Whether Hubert Davis’ decision to move Leaky Black and Brady Manek to the starting line up with Armando Bacot, RJ Davis, and Caleb Love was just for one game, or what we should expect this season, it worked! Black’s presence gave the defense the cohesion, and court awareness that was missing from the line up that started the exhibition game against Elizabeth City State University. Meanwhile, Manek was confident and productive on offense, played competent defense, and was steady throughout.
- Every win rates an A, but I have to rate team performance in game 1 against Loyola University-Maryland a B. Think defensive breakdowns in the second half, missed rebounding assignments, and brief periods of back-to-back turnovers. All areas that can be fixed before the next game. Individual ratings:
- Manek – (A) – Steady and confident!
- Bacot – (B) – Good start. Have to recognize how game is being called, and avoid foul trouble as season progresses.
- Black – (B) – Energy! Valuable contribution without needing to be a scorer. The value of his presence on the court may not show in his individual stats, but it will help improve overall team play.
- Love – (B) – Better showing all around. Enough said!
- Davis – (C plus) – Good game. Just good.
- Kerwin Walton – (B) – Strong offensive performance off the bench. Have to be more aware of screens.
- Dawson Garcia – (B) – Liked his offense. How much will defense improve?
- Justin McKoy – (C plus) – Active. Better court awareness. When will the minutes come?
- Anthony Harris – (C) – Need to find a way for him to contribute.
- Dontrez Styles and D’Marco Dunn – Not yet.
