Life long Boiler fan here. Good luck to you! I don’t know much about the program to be honest, but it seems like you have a solid team this year.
I saw a lot of talk regarding Edey and figured I’d chime in w some analysis from someone who has watched 7/8 of the games.
First, be happy you’re playing us this year and not next. This team is a legit Final Four Contender next year and most of the studs will only be Sophomores then. Ivey, Newman, Gillis, Edey and Morton are all Freshman.
Edey- He’s young, has a ton of potential to be one of the best bigs we’ve ever had. BUT, he’s young - lacks confidence at times, has no mean streak and can disappear in game flow. If he’s on he’s ON. If he’s not he’s not. Not a great defender or rebounder yet. I think the kid is still trying to figure out his body. He was still Physically growing this season (height. Yeah, no shit)
Ivey - Another young one. But this kid will be Carsen Edwards 2.0 and already shows flashes of it. He’s not as good of a pure shooter, but he can completely take over a game at times, plays with a nastiness to him that I love. Not at all dirty, just plays like he’s been caged. And when he decides to penetrate, he WILL get a shot at the rim regardless of how hard he’s fouled.
Good defender, gets out of position due to aggressiveness at times. Decent court vision.
Williams - He’s our stud. Versatile big man that is nearly impossible to guard 1 on 1 in the paint. Shifty feet/hips and a good ball handler down low. Can be contained with help defense, but if Sasha/Wheeler/Newman/Ivey are knocking down shots from the perimeter, Williams might be unstoppable on the offensive end. Competent defender, strong rebounder.
Newman - Another young one who will develop into a special player. Some games he already legitimately looks like the best player on the court. Other times I wonder why he’s even getting minutes. He could put up 28 pts or he may not even score. Who knows. Solid defensively.
Wheeler - 2 years ago, I’d have said he would be the best player on the team by now. He’s not. Decent player from everywhere on the court, but hasn’t developed
Hunter - See Wheeler
Stefanovic/Thompson - Decent Guards who likely won’t light up the box score, but don’t make dumb mistakes and play sufficient D.
Gillis - Stud athlete, build like a man and can play great D. He’ll be really really good in a year or 2 as well, but doesn’t get a ton of minutes to establish any type of rhythm.
Overall, I wasn’t expecting a great year from this young team, but considering our schedule, this team greatly over achieved and has gelled very well late. I think we win by 6-8 pts.