Thoughtful reflections from Chase at: https://dukeblueplanet.exposure.co/continued-growth
He confirms what I think we all suspected--the strength and speed of the game last year seems to have taken him by surprise (even at an elite high school, it's a difference game than big-time college basketball), and he wasn't ready to quickly adapt:
"The first year of college basketball is a significant adjustment for big guys. There’s just another level of strength you have to have to compete at this level. The speed of the game really increases. You also go from being the best player on the court in high school to a level where everyone is at an elite caliber."
He thinks he is making real progress there this summer, though, and I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do next season (like so many of our guys, he seems to have a great attitude and determination):
"Through all that work, I have no doubt my game has improved in all areas this summer. The biggest thing, though, is confidence. When things get tough, I’ll be able to fall back on the knowledge of how much I’ve been in the gym, how much work I’ve put in this summer. That will carry me through a bad day. With that confidence, I know I’ll always be able to keep pushing forward.
There were times last year when I didn’t feel great. The feeling of not succeeding at the level I expect from myself is not one I want to feel again. By being here this summer and working out every day, putting in extra work, getting stronger, I feel like I’m setting myself up for not just a successful season, but also a successful career."
He confirms what I think we all suspected--the strength and speed of the game last year seems to have taken him by surprise (even at an elite high school, it's a difference game than big-time college basketball), and he wasn't ready to quickly adapt:
"The first year of college basketball is a significant adjustment for big guys. There’s just another level of strength you have to have to compete at this level. The speed of the game really increases. You also go from being the best player on the court in high school to a level where everyone is at an elite caliber."
He thinks he is making real progress there this summer, though, and I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do next season (like so many of our guys, he seems to have a great attitude and determination):
"Through all that work, I have no doubt my game has improved in all areas this summer. The biggest thing, though, is confidence. When things get tough, I’ll be able to fall back on the knowledge of how much I’ve been in the gym, how much work I’ve put in this summer. That will carry me through a bad day. With that confidence, I know I’ll always be able to keep pushing forward.
There were times last year when I didn’t feel great. The feeling of not succeeding at the level I expect from myself is not one I want to feel again. By being here this summer and working out every day, putting in extra work, getting stronger, I feel like I’m setting myself up for not just a successful season, but also a successful career."
