EWU Who?

Hello Followers. Hope you all are having a good start to the week.

Well, tonight was the second night of the 2009-2010 Cougar Hoops season. And you know what that means? It means that it was time to double the season win total for the football team! And so our valiant young lads downed the EMUs from EWU 67-61 to move to TWO and ZERO on the season!!!!!!

Wanna know the six things that Sutra took from this game?

Then read on….

Followers, there was a LOT to like about tonight’s game. Sure, the EWU Emus almost took us down–or at least to OT. But average mid-majors take down schools from major conferences all the time in the preseason, a la Texas A&M Corpus Christi did last Friday against the Beaver Cleavers (and like my second alma mater Miami-Ohio ALMOST did on Monday night to “Coach” Calipari’s ladycats).

Anywho, my “quick six” observations from tonight’s game:

1) Klay Thompson is a future first round draft pick. The only question about Klaymation is whether or not he goes pro after next year (lets hope not). Klay has developed a nice repertoire of cross-overs and off dribble (not off-the-ball) hesitations that provide a nice set-up for his sweet touch. Granted, he started slow and also struggled from the line, but when you saw the confidence in which he hoisted that last three, you’ve got to be pleased. And by the way, 24 points ain’t bad for what was an off night. He might get 40 this year.

2) DeAngelo Casto is the next Reggie Evans—albeit with a low post game.

Followers, Casto has developed into a serious, serious beast. Unfortunately for us, the lack of depth that we have down low will cost him a second team all-conference spot as he wears down as the season progresses. But, in addition to still being SUPER strong on the baseline, Casto has added a couple of nice spin moves around the basket. Further, he is THIS close to mastering that baby hook from the left block. Within the next couple of weeks, you will see him follow through on his motion better when he elevates and then he’ll really start knocking them down. Its just a matter of time—he too looks like he’ll have an NBA career when its all said and done.

3) Reggie Moore is absolutely fabulous. The only caveat to his game is that he is a freshman. As a result, we’re all going to have to suffer through games of bad shots, untimely turn-overs, and stupid reaching fouls. The kid also needs to develop a left hand around the basket. The good news is that all of that will come with time. And when it does, we’ll have an All-American backcourt on our hands. Scary what those two will do. SCARY.

4) We have good depth at spots 1-3. Granted, it will take some time for this group of players to develop and gel. Marcus Capers looks solid and is SUPER long. As we learn how to distribute better off the glass (our first two passes in transition are WAY too slow and poorly spotted), CAPERS will become increasingly effective.

I also really liked the play of Xavier “The River” Thames—whose midrange game will be FANTASTIC in a transition game—and he moves his feet very well. And Hartun also played with great energy–he provided the spark off the bench that we needed to overcome tonight’s slow start.

5) Watson is still elementary. Anyone want to know the key to the season? It’s Mr. James Watson (#14). Although he is still foul prone—and his jumper looks like it was molded by someone specializing in masonry—Watson has quickness, length, hops, and strength. IF Bone gives that kid a lot of time early, I think Watson could add another active defender that could allow our small ball style to really work. Again, if you want to know where to stick the “X” on this year’s team, its squarely on Mr. James. If he can improve to the point where he gives us Casto like minutes (from last year), then we’ll have a real chance to surprise come conference time.

6) The Muppets are ALIVE. Man, I thought I was entertained during the game. And then there was the post-game interview! First, we have Jen Mueller talking about singing Christmas Carols from the plane while landing in Pullman. Then you have our coach, Mr. Ken Bone, answering questions like he was—or is—KERMIT THE FRICKING FROG!!!!!! I mean, I thought Rick Adelman and Rick Mirer had bad cases of Kermititis, but Bone? Wow!

That said, I saw more tonight out of KB (substitute Kermit for Ken) in terms of offensive and defensive wrinkles than I saw out of T-Bone all of last year. Very impressive coach, voice notwithstanding.

My final analysis is that this team is one Ken Critton short of a combination. If we had another 6-8 power ball on the roster, then we might contend for an NCAA birth by the time this whole thing is done. As is, the goal of this team is to get better and see if we can finish with a high enough record to be a CBI type team. All in all, there will be some painful moments with this bunch, but NEXT year we’ll be back to the Big Dance. And the following year? We could be a really special group.

We’re in good hands, folks.  KB is the right man for this group of players.  It will be fun!