UCONN @Louisville - 1/22/06_Scouting Report

[Roadrunner]

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch UCONN @louisville. Here is my scouting report:

Overall - the score (71-58) didn't really reflect that UCONN was the superior team, and Louisville was in disarray, because there best player, Taq. Dean - PG, wasn't running the offense.

Lousiville-
*Padgett - was a one-man show; 27 points, 8 rebounds; the former transfer from Kansas literally took it to UCONN and easily dominated one of the better (if not best) front lines in America...including Rudy Gay, Hilton Armstrong, and Josh Boone.

UCONN-
*Gay - 12 points, 6 rebounds; though a whoa-ful 30% from the field; at times he looked like the #1 draft pick, but most of the time, he forced his shots.

*Boone - 10 points, 7 rebounds; Padgett dominated him all night, and he looked afraid offensively; it almost seems he is comfortable being a role-player, vs. the main man.

*Williams - 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds; found his shot, but still hasn't run the offense since returning from his suspension.

*Anderson - 10 points, 3 rebounds; instant offense off the bench; could be a "steal" w/ a second round draft pick.

[DERRENMATTS]

Actually, Taquan Dean is more of an offguard who can handle some PG duties, but he's nowhere the player Fransisco Garcia was at the same position. I don't really think he's anything special, but he is a gamer.

Louiseville has a real gem at PF--Juan Palacios. This kid is very much like Antoine Walker, except not as three point happy and doesn't try to do as many things (or force the issue). He's a solidly built 6'9" guy who can move around the court well, dribble the ball when he has to, rebound, score inside and from midrange, and a host of other things. Plays with a lot of energy and plays smart too.