numbers gradually increased each season. Goes about 6'6, 185 and is pretty fluid. You'd like to see higher percentages from an effectiveness standpoint, but some of that comes with a high usage rate. Could have a better season next year when not asked to do quite as much or may ultimately prove to be too ball-dominant to figure things out on a new squad.
Khani Rooths (F, Michigan decommit). Incoming freshman who reopened after Howard was fired. Listed at 6'8, 205, and comes out of IMG Academy. He is in the 30's to 40's range in most class rankings and is anywhere from the 5th to 7th power forward in his class depending on who you ask. Definitely the highest ranking of anyone on the roster coming out of high school. Primarily looks to drive, catch and shoot is secondary and he doesn't look like he has the quickest or cleanest release, but is capable if he has his feet set and time to get it off. Defensively looks quick enough laterally to switch onto a few different positions and isn't afraid of contact. Biggest contribution on that end will be his ability to block shots, but I wouldn't call him a great leaper as he's more reliant on timing and instincts.
Kasean Pryor (F/C, South Florida) was actually ranked higher than Amari Williams in some lists. Listed at 6'10, 210, but that might be generous on the weight. At his best, he's the ideal type of big for a five-out or run-n-gun system. Sneaky athletic, is actually pretty quick and agile. Won't win games for you on the boards, but shot over 35% from three last season on three attempts per game and was 80%+ from the line. That's definitely the kind of touch that will draw the opposing big out onto him. Poor assist to turnover ratio (nearly 1:1). Will likely be the key to how the Cards fare against lots of opponents next season. He's more of a four/five, but I don't see anyone else on paper who is capable of being an effective five.
I suspect that the above will be their starters or at least make up the core of the team. The next few guys will have roles, but things are a bit more speculative.
J'Vonne Hadley (G, Colorado)-- higher percentages but much lower usage than any of the above. He's listed at 6'6, 205 and is coming off an injury that shelved him for awhile, so he could be a bit of a wild card. Doesn't score a ton, but rebounds well for his position (which you'd expect given his positional size) and has a decent enough assist-to-turnover ratio. Had a nice game in the NCAA Tournament against Florida-- I only caught bits and pieces of that one and segments of their conference tournament run and I don't remember him jumping off the screen.
Aboubacar Traore (F, Long Beach State) is someone who could end up being a big get. Listed at 6'5, 195, but doesn't rebound like it. Not a shooter, only attempted a handful of threes last season and made even fewer; a huge portion of his points are going to come right at the rim. Good assist numbers and is a willing passer who also puts out effort defensively, so you see the fit on a team that wants to play faster than everyone else. He's the kind of player that's easy to like, but at the same time, this is going to be a big jump. You can go through his game logs struggled against better competition; some of that comes with being the best player on a bad team, but not all of it. If he's your 9th+ man, you are probably pretty golden, but I don't know that a forward with his measurables will excel in the ACC.
Koren Johnson (G, Washington) is another Pac-12 addition. He was conference 6th Man of the Year last season. Listed at 6'2, 175, and shot an effective clip from three last season (where his averaged jumped after his freshman campaign). Came on strong to finish last season. Statistically looks like he committed a large amount of fouls for someone who didn't really play tons of minutes. Solid bench piece and I see why they'd like the Junior-to-be in that role.
Reyne Smith (G, Charleston). 6'2, 190, straight shooter. Aussie that's following Kelsey and was one of his early commits. 2nd team all-conference last season. Can't imagine that he doesn't carve out a role, but think of him as much more of a specialist. On tape, looks like he has a way of being creative in getting his shot off, and looks to be more than just a spot-up shooter. Don't know that he'll ever be asked to guard the opposing team's number one option.
Redshirting:
Kobe Rodgers (G, Charleston). 6'3, 180 guard out of Cincy St. X; injured late last season and will likely be using the year to recover.
Aly Khalifa (C, BYU). We probably all know his story. Think he's going to redshirt a year, which probably isn't a bad move.
Overall:
Most of their pieces are obviously there, but they're still a work in progress. Not a lot of size and depth on the interior. Think they add another three/four, and another four/five. You have to imagine they're still in search of a true big, even if it's someone they only plan to use situationally. I get that they want to play like that, but I don't know that what they have is enough to weather injuries, foul trouble, etc., and still be a Top 25 team. As is, they are definitely going to play the three point lottery and will have some games where they shoot (errr.... play) well and beat some good teams, then others where they might have an off-night and take a tough loss.
Saw less of Terrence Edwards (who ironically faced Wisconsin in the NCAA tourney). Sun Belt PotY in '24 and his numbers gradually increased each season. Goes about 6'6, 185 and is pretty fluid. You'd like to see higher percentages from an effectiveness standpoint, but some of that comes with a high usage rate. Could have a better season next year when not asked to do quite as much or may ultimately prove to be too ball-dominant to figure things out on a new squad.
Khani Rooths (F, Michigan decommit). Incoming freshman who reopened after Howard was fired. Listed at 6'8, 205, and comes out of IMG Academy. He is in the 30's to 40's range in most class rankings and is anywhere from the 5th to 7th power forward in his class depending on who you ask. Definitely the highest ranking of anyone on the roster coming out of high school. Primarily looks to drive, catch and shoot is secondary and he doesn't look like he has the quickest or cleanest release, but is capable if he has his feet set and time to get it off. Defensively looks quick enough laterally to switch onto a few different positions and isn't afraid of contact. Biggest contribution on that end will be his ability to block shots, but I wouldn't call him a great leaper as he's more reliant on timing and instincts.
Kasean Pryor (F/C, South Florida) was actually ranked higher than Amari Williams in some lists. Listed at 6'10, 210, but that might be generous on the weight. At his best, he's the ideal type of big for a five-out or run-n-gun system. Sneaky athletic, is actually pretty quick and agile. Won't win games for you on the boards, but shot over 35% from three last season on three attempts per game and was 80%+ from the line. That's definitely the kind of touch that will draw the opposing big out onto him. Poor assist to turnover ratio (nearly 1:1). Will likely be the key to how the Cards fare against lots of opponents next season. He's more of a four/five, but I don't see anyone else on paper who is capable of being an effective five.
I suspect that the above will be their starters or at least make up the core of the team. The next few guys will have roles, but things are a bit more speculative.
J'Vonne Hadley (G, Colorado)-- higher percentages but much lower usage than any of the above. He's listed at 6'6, 205 and is coming off an injury that shelved him for awhile, so he could be a bit of a wild card. Doesn't score a ton, but rebounds well for his position (which you'd expect given his positional size) and has a decent enough assist-to-turnover ratio. Had a nice game in the NCAA Tournament against Florida-- I only caught bits and pieces of that one and segments of their conference tournament run and I don't remember him jumping off the screen.
Aboubacar Traore (F, Long Beach State) is someone who could end up being a big get. Listed at 6'5, 195, but doesn't rebound like it. Not a shooter, only attempted a handful of threes last season and made even fewer; a huge portion of his points are going to come right at the rim. Good assist numbers and is a willing passer who also puts out effort defensively, so you see the fit on a team that wants to play faster than everyone else. He's the kind of player that's easy to like, but at the same time, this is going to be a big jump. You can go through his game logs struggled against better competition; some of that comes with being the best player on a bad team, but not all of it. If he's your 9th+ man, you are probably pretty golden, but I don't know that a forward with his measurables will excel in the ACC.
Koren Johnson (G, Washington) is another Pac-12 addition. He was conference 6th Man of the Year last season. Listed at 6'2, 175, and shot an effective clip from three last season (where his averaged jumped after his freshman campaign). Came on strong to finish last season. Statistically looks like he committed a large amount of fouls for someone who didn't really play tons of minutes. Solid bench piece and I see why they'd like the Junior-to-be in that role.
Reyne Smith (G, Charleston). 6'2, 190, straight shooter. Aussie that's following Kelsey and was one of his early commits. 2nd team all-conference last season. Can't imagine that he doesn't carve out a role, but think of him as much more of a specialist. On tape, looks like he has a way of being creative in getting his shot off, and looks to be more than just a spot-up shooter. Don't know that he'll ever be asked to guard the opposing team's number one option.
Redshirting:
Kobe Rodgers (G, Charleston). 6'3, 180 guard out of Cincy St. X; injured late last season and will likely be using the year to recover.
Aly Khalifa (C, BYU). We probably all know his story. Think he's going to redshirt a year, which probably isn't a bad move.
Overall:
Most of their pieces are obviously there, but they're still a work in progress. Not a lot of size and depth on the interior. Think they add another three/four, and another four/five. You have to imagine they're still in search of a true big, even if it's someone they only plan to use situationally. I get that they want to play like that, but I don't know that what they have is enough to weather injuries, foul trouble, etc., and still be a Top 25 team. As is, they are definitely going to play the three point lottery and will have some games where they shoot (errr.... play) well and beat some good teams, then others where they might have an off-night and take a tough loss.
05-24-2024, 11:15 AM
I love what Pat Kelsey is doing. Good times lie ahead for the cardinals
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