Wanted to get this down before I forgot what I was thinking. I really tried to pay attention to the whole floor and think I was able to do that, even if most of you will believe that I want to see Darko and saw only him.
First of all, the entire team looks to athletic and appear to be in tremendous condition. Everyone looks sleek and no pudge in the whole bunch.
In the game, a four 10 minute quarter affair, everyone was missing easy shots. Just maybe not concentrating or not quite into the rhythm yet. DMC blocked a JMaxx shot, a Ben shot, a Davis shot and also one of Dice's, which was called a foul, but was not. When that foul call was made, Sheed want off like a rocket (smiling all the while, and slammed the ball down so that it rebounded at least 30 feet in the air). Then Dice, Sheed and several others slapped hands with DMC to indicate that it was not a foul.
Ben also got one shot over DMC, a really pretty jump shot. He did not seem to fake him out, but just jumped out of the building to get it off.
Rip was hitting with regularity, Dupree was flying around and was really looking very effective. Sheed was Sheed and Prince was Chauncy, a lot of the time. He played more than a little at the 2. In fact, DMC and Taysh brought the ball up the floor a couple of times.
Not to forget, DMC, he had several really good blocks, was getting to rebounds regularly, passed well, missed a couple of close ones but made some slams and a neat baby hook. He is so quick on his feet that on several occasions darted out to deter a guard and got back to his man so quickly. He swished his free throws effortlessly and hit a couple 3s after the whistle. Didn't attempt any on the clock.
Glinny is very light on his feet, as well, and although he has a really gross free throw shot, they go in. I think he could be good in the future but am afraid he is not going to stick.
Chaunc and Rip looked like they just willed themselves to the right places and Dice looked quite good, too. I don't think any of the rookies made much of a difference, but it is early and after all, only one game.
Not once did Flip jump around or berate anyone. He did not, as far as I could tell, not ask for the phone so he could try to get a better job during the game.
Maybe some could tell me who the short, heavyset, bald guy is that coached the white team. The players were standing righ up against him when he tried to talk and he could not even make any gestures so he had to talk without using his hands.
The white team won handily, mainly with Sheed, Darko, Taysh, Rip, Dos Los,and I can't remember which of the rookies. The blue team had Ben, Chaunce, Davis, Dice, I think Evans. I cannot remember the full two teams.
It was entertaining and although they were not going full out, their pride got them going a little harder at each other than you might think. I was trying to watch everyone so I might have missed, but I believe DMC must have played all but a couple of minutes. He seemed to be on the floor a LOT of the game.
Another surprise on leaving. I got in the car and drove straight out of the parking lot and onto I-75 in about three minutes at most.
Anyway, it was fun and I am wondering if others saw things differently.