My breakdown:
Hill - A scoring machine. Moves well without the basketball and can score in almost any way. He's dangerous because he can camp out on the three point line or slash inside and score. Didn't get to see his extended 3-point shooting but I'm betting it's gonna be good. This kid still has a lot of potential that is untapped. Played some good defense. Still not an impact playmaker.
Blair - Showed a nice, quick floater a few times today. Had some good post moves and improved range on the jumpshot. Hit one close to 18-19 feet.
Gist - Same as you have heard. A hustle player that hit the offensive glass hard today. His jumper didn't look terrible but is not effective from range. He might have a chance to make the roster because he is a good plug n play guy. Would not get consistent minutes but might just bring you exactly what you need in one of those games where the energy just isn't there from the regulars.
Gee - I just don't know if this guy is ready to be a solid rotation player. I don't think he is smart enough. He takes bad shots and forces the issue. Sometimes it works for him but in the limited minutes he will see, I just don't see how the positive will outweigh the negative. He will make some plays on the defensive end, just like Pop said he wants from his back-up 3, but his poor offensive decisions will keep him off the floor.
Simmons - Played a little small ball 4. Not horrible. Had a nice pump fake, one dribble step up jump shot that was pretty. Hit a 3. Airballed a 3. I think he will earn the backup 3 minutes. He had a few nice assists and rebounded decently. IMO a sure bet to make the roster.
Penney - This guy can shoot. Didn't get much of a chance in the first half. Didn't get many looks in the second but the shots he did get looked good. Had a great pump fake, one dribble, step back 3 pointer that did everything but go in. I don't know if he makes the team but there is a shot. Everyone know we need shooters and with all the ???'s it would never hurt to have another option.
Anderson - Pop was getting on to him during the perimeter slash n pass drill. Good to see. Does have a pretty jumper. Solid's take pretty much sums it up.
Neal - Jumpshot looked good but didn't fall. Had a couple of nice passes and scored on slashing. Good to see. He is a big question mark for me but if Chip says his shooting is that good, I can only be excited to see what he can bring.
Temple - I don't know if he attempted a shot. I didn't look at the boxscore. He has a pass from me because of how he performed at the end of last year. Fouled Jerrells pretty hard on a one on one fast break.
I'm not going to breakdown any of the regulars because you know what you are going to get when they are healthy.
Things are looking to be exciting for the preseason. Still some spots to be nabbed and a few candidates who are intriguing options.
Here's to another exciting season that is just about underway!![]()

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