Really bad loss for Rosie/Brunner, but I'm kinda optimistic about the future of Page. Compare him to Avatar's first season and it's night and day. Could easily see him developing into a top-level player.
Id say Ed and Will. I hate the "they just wanted it more" cliche but I think it applies here. Theo/Sean just expected to win and Sean was at his worse, giving up on balls etc, whereas Lochead and Page covered a ton of blocks, were really positive and seemed like they were working harder.
Also why do teams always start on Page? Every time I have seen them play it seems like the other team starts by serving the 7'1 guy, then when they get behind they go to the Kiwi midget who isnt a great jumper. Odd strategy
I would also say the bigger upset is Ed/Will too.
They beat a team that has been together all year. You can go 1st game feeling out for Sean and Theo (even though they just stunk up the court)
Dude has a hella long ways to go to be a top level player. His offense doesn't look good at all.
Part of that is his offense is not what it will be, but part of it is that at 7'1 he is always going to look pretty goofy. I would say he is right there with Crabb and maybe a little above Casebeer in terms of young guys right now. He is so intimidating at the net, has a pretty good serve, and his ball control skills are good for his size.
They've beaten two top 6 seeds so far this year. (Crabb and Allen were the other). Part of that is US mens is not great now, but part is a 7 footer who can tie his shoes is hard to beat. I think if he had a top partner he would be in a final this year, and as it is now I expect he will make a semi.
2020 VT Fantasy Beach Champion, 2021 MBO Fantasy Beach Champion, 2022 VT Fantasy Champion*
That surprised me the most, his offense. But average offense at 7'1, is better than average Offense at 6'4 I guess.
Who do you think is better at the start of 2016, Page or Doherty? Haze you too?
Hmmm.... I'm still going to go Avatar over Page-atar. I think Ryan has come a long way, seems to work at it too.
Page needs to break some bad habits on his approach to get to the next level. Seems like his bump setting is pretty decent, passing is prob. close to Ryan's level right now. Looks like he needs strength training big time. Not sure all this can be done in 6 months.
Page could over take him by the end of 16 though.
** a big component for both is who they get as partner though. They both need better than the currently have.**
Dude has a hella long ways to go to be a top level player. His offense doesn't look good at all.
Obviously there is a learning curve. But he's got decent ball control, a gnarly jump serve, and HE IS 7 FEET TALL. Big guys in their first years out there always look a bit goofy.
Dude has a hella long ways to go to be a top level player. His offense doesn't look good at all.
Obviously there is a learning curve. But he's got decent ball control, a gnarly jump serve, and HE IS 7 FEET TALL. Big guys in their first years out there always look a bit goofy.
Yeah, I know I mentioned some bad things, but TONS of upside. Anything I see bad is easily fixable, and like you said give him a couple years.
I haven't seen much from Page at all. I really don't think he has a game that can compete internationally right now. In what I've seen from him he doesn't earn points as much as he needs too right now. I think that's something DOherty struggles with too other than blocking. I'm not a fan of their type of game at all, but if they can get to a level of getting some podium finishes in the next few years more props to them. I would choose DOherty at the start of 2016 and leave it at that. Page has a lot of time and room for improvement.
I thought Marciniak and Del Sol would really be a good team. Marciniak really struggled, must be adjusting right now. Wonder what happened to Del Sol and Samuels. Really wish Kessel would go back to beach and play with Del Sol again.
Post by JB Southpaw on Aug 7, 2015 15:30:37 GMT -5
I'd really like to see Todd put a 2 month big man camp together and work with about 4-5 young blockers. How to train, how to take advantage of your height, help them understand what a partner playing with a big guy needs & how they can make it easier.