As the 2022-2023 season begins, the men’s basketball team has gotten off to a rough start, failing to win 4 of their last 5 games. However, we have a lot of basketball left this season, and there’s no doubt the guys can turn it around. Here’s the first ever BALM Sports Analysis (BSA): Men’s Basketball
(Note: This article was written on December 15th)
(Note: This article was written on December 15th)
Toxic Turnovers
Part of the reason the boys have had a hard time putting a string of wins together is the high turnover rate. The number of turnovers was at its highest during the first two games against Curie and Kenwood, but Brooks was able to take much better care of the ball against Hyde Park and Lindblom. Continuing to improve at cutting down the turnovers will make it much easier for Brooks to gain an offensive advantage. This alone isn’t going to be enough, but it would be a huge help to get more shot opportunities.
D UP! D UP! D UP!
Brooks is undeniable when it comes to defense. Though the wins haven’t racked up yet, Brooks has put together an impressive defensive highlight reel. There is no shortage of stops, especially for stars Cassell and Larry. Both players have had quite a few blocks and steals already in games against Curie, Hyde Park, and Lindblom, all of which Brooks had a real shot at winning. Additionally, Herman Wilkerson and David Carter are beginning to show their true colors as good defenders. And Brooks doesn’t take their foot off the gas when the starters sit down. Joe Reaves and Rob Frazier are also crucial pieces that provide the team with important stops that keep Brooks within striking distance.
Larry for 3!
Kendall Larry has proven himself to be invaluable on both offense and defense. One of his greatest strengths is his ability to shoot the ball: Larry has hit some impressive shots under pressure and drawn fouls from his defenders with the threat of his perimeter shot. Getting him the ball from 3 will be key in getting something in the win column for the Eagles.
Here Comes Herman!
Herman Wilkerson is definitely a talented player that will become a critical player for Brooks, but it is not yet clear what his role will be on this team. In the small sample size we’ve been given, it looks like we can expect him to transition into becoming another reliable scoring option, as he has demonstrated his quick release on the 3-point shot. Moreover, Wilkerson is showing great levels of promise on defense, as he got numerous defensive stops in the neck-and-neck game at home against Hyde Park.
AJ + Cassell Combo
The talented duo of AJ Vaval and Joaquin Cassell has yet to catch fire this season. Vaval has shown that he can be dangerous with shifty handles that tend to create a lot of separation. At the same time, Joaquin is showing us that he can thrive as a 3-level scorer, being a threat to slash inside for a finish around the cup and create his own shot from mid-range (or the occasional 3-pointer). The highest volume of scoring will come when Brooks’s dynamic duo can put more scoring runs together.
IN CONCLUSION...
Brooks has the ability to go on an impressive win streak once they take the lid off of the rim. This is an excellent defensive team that is simply struggling to find the shots they need. There is certainly no shortage of talent on this year’s men’s team, and it is only a matter of time before the wins come. It’s just taking a while for the Eagles to adjust to the new season, but rest assured that Brooks can and will turn this season around.
andre sutton
