Yes, I was there. Good event and well attended. From the staff standpoint, Paulsen, the Asst. coaches, Edwards and the Patriot Club staff.
No earth-shattering news. Similar messages to the practice facility ribbon cutting.
Paulsen spoke first about progress of the facilities:
· The immediate benefits of the McKay practice facility for the program (e.g. the players can work on their shots outside of the slotted practice time unhindered by other student programs/events)
· The next stages of bringing the coaches offices, weight room, practice facility, medical treatment and film room under one location. Presently that is spread between field house, new McKay facility, and the Eagle Bank Arena.
Then he spoke about the program itself:
· Focused heavily on long-term foundational build of the program.
· This year’s squad needs to be viewed from the lens of a two-year run. The core eight will all play a ton and are a great group. Believes the chemistry and talent of the eight is very good.
· Someone asked about the starters – he listed the five for Lafayette but hedged that it is subject to change from game to game and week to week.
· Said we will leave Eagle Bank in awe some games and disgust others. He couldn’t be more pumped about Reuter’s transfer and what he will mean to the team next year. But, is a vital practice component challenging our guys and being vocal at practice.
· Question to him about who will be the leading rebounder. Paulsen said it will be a team mindset and all players expected to contribute. All stats tracked at practice – spoke highly of Grayer and said as of now he is not only a shooter but leading the team in rebounding at practice.
· AJ was out for both scrimmages – sounded like health related
· Discussed the scrimmages– some of this was in-side talk with him (he floated around the room after his speech). VA Tech – the boys looked good through the first-half but a more veteran team took it to them in the second half. Freshman looked like freshman and he was pleased with that being a wake-up call. Boyd played very well. Javon was mixed but scored 12 points. Team played much better for the entire 2nd scrimmage. He believed if AJ would have played he would have been a difference maker.
· Two recruits may be signing letters of intent very soon and we will be pleased.
· Spoke with a few behind the scenes staff members. They are all strong believers in DP.
· I won a silent auction for two shirts at bargain prices! And the roast beef with horseradish was phenomenal.
