JR23
Years ago
Blitz Day 1 Review
Quick observations from Day 1 on teams and some players.
Townsville - The Syracuse Orange of the NBL - ZONE
Gladness - Will only get better and fairly polished offensively. Shot blocking and length defensively as advertised. Foul prone if you get into his body though.
Conklin - Wont work with Gladness, could see him departing for a more mobile 4 during year.
Steindl & Blanchfield - Nice wing combo who look set to mature with increased opportunities.
Melbourne - Missed Dennis clearly but more concerning is lack of structure still as obvious as last year. Ball on the deck all night and watchers standing around perimeter, especially against zone. Showed a front running mentality and fell apart without any adjustment during entire second half.
McRae - Showed his best and arrogance all in one game. Went individual second half and lost cool when things didn't fall into place.
Kickert - It's the returning Anstey from Europe all over again. Inside/out and didn't force things with McRae's hot hand early - impressive but will need to board harder.
Barlow - Non factor, sat lots early and looked somewhat disinterested at times. Could he be carrying something?
Corletto - Sat late when Crocs settled in the zone, could've spread floor and been more of a factor. Needs to be more aggressive offensively in minutes though.
New Zealand - Much better placed and roster more balanced this campaign.
Wesley - Great find and could be sixth man of the year straight off the bat. More offensive package than Vukona.
Jackson - Just easing in but game changer and played off ball more tonight with Carter's inclusion and contribution.
Ebekwe - Simply a role player, nothing to bring fans to game but nice foil for Pledger.
Webster - Coming off great showing at World Cup, he's taken his game to the next level.
Pledger - He will never reach the heights people expect based on his size. Forget where he's at or coming back from, he had Creek on his back and even Gibson at times and doesn't demand the ball or put himself in a position to overpower inferior match-ups.
Adelaide - Serious concerns about lack of size and loosey goosey offense working this year.
Wilson - Looked like he's over injuries that hampered him last season, had that explosiveness and quick change of direction.
Gibson - Perimeter game has improved, will need to adjust to style of officiating as will Perth in general even more so than last year.
Creek - Can't bully people in NBL like he did in SEABL without perimeter game.
Montreal - Positive start but needs more perimeter touches where he can use his mobility and touch. He and Conklin exchanging teams would be win-win for both parties even this early.
