I sure can't answer what has clicked for them, but I am just glad it did. Still room to grow but by the end of the season they could all gel at just the right time.
Agree BBG , sometimes a kid just needs that moment to realize he is a key part of something great. I think they both are feeling their identity. Will be fun to watch as they evolve. We don't need three great guys in the tournament we need five by season end.
Yeah his D has come into a valuable contribution where before it was non existent it seemed. I saw moments of I've yesterday. His alertness to anticipate Bradens shot missing and race to the basket versus watching the shot was something you just can't teach ...instinct.
IMO,
For Colvin let’s remember he is 19. We have seen the potential in him and he’s had this ability since he showed up. He had some incredible blocks and highlight reel dunks last year. There have been several people that has misread him, he has been reserved and while plays with emotion he doesn’t show it in his face with some people here unfairly questioning his desire or even suggesting he would transfer. Now painter did say he was someone he thought would have a jump. Earlier this year I think painter really challenged him and he did seem to get frustrated. He had to earn his starting spot. And that he did. I think it comes down to playing more minutes and getting used to the speed of the game as again he’s only 19. Ivey was the same way.
good point, alot of guys get caught looking at a shot and not reacting, on Smith's miss I thought his instinct of going to the basket was great
true, it's the players that have been in the system for 3 or 4 yrs that have a career that has been flatlined that concern me
Yes. Rebounding was much better in this tournament. Smith is a natural rebounder with great instincts and with Colvin, Heide, and TKR stepping up and everyone boxing out, I think that the small ball lineup can win the rebounding battle more often than not.
Once Jacobsen is back, would be pretty surprised if Painter doesn't go back to him starting once he's ready. I don't think he likes the small ball.
I think you answered your own question. The switch turned on. I see it at work with new hires. We throw a lot at them, follow up and support them and sometimes someone struggles to hit their efficiency rate. Then one day they get there. They always say they don’t know what happened. Something just clicked.
They put in their time last year, he didn’t start them to start the season and now they’ve earned it. Colvin’s D so much better and they can both stroke the 3 in spurts. Exciting lineup to watch - really enjoying it!
