MSU fans are given a preview of the team's performance after playing 3 games in Spain, following a period of Moneyball. It is important not to overreact and misinterpret the players' abilities when facing weaker opponents.
During Moneyball, the MSU squad was divided among different teams, with 2 players from MSU on each team. Despite this setup, the top four players on the court in every game were from MSU, leading to inflated statistics due to their dominance. This situation helps assess players' fitness levels and skills while experimenting with new strategies. However, it serves as a reminder not to put too much stock in Moneyball performances, as past years have shown unexpected outcomes like Tum Tum Nairn making 3-pointers and Pierre Brooks scoring 50 points multiple times.
The trip to Spain provides a more reliable assessment of the team's capabilities and current status, potentially confirming or contradicting observations from Moneyball. MSU concluded the Spain tour with a 2-1 record, acknowledging that one game was against notably weaker competition. The opposing teams had limited rosters, with several players resting after participating in the Olympics.
Below are some statistics collected and reflections on the team's performance from the 3-game series.
Booker
Game 1: Scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds with extended playing time.
Game 2: Deliberately played fewer minutes to balance playing time with other players.
Game 3: Recorded 11 points.
Reflection: Observing the lineups at the end of games, Booker was positioned as a center, playing alongside Jeremy Fears, Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and Frankie Fidler as expected. His performance showcased a high ceiling with 21 points and almost a double-double, along with an 11-point contribution against tough opponents. He finished third in points per game (PPG) for the trip.
Kohler
Game 1: Scored 13 points and collected 9 rebounds.
Game 2: Registered 10 points and 3 rebounds against weaker competition.
Game 3: Tallied 13 points against strong opponents.
Reflection: Noting the stat about his four 3-pointers over the three games, if Kohler can consistently contribute offensively and stretch the floor with his shooting range, he could become a valuable player, compensating for any defensive shortcomings. He ranked fourth in PPG for the trip.
Cooper
Game 1: Scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.
Reflection: Despite a strong start in the first game, Cooper's performance declined, averaging only 4.3 PPG throughout the trip. The addition of Zapala to the team was made in the hope that Cooper and Kohler would progress. While Kohler seems to be on the right track, Cooper's development is less promising, raising concerns.
Zapala
Game 2: Scored 10 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
Reflection: Averaging 6.3 PPG for the trip, Zapala may not see significant playing time, but efficiency is key when he is on the court. He exhibits a decent shooting touch, more so than Cooper. If he plays around 10 minutes per game, he must take shots, be strong on the boards, and maintain solid defense.
Carr
Game 2: Scored 20 points and secured five rebounds.
Game 3: Combined well with Booker to pose problems for the opposing team.
Reflection: Averaging 12.7 PPG for the trip, Carr ranked second in team scoring. His athleticism creates challenges for opponents, making him a difficult matchup. His potential position seems to be at the power forward spot. Concerns arise regarding his lack of a reliable jump shot, which may not complement well with Cooper or Zapala.
Fidler
Game 2: Scored 11 points, bouncing back after a poor first game.
Game 3: Notched 18 points.
Reflection: Leading the team in scoring for the trip with an average of 14 PPG, Fidler's performance confirms what was witnessed at Moneyball. Fidler is predicted to be the team's top scorer.
Akins
Game 1: 1 point.
Game 2: 11 points, five rebounds.
Game 3: 16 points.
Opinion: It was worrying to see a senior player have a poor game initially, but he bounced back impressively with two consecutive double-digit performances. Akins ended the trip with an average of 9.3 points, ranking 5th on the team. I remain optimistic about his ability to maintain a scoring average in the low teens.
Holloman
Game 1: Made a 3-pointer.
Opinion: Holloman only averaged 5.7 points per game on the trip and was not among the top 3 scorers in any game according to the MSU site. It is crucial for Tre to elevate his game further to contribute effectively in filling the void left by Walker.
Fears
Game 1: 12 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
Opinion: Fears' performance during this trip should alleviate any concerns regarding his recovery from injury and the team's future at the point guard position. He showcased his skills in fast break situations and executed well in pick-and-roll plays. His average was 6.7 points per game.
Richardson
Game 3: 11 points.
Opinion: Reports suggest that he excelled defensively and in transition. As the probable 5th guard, if he can continue to excel in these areas and complement Fears and Tre off the ball, he should earn playing time. Richardson averaged 8.9 points per game, ranking 6th on the team for the trip.
Teng - Limited information available.
Normand
Game 3: Made two 3-pointers in the final game.
Opinion: Normand's strength lies in his ability to shoot from deep. He needs to be given the opportunity to showcase this skill on the court, but his playing time may be restricted. With Fidler, Akis, and Tre ahead of him at the 2 & 3 positions, minutes will be scarce. The team's strategy seems to favor Carr at the 4 spot over the 3, which could work in Normand's favor. However, competition for playing time will be fierce with players like Teng and Richardson also vying for minutes at the 2 & 3 positions.
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