The Bruin basketball season starts tonight with an exhibition game vs. Cal State LA. Here are tips on watch to watch for, and something to expect as a recurring theme throughout the season.
Coach Alford has announced the starting lineup as a back court of Holiday and Hands, with Wilkes as a Wing / SF and a big man duo of Welsh and Goloman. Cody Riley has a slight injury, and will likely be held out in the hope he can play the opener.
1. While Lonzo is moved on to the Lakers (and did you notice how passing has infected that team too), don't expect the Bruin pace to slow. It might even pick up, since a now very quick and deep team can (and will) press on defense.
2. Secondly watch for Goloman and Welsh to shoot behind the line. GG has a very good shot outside the arc, and Thomas has extended his range there. Last year the Bruins were loaded with guards who could fill it up with 3's. That role will not be position oriented this season.
3. Practices have shown Kris Wilkes to be as good as advertised. Like many freshman he may try to hard early, but by the Pac 12 schedule he'll be a critical part of the offense. Different than T.J., but no less a go to guy.
4. Long ago I said that eventually Chris Smith would really surprise people, and not to get caught up in the he'd have to become some type of hybrid PF.
Remember Chris reclassified to enter college early. He should be a HS senior, and is still skinny while growing into his frame. However practice has shown that "eventually" thing is no longer about his being ready to contribute down the line.
The recurring theme we talked about above? People starting to notice Smith's game is starting to explode, and why he wasn't talked about as much Hands and Wilkes from the get go.
Coach Alford has announced the starting lineup as a back court of Holiday and Hands, with Wilkes as a Wing / SF and a big man duo of Welsh and Goloman. Cody Riley has a slight injury, and will likely be held out in the hope he can play the opener.
1. While Lonzo is moved on to the Lakers (and did you notice how passing has infected that team too), don't expect the Bruin pace to slow. It might even pick up, since a now very quick and deep team can (and will) press on defense.
2. Secondly watch for Goloman and Welsh to shoot behind the line. GG has a very good shot outside the arc, and Thomas has extended his range there. Last year the Bruins were loaded with guards who could fill it up with 3's. That role will not be position oriented this season.
3. Practices have shown Kris Wilkes to be as good as advertised. Like many freshman he may try to hard early, but by the Pac 12 schedule he'll be a critical part of the offense. Different than T.J., but no less a go to guy.
4. Long ago I said that eventually Chris Smith would really surprise people, and not to get caught up in the he'd have to become some type of hybrid PF.
Remember Chris reclassified to enter college early. He should be a HS senior, and is still skinny while growing into his frame. However practice has shown that "eventually" thing is no longer about his being ready to contribute down the line.
The recurring theme we talked about above? People starting to notice Smith's game is starting to explode, and why he wasn't talked about as much Hands and Wilkes from the get go.
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