As we approach the mid way point of the season, we are grading the performance of our team (thus far) in major categories using grade school metrics. Yes, I know, it’s unfair to grade a young team with a first year head coach but the grade won’t be dependent squarely on the national ranking but also taking in account progress through the season and the ol’ eye test.
Defense (122nd): B-
Have we held our opponents to just 69 points a game? Yes and thats pretty damn good. Games like Wright St. and Penn showed Mason Nation that the Patriots can play some legitimate defense. Holding opponents to some ridiculously low shooting percentages (see Wright St. box score) but has at times been a liability. When Mason needs a big stop or turnover, it’s been difficult to get.
Offense: (325th): C-
New scheme, young players, tough opponents will all play factors in a struggling offense. The National ranking puts us at 325th out of 351 teams. This number is deceiving, due to the slower style of play we typically have lower scoring games but either way, you traditional don’t want to be ranked near the bottom of any category. Have we looked bad offensively? Yes, look at our JMU, VCU, Colgate box scores. The proof is in the pudding, we shot terribly in those games but inconsistency is a trademark of a young team. Look at Mason’s most recent game, we scored 92 points. When a combination of; Moore, Otis, Grayer, Shevon, Abram get hot, watch out.
Rebound (30th): A
Shevon Thompson is ranked 12th in the nation in rebounds…Nuff said. There’s Moore to our rebounding than just Shevon. Our 6′2 PG Marquise Moore is averaging nearly 6 rebounds per game. That’s good for third on the team.
Turnovers (rather not): F
We don’t force many turnovers and we commit way too many. Definitely needs improvement.
3 point % (335th): D
We aren’t shooting the deep ball well, the statistics will prove that but one thing that I’ve noticed is that there are open looks. The shots will eventually fall as our team matures.
Freshmen: B+
Hope. There’s plenty of hope for the future of this program. Otis, Grayer and Abram have already made a name for themselves earning A10 Freshman weekly honors four times already. At times, they’ve been the only source of offense and have stepped up defensively in big games. Outside of few scoring slumps and turnovers (very common with freshmen) you have to think the future is pretty bright with this freshmen class.
Upperclassmen: C+
Moore makes this grade a “C” and Shevon adds the “+.” They have been great but cannot do it on their own. Many were looking to Jenkins, Royal, Holloway to bounce back this year but either due to inconsistency, health or just giving up, our upperclassmen haven’t stepped up like we need them to. Marko could’ve brought the grade up but Patrick Holloway dragged it down.
MVP: Moore