We got to watch the Capitol Classic, on tape of course, last night, and maybe
some of you did, too. Knowing how it was supposed to end we got a chance to
watch one of the two things we most wanted to see, which was how Tamir Goodman
performed (the other of course was Andre Sweet, who had a middling game).
Goodman got Co-MVP, as you probably already know, but what you may not have
known is how he took over the game at the end. It was the rarest of things
- a great passing exhibit in an All-Star game. His teammates weren't
expecting presents and at first weren't interested in reciprocating, and then
only when the mood hit. Still, the sentiment spread somewhat, and there were two
or three crisp exchanges at the end, which is what a great passer can do -
elevate it amongst his teammates.
Goodman ended up with 5 assists in the last 7 minutes and two steals. In one
sequence, he stole the ball, got an assist, came back, stole the ball again, and
got another assist. He had another assist lined up but was fouled and got the
points at the line instead of on a breakaway fast break.
The questions about Goodman primarily seem to deal with his athleticism, and
we'd presume the issue there centers more around half court and also defense, because in the open
court, this guy is deadly. He reminds us somewhat of another guy who was said to
be lacking in athleticism, Mike Dunleavy, and somewhat of Brett Nelson.
It's pretty clear to us that he has a keen understanding of geometry and
physics, which most basketball players need. By the way, it bugs us that
basketball players are by and large considered stupid people with physical
gifts. It's demeaning. Some are not academically gifted, and some are not socially gifted,
but every player who is even moderately gifted has an intuitive grasp of
advanced mathematics. You try making smart decisions when guys who are 6-9, 250
and with bad attitudes are running at you. It's really incredibly
difficult. One of the kids coming in who really does understand it is
Andre Barrett, who knows where everyone is at all times, and thus at 5-8 has no
concerns about taking the ball in the lane. Why should he? With his court
awareness he's not going to be surprised.
Anyway, aside from excellent fundamentals, Goodman obviously understands the
game. We're looking forward to his college career with great anticipation.