The discussion among Gopher fans has been….can Malick Kordel start for the Gophers in the post this winter? There is only so much video to watch from Malick this winter playing with the national champions but we picked his three biggest minute games to review for the future!
Vs Gonzaga
offense
- Entered the game with just under six minutes to go
- Runs the floor with effort every time down which is very important, runs fairly well for a 7’2, 255 pound player
- Kordell ball screen completely cleared the pressuring defender allowing an attack and then open passes. One screen opened the whole floor
- Wasn’t in position to grab the o-board but tapped the ball out using his great length to get another possession (for an o-board).
- A clear out deep post screen allowing the Michigan guard to attack and score. We saw Grayson do this a lot this year, kind of like blocking for a running back.
- Another offensive board only this time it was collected. Kordel is just way too big for this Zags defender to stop from going anywhere.
- Lost the ball on the catch on what should have been a lob dunk finish.
- Another tap out for another Michigan possession. That is three times Malick has earned his team a second possession in only four minutes of time.
- Fantastic pass in the high post hitting a cutter for a lay-up. Perfect bounce pass on time in the offense. Wow. Niko Medved will love this highlight.
defense
- Immediately into the game on a foul shot, Kordel made contact and then grabbed a board while off balance and then started the break. That was a sheer size rebound.
- Moved his feet really well right and then left to maintain a blockout as the defender tried to go both directions
- Gonzaga big tried to shoulder Kordel with his body,and just bounced off. Then the player tried a post move into Kordel, and lost his balance for a bad miss. Kordel looks immovable on the block.
- Three minutes into his stint on the floor Kordel does start to look tired and he missed a block out.
Vs Villanova…