Game 0 Westfield State

[capezona]

Just watched the game on replay. Clergeot was the one who threw the ball hard off a Westfield player to save a possession and McLean was in the fray but it quieted quickly. I was really impressed by Wood in particular. It's great that we have 4 years of him at PG. Of course Pip played like he does. Diallo, Chatman and Laurent played well at times. I'm really excited for this season to get underway. MM is building a really good team.

[UMassFan99]

I'll add in my 2 cents -- though not much to add to what everyone else has said.

I didn't get to see the first half - sounds like the O & D was bad. With that said, I was pretty impressed by their D for the first - let's say - 5-7 minutes of the second half. I was sort of brushing off that success because it was Westfield State - they really did what they should have done (we were clearly the bigger and more athletic team). Rebounding was awful - as has been said. Malik really would have been a solid contributor this year - that Collins kid killed us. We forced a ton of turn-overs but I don't think we can really judge anything based on that given the opponent.

Clearly Pip, JL, Cobb, Pierre, Holloway (if he can stay foul free), and Clergeot will get a lot of run (though he didn't shoot very well yesterday - not sure if that's an issue for him or just a bad game but he looked like he forced shots up in the second half). Wood will likely get decent playing time as well - although it'll be interesting to see how McCall uses the frosh. I like Hayward's shooting but he looked a bit uncomfortable at times in the second half - perhaps because he was playing with frosh and they were all figuring things out - or perhaps it was just the rust. Chatman and Diallo both look like they have great potential (loved the block and put back dunk by Chatman). Not sure what's up with Unique and KTM didn't do much.

Will be super interesting to see how teams adapt from playing presumably a more methodical pace with Holloway in the game to a super fast pace when he's out.

Long and short, love that we had a great tune-up game - can't wait for the first game.

[capezona]

As was said earlier, McLean had a minor injury and was held out most of the game.

[uz2b-len]

So it's hard to figure out where McLean will be in the rotation, given the injury. Otherwise, we saw who are starters will be--pretty much what everyone expected. Clergeot was the first guy off the bench. No surprise there. Then KTM, Diallo, and Wood. I think it's significant that the freshmen got the call ahead of KTM, Hayward, and McClean. If you look at our starting five, Clergeot, and the three freshmen, I think they will get the bulk of the minutes. Hayward knows how to run off a pick and launch a 3pt shot with a good chance of making it. He can also rebound. Not sure what else he can do. When McLean finally got on the floor I could see what a better understanding of the game had than Hayward in terms of knowing where to be for defense and rebounding. I think McLean is a smart guy.

[Jackson96]

I think Unique will see his minutes when we need his run/jump spark. I think Kieran will see his minutes when we need his shooting. Hopefully they will earn more than just that, but not everyone is going to be playing regular minutes.

There's not much question that Pip and Pierre will play the most. I think Laurent, Cobb, Rasheen will be the next group, playing 20+/night. Then I think 5 other guys -- Clergeot, Wood, Diallo, Chatman, Baptiste -- will see regular (say 10+) minutes. Even having 10 regulars is pushing it a bit. I think KTM, Unique and Hayward will see pretty limited minutes. I do hope Hayward's floor game picks up because I like having as much shooting on the floor as possible, especially when Holloway is in the game.

Far cry from last year. Just hope the defensive intensity and defensive rebounding picks up once it all starts for real. Was pretty underwhelming most of this exhibition game. Nice to be able to say that in a 20+ point win (even against an overmatched team) instead of a loss.

[UMassFan99]

∆we're gonna be in a lot of trouble if "Rasheen" is getting a lot of playing time

[MJatUM]

You don't think Coach Davis can hoop!?!?

[Jackson96]

Rasheen
Rashaan
Rayshawn

Yeah I'm all sorts of confused. We should hire former Dukie Roshown McLeod in some sort of capacity.

[Roadtrip]

Coach Davis may be able to hoops some, but I fear his hops is/are lacking.

[69MG]

Rasheen
Rashaan
Rayshawn

Yeah I'm all sorts of confused. We should hire former Dukie Roshown McLeod in some sort of capacity.

If Rashaan played like Rashaun (Freeman) (career 14.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 29.5 minutes) we would probably would have made the NCAA tournament at least one in his career. I'm hoping he gets us 14/8 this year.

[MJatUM]

I think of the 3 numbers you have above, points and rebounds are the most realistic/likely. 30 minutes is almost a guaranteed miss.

[uz2b-len]

I think no one here would disagree. Disappointing.

[Floyd]

I think Rashaun Freeman was one of the more underappreciated big guys to play here. He had a very consistent, productive career. Don't hear much about him. I wish they would bring back former players more to games, and I think many fans would appreciate that as well

[Refuse2Lose83]

Anyone know why Jaylen Franklin wasn't with the team?

[Juice Stand]

I think Rashaun Freeman was one of the more underappreciated big guys to play here. He had a very consistent, productive career. Don't hear much about him. I wish they would bring back former players more to games, and I think many fans would appreciate that as well

Certainly not under appreciated by me. He carried some pretty weak teams on his back at times, and the two headed monster of Freeman and Lasme was incredible to watch.