Team Preview: How Can Cardinal Gibbons Follow Up Historic Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders are no stranger to success from the football field to the basketball court. They are coming off a historic 26-win season, the most in school history and a final four appearance, the first in school history.  Winning the regular season and conference titles was a first in over 40 years. All this success has set the bar high for the future for Cardinal Gibbons basketball and Coach Brooker is ready to show this wasn't a one off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From an offensive perspective, not many schools in the state run better sets than the Crusaders. Even in open gym, Coach Brooker is constantly emphasizing ball movement, cutting, and screening. These aspects of an offense make them extremely tough to deal with, especially with no shot clock. They are veteran led with their top four returnees all being seniors, but the staff is confident in the depth and younger pieces that will step up this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Sharp Shooting Floor General</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2480745"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab2b2308c67d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The reigning conference player of the year returns and is poised for another big year. Ben is a very high IQ guard that is an extension of Coach Brooker on the floor. He understands where everyone is supposed to be and has the playmaking to get his teammates consistent quality looks. The shooting is elite regardless of where he is on the floor. He shot 40% on nearly 150 attempts and did so in a variety of ways. From spot up attempts to off the dribble daggers, Ben was efficient and effective regardless of the action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing for Sw15h Elite, he enjoyed a good summer shooting, but his downhill attacking was more effective. With teams scheming to run him off the three point line, he was able to touch the paint more to put defenses in a frenzy. Despite the size, he's not afraid to challenge shot blockers at the rim. From pull-up jumpers to high arching floaters, Ben has it all when attacking the paint. Having a veteran guard like him to run the show raises the floor of the team. With Ben coming off such a good summer, expect him to raise his play even more this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Shooting Guard Sniper</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3553083"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab2b2308c6b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you think you only have [player_tooltip player_id='2480745' first='Ben' last='Whitney'] to worry about, in steps [player_tooltip player_id='3553083' first='Ty' last='Lange']. Another sniper for the Crusaders who's coming off an excellent junior season. Standing at 6'3, Ty brings the physicality to the Crusaders backcourt. Although he's an excellent outside shooter, he is fearless when attacking the rim. Throughout the season, his ability to put the ball on the floor increased. That allowed him to get to the free-throw line more as well as keep defenses honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coming into his senior year, Ty has a chance to eclipse the 1,000-point total with a big season. He's gotten better each year from an eye test and numbers perspective and is set for yet another leap. A career 40% three-point shooter, he uses his elite off ball movement to free himself up consistently. Always on balance and consistent with his shot mechanics, it's a joy to watch if you love shooting. Rebounding has also been a positive for Ty as he was second on the team with five per game, two of which were on the offensive end. The scouting report may have shooter in all caps, but Ty is much more than that and looks to prove so with a big senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Two-Way Playmaker</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2144768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab2b2308c6d7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The way Walker impacts the game for the Crusaders is special. If it's scoring you need, he can give you 12 points per game. Need a playmaker that can set the table for [player_tooltip player_id='2480745' first='Ben' last='Whitney'], [player_tooltip player_id='3553083' first='Ty' last='Lange'] or [player_tooltip player_id='2974452' first='Whit' last='Gaddy']? He can give you 5 assists per game. On top of the offense, his defensive impact may be the best on the roster. Walker has quick hands, slides his feet well and anticipates plays in the passing lanes before they happen. His ability to turn defense to easy transition layups is one of the best in the conference.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Walker can knock down shots from the perimeter at a high clip, he's more of a mid-range and below the rim finisher compared to his teammates. Sinking nearly 40 threes at a 38% clip is nothing to ignore but when Walker touches the paint, good things happen. He's able to locate shooters on hammer actions as well as make drop off passes to slot cutters. The efficiency from two-point range is absurd at 59%, which further provides context for just how good he is in the mid-range. After nearly tripling his production last year, the stage is set for Walker to elevate even further this year after a successful summer with Team Sw15h.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highlight Reel Freshman</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3730036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab2b2308c6f6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2030 class in North Carolina has a chance to be special. So special that players like Landon are flying under the radar. Coach Brooker is excited about the long-term potential of Landon and expects him to be fighting for a rotation spot. The first thing you notice in a short amount of watching is the supreme athleticism. Landon can jump out of the gym, evidence in the multiple above the rim finishes in the practice I attended.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still a bit raw overall but the underlying tools are there for him to be impactful. With veteran guards all over the roster, his usage rate won't be too high which is perfect in year one. Doing the small things like running the floor, setting good screens and protecting the rim will be what Landon is tasked with doing at a high level. He could get 6-8 points by just rim running and being an athletic finisher, especially in this offense. Expect Landon to be all over social media sooner than later with his highlight reel dunks. As the season progresses, he will continue to develop into a pivotal piece for the Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Game Changing Ex-Factor</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2974452"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ab2b2308c712"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whit is someone who I think will flip several games in a matter of minutes this year as he steps into an even bigger role. The all-conference performer returns after averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds. Don't let the looks deceive you, Whit is an exceptional athlete that can rise and finish at the rim. Contact is not an issue when attacking the rim, neither is which hand he can finish with. Whit can beat a defender off the dribble, stop on a dime and pull up from 12-17 feet consistently, which is evident in his 55% career two-point percentage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Once you get caught up in his mid-range and at the rim finishing, you then realize he's a 37% three-point shooter as well. Although the volume is not as high as others, he's effective when he shoots them. He also is an above average rebounder at his position and is more than capable of being a facilitator of the offense in the halfcourt. The work Whit put in is evident and if you don't believe me, numbers don't lie. As a sophomore, he averaged 3 points and 2 rebounds. Fast forward to this past season and he's an all-conference performer and is coming off a career year at the high school and AAU level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt of the Crusaders is versatile, skilled, and full of shot makers. The continuity is off the charts, and they'll produce night in and night out. The front court is where the most growth will be needed. Landon will alleviate some of that with his athleticism, but the combination of Uriel Musasa and Luke McGowan will be a huge boost for the interior of the Crusaders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Uriel is a big physical presence at 6'7 that can run the floor, rebound, and set hard screens to free up the guards. His constant motor and effort blended with the size allow the Crusaders to compete on the glass and provide rim protection. Luke is a young piece and still putting it together but showed some flashes that could benefit the Crusaders. He has a good feel for the game and is a constant threat on the glass. It might take a few, but I expect him to play a big part in the Crusaders success this year. Not to mention Will Yardley who just might be the best shooter on the team. The depth is certainly there for the Crusaders and with a strong foundation of guards, don't expect anything less than another 20+ win season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The schedule for the Crusaders in the non-conference will be challenging. This is exactly what the staff wants as their end goal is to not only return to the final four but hoist the state championship trophy. The team will be well prepared and equipped with leadership to help propel them through the tough out of conference. Following such a massive year for the Crusaders, the bar has been set and the buy in is there from the staff to the players. All that's left is to go out and prove that they're still one of the best teams in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->