Kraziness in the Kennel 2014- What we saw

We didn't get the best seats this year as the lines were longer than usual. I suppose that was to be expected given all the new players and the preseason hype. These are always fun and it’s nice to get a look at the new players but, I can tell you right now you can’t really glean too much from them. It’s hard to get a solid take when you are basically watching a scrimmage/free for all.  That being said… lets take a look.

As I said, the lines were long. It wasn't that I arrived later than usual; it’s just that the lines stretched forever. It was difficult to tell where one started and one ended. But, we eventually made our way in and it was loud. Smoke was everywhere; excitement was in the air as well as the smell of food. Freebies were given out. You could grab magnetic schedules as well as posters and mini-schedules. It was a full house that was packed to the rafters.

The lights were dimmed and player/coach introductions were made to a raucous crowd that appreciated the newly lit party lights and smoke. I would say that Gary Bell received the loudest welcome, followed closely by Pangos, Wiltjer, Sabonis, and Mark Few. (*Wanted to give a shoutout to the new Director of Basketball Operations, John Jakus, who was also announced for the first time. He received a warm round of applause as well. Welcome to G.U. John!)

Then, the three point contest took place. In quite a surprise, the deadly accurate Kyle Wiltjer went out in the first round. After watching his recent UTube video where he hit like 72 of 75 shots from deep I figured he'd run away with it. But, he went out in the first round as Pangos hit 12 of 15 to win it and Bell came in second hitting 11 for 15. 

This was followed by the dunking contest. Nunoz started things off with an under the legs tomahawk jam and the crowd roared. He was followed by Bryan Alberts, Conner Griffin, and Silas Melson. It was a very close competition and everyone did well but, Silas Melson took the crown after he unexpectedly ran off-court and returned to the crowds delight wearing a superman cape (see pics). He then proceeded to flush the winner.

This was followed by a 20 minute scrimmage between red & blue squads. The blue squad led the whole way and won by a score of 42-31.

I will not go into details of every player as this would turn into a book, but I’ll share some thoughts that stood out to me.

What stood out:

Kyle Wilter looked to be the real deal. He led all scorers with 11 points for the blue team. He was aggressive, hit the three, rebounded well and looked like he could be MVP. I was curious if he could bang in the paint, as he has a rep for loitering out by the three point line. Yes, he can.

Domas Sabonis was very impressive as he led the red squad in scoring with 10 points. He looks ready to add significant minutes. He looks much more polished than Karnowski did as a freshman. His engine seemed to never stop. He was very physical and engaged. Great hands, soft stroke, passed out of double teams well. Once he even argued about a call from the referee (see pic) and a minute later was on the floor fighting for a loose ball.

Josh Perkins can pass the rock as advertised. He can put it on the floor and finish in traffic. He looked poised and every bit as good as I’d imagined. He chipped in 8 points but also had 4 fouls.

Silas Melson added in 3 points for the red squad and didn't commit a single foul. Tight handles, finished strong in traffic, very fast and quite an attitude. I mean that in a good way.

Byron Wesley was fun to watch. He added in 9 points for the red team. He looked like a complete player who was able to do everything well. It will be a tough decision as to who will start between him and Dranginis, but they both should get significant minutes. I didn't see him miss a shot. He was all over the floor, fighting for rebounds, and banging away in the paint.

Kevin Pangos & Gary Bell Jr.- both played well, as usual. They have added bulk and muscle. If they can stay injury free I’d expect them both to have very successful senior seasons.

Przemek Karnowski had a good scrimmage with 7 points for the blue team. He looks to have trimmed up even more than last season. He ran the floor better, was very aggressive and for the most part, impenetrable in the paint. I got a chuckle as he demonstrably argued a call with the referee at one point. Once, when he went after a loose ball as several players crashed to the floor in pursuit of it, I was thinking "go easy big fella, it’s just a scrimmage!" There is nobody that will be able to contain him in the WCC.  One thing he still needs to work on is free throw shooting. His first attempt went in off glass and he was clearly aggravated by it. Then, he proceeded to miss his next three attempts.

In conclusion, the game was entertaining and hotly contested. Players were scrambling on the floor after loose balls, while pounding away in the paint. There were turnovers, blocking calls, charging calls, and arguing with the refs. It was sloppy and it seemed like everyone was off at the free-throw line. Overall I was impressed. This is definitely the deepest and most athletic team GU has ever had. I just hope they don’t kill each other in practice before the season starts!

Ok, now for some pics. They're not the best. I’ll make sure to get better seats next time. GO ZAGS!!~