T.J.'s Red-White Game Report

The above flyer was distributed to fans in attendance at the Red-White game on Saturday.

Above, another flyer distributed to fans in attendance at the Red-White game on Saturday.

In his third season as a contributing writer to The Cornell Basketball Blog, "T.J." provides an analysis of Saturday's Red-White Game. Below is T.J.'s Report:

The Stage

Saturday's Red-White Game at Newman Arena was actually two separate 20 minute games officiated by referees.

Both games were very entertaining to the fans in attendance. Among those spectators catching the game were former players Brian Kreefer ('09), Jason Battle ('09) and Khaliq Gant ('09). Slope Media and WVBR both provided play by play audio over the internet with Slope also giving fans the video action.

The Red Team was led by Louis Dale, Jeff Foote, Max Groebe and Anthony Gatlin while the White Team featured Ryan Wittman, Alex Tyler, Geoff Reeves, and Chris Wroblewski.

The Red dominated the play of both games. With less than a minute to go in the second game and Red Team leading by double digits, Coach Steve Donahue went over to the scorers' table, changed the score (adding points for the White Team) and set the table for a dramatic finish. Despite the "point boost" however, the Red still held on for its second win of the day.

The Freshmen

Errick Peck, a 6'6" combo forward, stood out among the newcomers in the rookie class. He can drive and score. Peck showed some nifty moves inside including a 360-degree spin in the post, and he really can get up in the air. Peter McMillan , another 6'7" forward showed excellent shooting range as well as the ability to put the ball on the floor. Josh Figini, the 6'9" forward looked good draining a 3-pointer and nearly threw down an alley-oop dunk. Rounding out the class, Eitan Chemerinski , a 6'8" forward, played well in the interior and seems to have strong potential to develop into an inside presence as he matures. Finally, Miles Asafo-Adjei, a 6'2" guard was introduced at the beginning of the game and came onto the floor sporting an ice-pack on his lower back beneath his shirt. He did not play and was sitting out with a minor injury.

Other Newcomers

Among the other new players for Cornell, 6'4" Max Groebe (UMass transfer) was most impressive. His highly anticipated three-point shooting was a bit off (he did bury two from deep), but he can drive and score and handles the ball extremely well for his size at big guard. Any questions about his defense during our off-season banter were answered in this scrimmage. This versatile transfer is good to go on both ends of the floor and will do a lot of damage this year. Anthony Gatlin (Centenary transfer), a 6'8" forward who is sitting out this year to retain two years of eligibility, also was impressive. For a big man, he has excellent ball handling skills and was invaluable against the press. The combination of his athleticism and finesse will serve the Red well when he gets on the floor next year. Our first look at 6'9" Mark Coury (Kentucky transfer) as an active player, unfortunately, was a friendly wave from the bench during the introductions.

Size Matters

In terms of size, showing the most improvement over last year's body types were, in order, Jeff Foote (who no longer looks like a silhouette of the number "1" on his jersey), Alex Hill (who last year was a skinny guy with a boyish face, and now has a wide upper body, a mature face, and a willingness to go to the basket), Alex Tyler (yes, I didn't think it was possible for him to appear any stronger than he did last year either), and finally Ryan Wittman (who began to fill out last year and has only added more muscle this year, gaining more confidence in going to the basket, but without losing that sweet, deep touch).

Foote looked ready to show off his new "guns." Instead of sporting his usual "t-shirt" under his jersey, the big man went with just a game jersey and it was readily apparent just how much bigger and stronger the big fella is this season.

Defense (clap, clap)

The best defender under "7-Foote" tall was, by far, Chris Wroblewski. He showed even more poise on offense than he did last year, but he also gave Louis Dale (who looked like his old self again after a nagging hamstring injury a year ago, a welcome relief) and anyone else he guarded fits. Aaron Osgood played such aggressive defense that he fouled out. He contested everything and often had to deal with Foote.

Making strides

Both Pete Reynolds and Jon Jaques played well, hitting the outside shot consistently and showing good movement throughout the game. I think both seniors can be counted on to contribute significantly this year. Andre Wilkins has retained his "all energy" approach while adding great body control and positioning. Finally, Geoff Reeves and Adam Wire, each seem more confident offensively while providing hustle and speed in all aspects of the game.

T.J.'s All-Ivy

With his new size and improved raw power, Foote is my new favorite for Ivy Player of the Year. Wittman still can drain 'em, and Sweet Lou Dale is the complete player he was before his injury, but I don't know if anyone in the Ivy is going to be able to stop "Big Foote."