Robert
Well-known member
Although his numbers were basically identical to last year, I noticed some encouraging signs in his game this year.
As the season progressed, it seems like his defensive awareness improved. He is still nowhere near reaching his potential on that side of the ball, but he looked a lot more comfortable this year and, at times, started to show signs of becoming a disruptive off-the-ball defender.
As his awareness improved, so did his rebounding. The last 3 games of the season we finally saw Shaq use his athleticism and length to crash the boards, especially on offense. He grabbed 5, 6, and 7 rebounds his last 3 games and had numerous put-backs late in the season -- several were on key possession late in games.
And as much as we have derided his flat jumper, he really doesn't shoot a bad percentage from mid-range or 3. I thought he looked a little more confident driving to the basket this year and although he was the same old Shaq early, he finally started to get to the rim late in the year.
I really don't know what to expect from Shaq his senior season. I thought he would make a huge leap this year, and he didn't. But at least his progress wasn't completely stagnant. Thoughts, predictions for 2015-16?
As the season progressed, it seems like his defensive awareness improved. He is still nowhere near reaching his potential on that side of the ball, but he looked a lot more comfortable this year and, at times, started to show signs of becoming a disruptive off-the-ball defender.
As his awareness improved, so did his rebounding. The last 3 games of the season we finally saw Shaq use his athleticism and length to crash the boards, especially on offense. He grabbed 5, 6, and 7 rebounds his last 3 games and had numerous put-backs late in the season -- several were on key possession late in games.
And as much as we have derided his flat jumper, he really doesn't shoot a bad percentage from mid-range or 3. I thought he looked a little more confident driving to the basket this year and although he was the same old Shaq early, he finally started to get to the rim late in the year.
I really don't know what to expect from Shaq his senior season. I thought he would make a huge leap this year, and he didn't. But at least his progress wasn't completely stagnant. Thoughts, predictions for 2015-16?