1/23 Update: Here are the game grades from yesterday's basketball game against Minnesota:
Andy Kowske: A
After a couple of subpar performances, Kowske was outstanding against Minnesota. He hit jumpers. He scored around the basket against a tough defender. He was a shotblocking force. He rebounded. And, perhaps most importantly, he took Pryzbilla out of the game offensively..
Charlie Wills: B
I thought he brought some energy to the court and was a nice spark offensively with 7 points in just 16 minutes.
Roy Boone: B
The outside jumper still wasn't falling (though he did hit one), but he was superb in getting his teammates involved (while remaining under control). I believe that Boone is the best pure passer on the team and when he is creating, he brings such a needed element to the team. Roy chipped in 7 points, 4 assists (to just 1 turnover), a couple of steals, and 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes.
Kirk Penney: C+
Outside shot was inconsistent again and needs to reign in his turnovers, but Penney was an effective offensive option once again, especially via his passing (much like Boone) with 5 assists.
Mike Kelley: A+
Wow! Superb game. 7 of 7 from the field. Broke the game wide open with his defense with 6 stunning steals. Also had a nice 4 to 1 assist to turnover ratio. In addition to the intangibles like leadership, I am amazed at how much Kelley brings to the court and have yet to figure out why he is the target of so many casual fans (who obviously don't really understand the finer points of the game). Yes, he is reluctant to shoot the outside jumper (though he isn't half bad when he does), but the other elements of his game are SO good that he is just a tremendous and highly underrated player.
Jon Bryant: B
For at least one game, the jumper was back.
Mark Vershaw: B
Limited minutes due to the score, but Vershaw played a key role by hitting two three pointers early, pulling Pryzbilla away from the basket and opening things up underneath. If he continues to hit the long jumpers, it is going to really broaden his offensive game (did I say that last game as well?). When in the low post, unable to shoot over Pryzbilla, he looked to distribute the ball (to the tune of 4 assists without a turnover). Didn't do a half bad job on the boards either.
Maurice Linton: C
Played more under control and brought some energy to the offensive glass, keeping a couple of loose balls alive.
Travon Davis: B-
Created some offensive for his teammates without turning the ball over (which is usually about all that really matters when it comes to Davis). Also did a nice job on the boards with 4 in just 10 minutes. I said this on the BadgerBoard last week, but I think Travon is actually a pretty darn good rebounding guard.
Duany Duany: D
Can't shoot free throws at all (1 for 4....under 50% for the year). Still isn't afraid to shoot though.
Julian Swartz: C
Got some extensive action (by his standard) and was active, though it is obvious he was a little uptight. Missed a jumper badly and missed some free throws, but had a nice up and under move around the basket and was open on the postup a few times when his teammates didn't get him the ball. I think he is a player that is going to adjust slowly to the collegiate level, but when he does is going to be a really solid player as I really like the way he handles himself on the court.
Robert Smith: B+
Drained a three and had a rebound.
Erik Faust: C
Typical walk-on in that he is a decent sized kid, but the movement just isn't as smooth as the talented kids. Was physical though and hit a nice little jumper in the lane.
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