Utah State stands 2-1 (wins against Idaho State and Texas A&M CC and a loss to St. Mary's) but pre-season MVP fave Preston Medlin is shooting just 42% (50% last season). As a team, the Aggies are at .438%.
On the plus side, center Jarred Shaw is at 54% plus 86% at the foul line. Kyisean Reed has started very strong at 62% shooting.
The rest of the Aggies are subpar in aiming and firing but it is a team with inexperienced newcomers and one in the midst of learning to play together.
+++++
As for 1-3 New Mexico State (losses away from home to Oregon State, Bucknell and Niagara, a victory over SE Louisiana), the southern Aggies are being out-shot .427% to .441% and are sinking just 68% of free throw attempts. Coach Marvin Menzie's crew is also underwater in turnovers, 15.0 to 11.5.
But NMSU is a team in search of an identity, with new players plus returnees asked to play different roles, plus talents transitioning from being secondary defensive targets to foremost ones.That's a whole different level of pressure.
Daniel Mullings has started strong but Bandja Sy is shooting 28% and 17% from the floor respectively plus K. C. Ross-Miller is at 18% overall.
+++++
Denver lost at Iona, fell at home to Cal and handled Texas A&M CC, Currently, the Pioneers are shooting .426% but allowing opponents to make .476% of shot attempts. Coach Joe Scott's squad is also down five in rebounding, 27.7 to 32.7.
These early-on vulnerabilities of the predicted top teams give hope to those consigned to the second division in the WAC pre-season polls. But do remember that conference play is still weeks away and changes, individually and collectively, will occur, both positive and negative in all the conference teams.
visitors
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment