Bloggin' Rick is back, and surprise, he couldn't stay away from the NCAA Tournament (except Indiana-Kentucky).
In his latest post on RickPitino.net, Pitino gives his thoughts on the big dance so far, the teams he's rooting for, and what he thinks might happen from this point forward. Later, he breaks down the areas of improvement for each player on his team as they begin the 2016 offseason.
Deng Adel - long range wing, has all the tools to be a great one. I'm positive he will reach his potential because of his work ethic. Focus: improving his ball handling and passing.
Donovan Mitchell - weighed 210 lbs. this year, way too much for a 6-2 guard. He will get down to 195 and it will make him quicker on defense. Not sure he can jump any higher as is he already a freak athlete. Focus: defense, ball handling, and consistency in his jump shot.
Ray Spalding - like most freshman, he had the tendency to take his eyes off the ball. This led to dropped balls and turnovers. Focus: strength, ball handling and jump shot.
Jaylen Johnson - had an consistent sophomore season. Good at many things, but must become great at two aspects of his game: rebounding and stamina. Focus: getting body fat between 6-7%, improve his jump shot and quickness.
Chinanu Onuaku - outstanding sophomore season. Stamina must get better so he doesn't create foolish fouls. Focus: The NBA is looking for high percent rebounders per minutes played, as well as shot blockers and defensive players — all things he can improve on. Ask Tristan Thompson and Kenneth Faried if they are happy with their paychecks. Focus: becoming great in those areas.
Anas Mahmoud - injury plagued season doesn't diminish the potential of this young man. Has developed into a great post player. Focus: lower body strength, mid-range jump shot. Weight goal is 225 lbs. by September.
Mangok Mathiang - the glue to reaching our potential next year. Physically tough, excellent rebounder and defender. Our leader who's been there and knows what to do. Focus: ball handling, passing and mid-range jumper.
David Levitch - I can count on him in any situation. Valuable asset to our team. Will be counted on next season. Focus: consistent jumper, one-on-one body-to-body moves, defense.
Quentin Snider- had a solid sophomore season. Came a long way in many areas. Really excited with his improvement. Focus: defense, defense and defense. All other areas will improve due to his great work ethic.
Matz Stockman - improved with each week of practice. Focus: must stop beating himself up when he makes a mistake, moves going off his right shoulder, passing and mid-range jumper.
Jay Henderson - valuable asset. Good size and desire to improve. Focus: defense, ball handling and quick release on his jump shot. Excited to have him.
Ryan McMahon - Clever and extremely gifted offensive player with tremendous range on his jump shot. Focus: Because he has not grown, but has a good wingspan, will be forced to play the point. Needs to cut down on turnovers.
Good stuff. Good stuff.
You can read the full post here.
