- Mar 27, 2016
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First of all notice the progression Mike White has made this year. He has gone from a guy who can not get in the tourney even with his father on the committee, to a guy who made the tourney but a bad tourney coach to a guy who make the tourney and made a run. His star has really risen.
Now what do we know about him as fans:
1. He seems to be a good talent evaluator. His first UF recruit was Leon and I think Leon was productive beyond expectations and came up big in the tourney. He recruited Barry as a grad transfer and he ended up being a very useful player. Gak and Hester showed promise this year. We of course know nothing of Bassett. Still I think UF fans must be encouraged by White's evaluation of players.
2. White did a good job keeping Allen, Hayes and Stone. But I can not count them towards White's evaluation. We shall see how Hudson works out. It would be nice to see White capitalize on this years success and have a higher rated recruiting class in 2018. Still based on his players so far I trust his talent evaluation and think anyone he signs has a chance to play at UF's current level.
3. As a tactician perhaps White could make more in game adjustments. I am happy he has scrapped his terrible zone press that was eaten up alot his first year. White's teams have continued the solid defense UF played under Donovan. Offensively, a better half court offense would be an area for improvements.
4. White is really pretty good on special plays. He has used creative inbounds plays and UF has scored on a number of them. I think special plays are an area that UF is better in under White than in the recent past.
Donovan certainly grew as a coach at UF and White certainly can grow too. This season was really important for White to establish his credibility as UF's coach and I think he accomplished that.
Now what do we know about him as fans:
1. He seems to be a good talent evaluator. His first UF recruit was Leon and I think Leon was productive beyond expectations and came up big in the tourney. He recruited Barry as a grad transfer and he ended up being a very useful player. Gak and Hester showed promise this year. We of course know nothing of Bassett. Still I think UF fans must be encouraged by White's evaluation of players.
2. White did a good job keeping Allen, Hayes and Stone. But I can not count them towards White's evaluation. We shall see how Hudson works out. It would be nice to see White capitalize on this years success and have a higher rated recruiting class in 2018. Still based on his players so far I trust his talent evaluation and think anyone he signs has a chance to play at UF's current level.
3. As a tactician perhaps White could make more in game adjustments. I am happy he has scrapped his terrible zone press that was eaten up alot his first year. White's teams have continued the solid defense UF played under Donovan. Offensively, a better half court offense would be an area for improvements.
4. White is really pretty good on special plays. He has used creative inbounds plays and UF has scored on a number of them. I think special plays are an area that UF is better in under White than in the recent past.
Donovan certainly grew as a coach at UF and White certainly can grow too. This season was really important for White to establish his credibility as UF's coach and I think he accomplished that.