The next wave of players focuses on three of our guards:
Steve Riemers
Riemers started the season as probably the last guard picked in the squad, and was expected to provide a bit of defensive toughness and outside shooting. As the season wore on, his gameshape meant that he became one of our more reliable players, playing every game of the season. Riemers was at his best playing in outside or balanced offenses, having two 20+ point games in such offenses. His inability to score in inside offenses is a bit of a concern - as he failed to hit double figures in any game where we went inside. However, he had at least 4 assists in every game bar one, so that is pleasing.
At MVP potential, Riemers will probably never be the first guard picked in the squad. However, his manager's ability to manage gameshape means he is likely to be in the NT for a few more seasons yet.
Key stats: Games played: 9. MPG: 25. PPG: 9. RPG: 2. APG: 5. FG%: 42%. 3PM: 10. Total +/-: +17. Average rating: 19.2
Season grade: B+
Lionel Walker
At 33, Walker entered the season the oldest and most experienced member of the squad. And he received big minutes early in the season, as the side aimed to win the repacharge. As the season wore on, he was phased out of the team in order to give some younger players additional playing time. Walker was solid, without being spectacular - his best game was probably a 14 point effort in the first game of the consolation tourney.
Old Lionel is getting on in years. He's still good enough to make the team, but next season will almost certainly be his last, if he makes the cut.
Key stats: Games played: 4. MPG: 24. PPG: 10.5. RPG: 4. APG: 3. FG%: 45%. 3PM: 4. Total +/-: +32. Average rating: 18.5.
Season grade: B-
Brent Degas
Coming into the season, Degas looked comfortably our best guard, capable of elite scoring and passing. However, one can't help but feel a little underwhelmed by his season, given was he is capable of. Efforts like his 5-10 shooting game against Finland in our crunch repacharge game should be close to the norm for him, however, too often this season we saw performances like his 4-14 performance against Germany. A player of his ability should shoot better than 38% over the season.
While I mark Degas harshly, its only because I think he is capable of producing much more. He's still a huge part of the team going forward.
Key stats: Games played: 5. MPG: 31. PPG: 12. RPG: 1. APG: 5. FG%: 38%. 3PM: 2. Total +/-: +10. Average rating: 18.5.
Season grade: C+