After rewatching the UM game, I am just amazed at how much better Shedrick and Beekman are this year from last. Shedrick in particular is light years better this season. Just a couple quick areas of dramatic improvement:
High hedge- UM game was some of the best high hedge defense in years- on par with Akil. KS has learned to be in a balanced, defensive posture as he attacks the ballhandler- no reaching or upright stance that ballhandler can exploit. He assumes defensive movement posture as he begins to hedge, rather than simply "getting out there" in an unbalanced or overly aggressive manner. Finally, rather than reaching IN, KS is reach OUT and allowing ballhandler to make the mistake of continuing one more dribble right into KS- making his now balanced and long frame/ arms capable of deflection WITHOUT FOULING.
Attacking hoop- much better at catch and going up- not limited to the lob but can now catch bounce pass and attack. The second half drive and bounce to KS in traffic for finish was spectacular.
If Kadin continues with this progress- he will be All ACC and first round NBA next year.
We have all seen and commented on Beekman's progress. One little thing- Beekman is attacking passing lanes more aggressively and successfully. That little disruption has big impact on offenses. NBA scouts are noticing- he is now on first round radar. Only issue is his ankle- hope it heals quickly.
We are winning with the same returning group plus Vander Plas. When McNeeley and Dunn get more comfortable this team will go from NIT quarters to the Final Four, all because of player development.
High hedge- UM game was some of the best high hedge defense in years- on par with Akil. KS has learned to be in a balanced, defensive posture as he attacks the ballhandler- no reaching or upright stance that ballhandler can exploit. He assumes defensive movement posture as he begins to hedge, rather than simply "getting out there" in an unbalanced or overly aggressive manner. Finally, rather than reaching IN, KS is reach OUT and allowing ballhandler to make the mistake of continuing one more dribble right into KS- making his now balanced and long frame/ arms capable of deflection WITHOUT FOULING.
Attacking hoop- much better at catch and going up- not limited to the lob but can now catch bounce pass and attack. The second half drive and bounce to KS in traffic for finish was spectacular.
If Kadin continues with this progress- he will be All ACC and first round NBA next year.
We have all seen and commented on Beekman's progress. One little thing- Beekman is attacking passing lanes more aggressively and successfully. That little disruption has big impact on offenses. NBA scouts are noticing- he is now on first round radar. Only issue is his ankle- hope it heals quickly.
We are winning with the same returning group plus Vander Plas. When McNeeley and Dunn get more comfortable this team will go from NIT quarters to the Final Four, all because of player development.
