I know everyone is pretty fixed on the FB coaching search but here's another report on Marquis Gilstrap ("Strap" is his nickname).
I just returned home from his game tonight. Marquis's team was scheduled to play Seminole CC but that team dropped out of the tourny a few weeks ago. In their place, they played the JUCO equivilant of an "EA Sports" type team made up of a number of former college players. There was talent and size on the other team but with only a few weeks to prepare, they had little chance.
Compaired to the last game I attended, Marquis played much better, particularly on defense. He stuck with his man much better even though the guy he was guarding was much better then the last dude.
For those looking for someone who can attack the rim and elevate, Marquis wont disappoint. On 4 occasions, he made aggressive moves to the hoop, dunking over a guy once. Scored on a lob dunk over a guy. Scored on a great dunk where he left the ground several feet outside on the lane on the left baseline. and finally another dunk over a guy that he just missed.
On the rebounding side, he had a number of physical rebounds even though the other team had an Aaron Agnew type 6-10 300+ guy in the middle who was a former player and coach at Gulf Coast.
I sat closer to the floor this game and paid closer attention to his ball handling. I didn't notice it before but he has very large hands and takes care of the ball well. He seemed to see the floor well and didnt hesitate to distribute the ball when he could have tried to dirve into coverage.
Finally, I sat with a couple guys who played on Marquis's summer team (with him and Brad Reese). I asked them what the best part of his game was and they said creating off the dribble/taking it to the hoop.:yes:
There's another game tomorrow night. Since GCCC was up by 45 with about 15 minutes left in the second half, he only had like 25 minutes tonight.
More to come........
