I do like that McCarthy and Puryear are putting in the extra work, first in the gym last ones out, and that they have become each others support system. That shows great character for both of them.I watched a few of her HS games, and Puryear's as well. They played very weak competition from what I could tell. The games I saw they both looked like they had a good 5 inches or more on everyone. They were doubled alot. I'm sure they both didn't get the best coaching. I've heard they're both in the gym alot(actually the only two I've heard CKG speak about getting extra work in), so no doubt they've both made each other better going 1v1 all the time.
Someone mentioned post players having the most difficult time adjusting to college that first year and not facing other girls their own size on a consistent basis in HS is probably a huge reason for it.
This brings me to Avery Gordon. She might be pretty raw skill wise her first year.. I've only seen one game and a couple highlight clips and I haven't really seen her post someone up and make a move. It's pretty much like you said "throw it up to the biggest girl, and let just turn and score".
My hope is that her ranking and all her offers prove she's more polished and ready to contribute at a higher level than Mccarthy was. It looks like Avery has a softer touch around the rim and is a better FT shooter than Mccarthy but I could be wrong. She does a good job keeping the ball up high on rebs too. Another 2 inches doesn't hurt either.
Anyone else have a better idea on how Gordon might project as an incoming Frosh?
McCarthy played in lesser AAU events, on a team that had very little talent. Her high school team played in the smallest division of ball in New Hampshire and she rarely played against a 6' player. Additionally she played high school volleyball all four years, so she was not getting all the work and reps that an only basketball player gets. Brownsburg is I think 4A(correction provided by Gesysp) in Indiana, so much stronger competition her high school career. She also has been dedicated to only basketball her high school career. Gordon has played with some of the best Indiana players on top rated AAU teams at the elite events. I expect her to be game ready day one, and the presumptive starter as long as she is at Purdue, if she comes still after this disaster of a season.
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