The Nittany Lion basketball team held their annual Hoops Club open practice this morning for NLHC members and season ticket holders. It was my first look at the 2010-2011 Nittany Lions. The team ran a few fullcourt drills in the beginning, validating that the coaching staff is indeed trying to have the guys push the pace this year. But for the most part of practice, the team scrimmaged so here’s a few thoughts and impressions:
Seniors
- Talor – his shot was off all day and he just looked a step slow. He even tweaked what appeared to be his hip during practice and had to stretch it out. It was kind of worrisome, until after practice he told everyone that he actually has been out the last 5 weeks, and this was his first week back. I forget the actual term he used and I’m not even sure that he knew what it’s called, but basically, they found out his pelvis is misaligned and it was causing him sharp pains up his leg. He said he was going to be fine and he’s taking Calcium D supplements. If anyone can get anything out of that about what the actual condition is, please feel free to clue me in.
- Jeff – I was encouraged with Jeff’s practice. I loved his intensity and he seemed confident and collected. He was making things happen both inside and outside. He was acting like a leader and maybe, just maybe this is the year he can put it together.
- DJ – He seemed to really be taking the coaching staff’s instruction to shoot more to heart. He put up a lot of shots (mostly jumpers from all over the court) during the first run with mixed results. Made a few pull-up midrange jumpers that were pretty. It was the most aggressive I’ve seen DJ play on offense, ever. I don’t think he’s going to be able to post a 57% eFG% if he shoots that much this year.
- Drew – Drew was Drew. He brought the intensity, but he really didn’t make any sort of different impression on me during this practice.
