Montrezl Harrell was a monster starting forward in his first college basketball outing, putting on quite an exhibition in the University of Louisville’s 93-57 exhibition basketball win over Pikeville.
If that’s the way Harrell plays all the time, it could be difficult for anyone to dislodge him from the lineup. His final stats included nine of 11 field goal attempts, 19 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and a steal.
If there were any freshman mistakes, Harrell disguised them well on both ends of the court during his 25 minutes. Adjusting quickly to the bright lights of the KFC Yum! Center, he served notice that he intends to be a major contributor from the start.
Going to be interesting to see how Chane Behanan, the MVP of last season’s NCAA West Regional, responds to the challenge, given Behanan’s celebratory summer months spent elsewhere than in the gym. CB taking note of Harrell’s debut from the benched position during the exhibition.
If the game is any indication, Harrell already plays with high levels of confidence and fluidity that few newcomers have displayed in many seasons at UofL.
Rick Pitino has expressed confidence that Behanan will be back to his old self in a matter of weeks. Whether that former player will be able to replace Harrell will be a topic of considerable debate.
Pitino has sometimes appeared to give preference to veteran players, but he has always been unpredictable as well. The only thing certain is that Behanan has lots of work ahead of him.
I haven’t had the opportunity to see Harrell in our uniform yet, anxious to see play, glad to hear so much good news about him. I’ve seen his high school tapes and image him a monster for us.
Whatever the back story about the suspension and Chane losing the starting role; I hope young Mr. Behanan continues to develop his inner Charles Barkley (the basketball player, not the personality), and if he does, then competing with Harrell will not be in his future, for Chane will be the baddest SF in college ball.
I believe SF is where his professional future lies, and that is where CRP will be grooming his talents.
In my dreams, Montrezl, Gorgui and Chane can dominate the front court in a manner seldom seen at the college level. Chane’s inconsistent shot may be all that is keeping him out of the SF spot already. So, whether such a scenario is in the cards, (pun alert), for this season, time will tell. But, if they stay long enough, remember that you heard it here first.