 |
| Davon Reed attempts a layup(Photo Credit: Getty Images) |
Canes Rising Contributor
Tell me if you've heard this story before: Miami narrowly misses out on NCAA Tournament bid, makes it to the NIT, young players emerge late. This season may have ended in a frustrating loss, but this team is on the verge of something special. The 2014-2015 Miami Hurricanes showed us what they could be by defeating Duke and competing against elite teams like Notre Dame and Louisville, but lacked consistency. The expectations will be raised next season, and for good reason.
Final Grades
Sheldon McClellan
(14.5 PPG/4.7RPG/35.8 3P%)
Growth Opportunities--Sheldon's intensity and assertiveness were lacking at times this year, especially late in games. With his outstanding physical attributes, he should be demanding the ball in crucial situations. His handle is also iffy at times, especially when asked to split double teams.
Season Summary--Sheldon McClellan is one of the best athletes Miami has ever had, and he showed it throughout the season as he led the 'Canes in scoring. He was also a factor on the boards, averaging 4.7 rebounds per contest. Coming into the season, he was seen as an athlete who didn't have an overly high basketball IQ, or effective jumpshot. Those two observations proved to be wrong, as McClellan's decision making was significantly better than advertised, and his shooting percentage rose dramatically from his days at Texas. Sheldon is the best player on the team, and has the skills to be an NBA draft pick. Grade: B+
Davon Reed
(8.2 PPG/4.0 RPG/45.7 3P%)
Growth Opportunities--Like Sheldon McClellan, Davon can be a little passive late in games, a perfect example was when Davon passed up an open jumper with the clock running out in Tallahassee. The 'Canes ended up settling for a contested buzzer beater, which didn't fall. Reed has to realize that he should be one of the top 3 scorers on this team, and he can get there by getting to the rim and finishing. Reed struggled to finish at times, especially when roughed up in the lane.
Season Summary--In a season full of comebacks, Davon Reed had the best one of all. He returned early from a knee injury, and emerged as the best perimeter shooter on the team, shooting 45.7% from beyond the arc. Reed is a star in the making, he's versatile as well, running the point on occasion. The area that Reed truly is a standout is defensively, he's the best perimeter defender on the roster. While the last image we had of him this season was getting tagged with an awful foul, that isn't the lasting image we should have of him. Reed is an emerging leader, and the best part about all of this? He's going to be wearing orange and green for the next two years. Grade: B
James Palmer
(3.7PPG/1.4RPG/36.5 3P%)
Growth Opportunities--Palmer may have a high percentage of made threes, but that doesn't make him an effortless sharpshooter. His motion could use some work, it takes far too long for him to gather and shoot. J.P. could also use some work on his handle, every time he takes a dribble, it's a turnover waiting to happen. He tends to look a little awkward in transition, and can be a little careless with passes. Strength and defensive positioning are also areas in which he could stand to improve as well.
Season Summary--While he only averaged 13.3 minutes per game, it's obvious that Miami has a player bursting with potential in James Palmer. He's long, he's athletic, and he isn't afraid to press the tempo. What makes Palmer special is that there's a lot of untapped potential. His shot, while it needs work isn't a complete disaster, and he plays well within the system. He's able to get hot from the field, as evidenced by his season high seventeen point performance against Virginia Tech. His performances early in the season showed what he could be, provided he develops according to schedule. Grade: C+
Posts
