by Austin Silvey @SilveyESP
CLEMSON, SC -- Clemson Men’s Basketball played an exhibition game vs Anderson University on Wednesday night in preparation for the new season ahead. Here are some takeaways I got from watching the game in person...
- Aamir Simms is poised to have a big year. Started a little slow in the game but once he settled in there was no answer for him. Level of competition and matchups will dictate how he is used throughout the year but he has the ability to play back-to-the-basket or on the perimeter.
- The freshmen struggled but that’s to be expected. Chase Hunter is a bona fide athlete with a good shot and ability to drive to the basket and make a shot or kick it out. Al-Amir Dawes is simply what a pure point guard looks like. His shot is inconsistent but the potential is there. Good handles and court vision but liable to make mistakes early on due to youth. His defense may prove to be a liability at times but that will improve over time.
- John Newman is the best defender on the team. His athleticism provides the ability to guard multiple positions effectively like a David Skara did, except he may end up being better. Offense is coming along nicely but still improvement to be made.
- Hunter Tyson has a beautiful and pure three-point stroke and will be a key piece in their offense this year. He has gotten stronger and looked more confident and sure of himself then he did at any point and time last season.
- Trey Jemison won‘t be a big contributor offensively but he shouldn’t need to be. He will, however, be a HUGE presence in the paint on defense both figuratively and literally. He is a tough player who, like Tyson, just needed seasoning and time to build up confidence in himself.
- Curran Scott looked like a seasoned veteran as a fifth year senior/grad transfer. Moved the ball well and showed ability to drive to the rim and pull up. Confidence is no issue for him.
- Khavon Moore looks the part but his lack of playing time and true college-level experience showed — which should be no surprise given that he basically didn’t play at all at Texas Tech last year and just got approved by the NCAA to play this year. He will need time to catch up and get acclimated but by ACC play (the main slate of games) I think he will be a consistent contributor.
OTHER NOTES
- Still waiting to hear from NCAA on waiver status for transfer guard Nick Honor.
- Brownell said at ACC Media Day that Jonathan Baehre may be able to go by mid to late December; Clyde Trapp may be good in January at some point.
Comments