Encouraging exhibition for the Bears last night. Beat Missouri Baptist 93 - 72.
Newcomers looked good. Especially 6'9" Alize Johnson. This kid can really play. He's the most skilled big man I can remember in a bears uniform. He had 26 points and 11 boards. Can hit the three, handle the ball, and is a good rebounder. Plays with intensity on both ends. Rhodes is a 6' 6" forward with three point range. He had 11. Ronnie Rousseau is our new PG. He looked tentative early but seemed to find his confidence late. I think he'll be fine.
Returning players: Ruder is back and he looked good. Hit several shots and looked healthy and confident. Dixon looked great. Hit several jumpers which was the weak part of his game last year. Obi looks bigger and stronger. He and Alize together are really going to be difficult match up for the opposition inside with their size and athleticism. Kreklow played ok.
Downside: Our defense wasn't that good. Intensity was good but too many missed switches and too many open looks for the opposition. MO Baptist was over matched but they had some shooters. Kendrix and Jordan did not play due to "a violation of team rules". Hopefully not too serious. We need Chris.
Overall a very encouraging start.