Great win for BYU. Florida hung tough but I think Boynton fouling out was just too much to overcome...A couple of observations on some key players in this game:
Jimmer Fredette - First and foremost, he seems like a real good kid which is nice to see...Very aggressive going to the rim and despite not having tremendous quickness and athleticism, he's able to get his shot off going to the basket for the most part...I still question his dribble-drive game at the next level though -- at times he finishes awkwardly, attempting strong-hand scoop-type layups on the wrong side of the glass instead of using his off-hand and he forces the issue a lot (forces awkward attempts over bigger players once the drive's been shut down - it's like he doesn't wanna take no for an answer once he decides to take it to the goal), but hey, right now it's working for him. The rest of his game however looks pretty sound -- adequate handle, good passer, tremendous jumpshooter and FT shooter. Even looks like a halfway decent defender - defense clearly isn't his strong suit (he let Kenny Boynton absolutely run wild on him in the 2nd half and was damn lucky that kid fouled out when he did), but he did manage 2 blocks on Florida jumpshooters down the stretch (one in close, one out on the perimeter) which did impress me... As far as taking the next step to the pro game, you really have to question his overall quickness/athleticism, defense and the slower, awkward manner in which he looks to finish at the rim (as of right now, I don't think he gets half those weak attempts off in close against pro big men, I'm sorry. And he might have trouble even getting that deep against pro guards) and let's be honest, while there are some similarities, he's clearly not on Steve Nash's level, but he can definitely play. Pluses far outweigh any "minuses." I like him....
Michael Loyd Jr. - In my view, as good as Fredette is, Loyd might be BYU's best player. Unstoppable quickness pushing the ball. Pure lightning...There may not be a quicker PG in college basketball today than this dude (or a more exciting one). Doesn't play like your typical Mountain West-type player...Awesome finishing at the rim, even with a little razzle dazzle at times. He was very under control today, connecting on 6 points in a row in the 1st OT to tie the game when the rest of the team, including Fredette, was really struggling. Besides his ridiculous transition drive and finish game, he can also operate well in the half court with his well-above average handle, decision making, passing ability & jumpshot. Only a 60-something % FT shooter but he looked good today - he takes his time and has good form and technique at the line - I see an 80% FT shooter or better eventually...I love this kid's game. To me he's a better version of Darren Collison. In my humble opinion, he's good enough to turn pro right now but if he doesn't and Fredette does, believe it or not, I don't think BYU will suffer all that much with this kid assuming full command next year.
Kenny Boynton - Real nice freshman PG. I caught him a few times during the year, including a recent loss the Gators had at Kentucky. He can play. Quick and can shoot and he gives effort on defense. His numbers during the year were a little underwhelming so he's got some work to do, but he's got great skills. I don't think he comes out yet (who knows though, he can't possibly play that much better than he did today. Who knows what kind of advice he's gonna get now. I could see him testing the waters after this performance)...If he winds up staying, I think come next year at some point, he'll become one of the top PGs in the college game. Donovan found a good one here...
3/18/2010 3:09 PM
