Mekel Looks Good For First Game

[Sir_ShoxAlot]

Gal Mekel was pretty impressive for his first college game, but there's still a lot of room for improvement. He hit two back-to-back 3s that put it away in the second half, but I noticed that his release was slow, opposite of Ogirri's lightning quick release. I was just wondering what you other guys thought of Mekel, and if he replaces one of the other guards at starting position, who and when?

As a whole, the Shox were sloppy and somewhat unorganized, but hey, who can blame them, its only their first game out there in a while. Once the Shockers get back into a regular flow, I think they're gonna be pretty good.:shockers:

[Aargh]

For his first game as a true Freshman and his first game playing "American" basketball, I think "good" is a conservative description.

6'3", 195 is a BIG PG.

The hype said Mekel could shoot, make unbelievable passes, blow past a defender for a pull-up shot or a drive to the hole. He's done all that in a game situation now. Emporia State doesn't have the speed or athleticism at guard that Valley teams have.

The basic skills and fundamentals are all there. That's unusual for a Fr PG, although Valley teams tend to find that type of player. If Mekel develops the potential that's there, he will be a very special player before he graduates.

An Assistant Coach on the post-game show said Mekel is having some challenges adjusting to "American-style" defense. Said that D is played differently in Europe. Mekel has been playing D that way so long it's instinctive and it will take some time for him to change his patterns, styles and instincts.

[iSASO]

All I will add is "Thanks Coach Spin". Thanks for delivering the 18-year-old who is to many, the face of Israeli basketball, judging by the number of billboards he appeared on over there.

[MikeKennedyRulz]

He looked good offensively, but he needs to get better on defense and I think he will. He made a couple of Freshman type mistakes passing the ball and Turgeon was right there to tell him about it. I was fairly impressed with his game and court presence.