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In anticipation of the season, I've decided to do strengths/weaknesses/final thoughts on returning Vol players. Just something to talk about. It's basically half scouting report/half stats just to talk basketball during the summer. Let's start with Golden.
Strengths: Trae is a good scorer with the ability to shoot the basketball. His shot line of 43.9/38.8/82.8 is absolutely fantastic, and his eFG% and TS% were both top twenty in the conference, excellent for a guard. He also can shoot the ball in any situation; off screens, pull up, etc. Trae is a good playmaker also who can pass well in transition, averaging 4.5 apg last year, and was second in the conference in ast% at 31.8. Trae is a good pick and roll player, and with his physical strength can finish well when he gets in the paint. He also has a good mid range game (the best on the team) and while is defense isn't great, he does a good job rotating and usually can keep his man in front. Trae also gets to the line at a fantastic clip; he finished seventh in the SEC at Free Throw rate. Trae is a very efficient offensive player that can score the basket, and make plays in transition.
Weaknesses: Trae turned the ball over too much, with almost three a game. His turnover rate was in the bottom twenty five of the league, a little misleading though since he played so many minutes; however it needs to get better. Trae is weak with his left hand, which lets the defense overplay him and rotate easier when he drives. He also lacks elite quickness, which hurts him offensively and defensive; offensively quicker guards can keep him out of the paint and defensively he gets eat up by point guards that have a quick first step. Trae also struggled in the half court in non pick and roll situations, having trouble getting the team into the sets. Trae has improved as a defender, but still is not a consistent defender and was burned multiple times throughout the year. Trae also seems to make easy passes hard at times and can improve his dump passes to the post.
Final Thoughts: Golden is a very solid SEC point guard. His scoring ability makes him a dangerous threat and he is underrated as a playmaker. He can improve his turnovers. He had too many 3+ turnover games, with nine total last year. Trae should be even better next year, and if Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae improve, he could average six assists per game next year. He's a very good shooter and can carry the offense for stretches, and he can score in a variety of ways. He got better at his defense, but still needs to be more consistent. Trae Golden improved immensely last year, and it's not irrational to think he could be 1st team All-SEC next year if he cuts down his turnovers, continues his fantastic shooting, and improves his defense. If he can do better at managing the half-court game, Golden will have a great year. Trae is a good point guard, and since he's only a junior, I expect big things from Trae in 2012-2013.
Strengths: Trae is a good scorer with the ability to shoot the basketball. His shot line of 43.9/38.8/82.8 is absolutely fantastic, and his eFG% and TS% were both top twenty in the conference, excellent for a guard. He also can shoot the ball in any situation; off screens, pull up, etc. Trae is a good playmaker also who can pass well in transition, averaging 4.5 apg last year, and was second in the conference in ast% at 31.8. Trae is a good pick and roll player, and with his physical strength can finish well when he gets in the paint. He also has a good mid range game (the best on the team) and while is defense isn't great, he does a good job rotating and usually can keep his man in front. Trae also gets to the line at a fantastic clip; he finished seventh in the SEC at Free Throw rate. Trae is a very efficient offensive player that can score the basket, and make plays in transition.
Weaknesses: Trae turned the ball over too much, with almost three a game. His turnover rate was in the bottom twenty five of the league, a little misleading though since he played so many minutes; however it needs to get better. Trae is weak with his left hand, which lets the defense overplay him and rotate easier when he drives. He also lacks elite quickness, which hurts him offensively and defensive; offensively quicker guards can keep him out of the paint and defensively he gets eat up by point guards that have a quick first step. Trae also struggled in the half court in non pick and roll situations, having trouble getting the team into the sets. Trae has improved as a defender, but still is not a consistent defender and was burned multiple times throughout the year. Trae also seems to make easy passes hard at times and can improve his dump passes to the post.
Final Thoughts: Golden is a very solid SEC point guard. His scoring ability makes him a dangerous threat and he is underrated as a playmaker. He can improve his turnovers. He had too many 3+ turnover games, with nine total last year. Trae should be even better next year, and if Jarnell Stokes and Jordan McRae improve, he could average six assists per game next year. He's a very good shooter and can carry the offense for stretches, and he can score in a variety of ways. He got better at his defense, but still needs to be more consistent. Trae Golden improved immensely last year, and it's not irrational to think he could be 1st team All-SEC next year if he cuts down his turnovers, continues his fantastic shooting, and improves his defense. If he can do better at managing the half-court game, Golden will have a great year. Trae is a good point guard, and since he's only a junior, I expect big things from Trae in 2012-2013.
