The Virginia Cavaliers have to be feeling the pressure to secure Dai Dai Ames now that Trent Perry has committed to UCLA. Ames, the transfer from Kansas State, is one of the top players in the transfer portal. It'll be interesting to see how Virginia adjusts their approach to land in Ames.
Eye Test
The 6'1 Dai Dai Ames embodies the archetype of a modern point guard, blending lightning-fast speed with an aggressive mentality on the court. At the heart of Ames' game is his ability to put pressure on the defense. He's constantly in attack mode, whether operating in the half-court set or leading the break in transition. The native Chicagoan can handle the rock with the best of them, enabling him to break down defenders, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. This ability to penetrate the heart of the defense forces opponents to collapse, opening up scoring opportunities for his team.
The adjustment period for Ames could indeed be significant if he chooses to play for Virginia. The Cavaliers are renowned for their deliberate, methodical approach to offense, favoring precision over pace. As a player accustomed to a fast and aggressive style, adapting to Virginia's system might require some flexibility on Ames' part. I have heard of some rumblings that Virginia may be looking to incorporate more of an up-tempo style of play to suit the players coming in next season. That should bode well as a recruiting pitch to Ames.
In essence, this potential symbiotic relationship suggests that Ames could indeed benefit from joining Virginia just as much as the Cavaliers could benefit from having him on their team.
Shooting
Ames' statistics may not have shone brightly this past season at K-State, but there's certainly potential for improvement, particularly in his shooting consistency. With dedicated effort and time invested in refining his skills, he has the capacity to evolve into a more reliable shooter. This potential for growth in his shooting ability is one compelling reason why Ames could greatly benefit from joining Virginia. The Cavaliers' renowned player development could provide him with the structure and guidance needed to refine his shooting technique and become a more consistent threat on offense.
3-point shooting
Dai Dai is an aggressive player, unafraid to take and make big shots from beyond the arc. His confidence is evident in his willingness to shoot without hesitation, a valuable trait for any big time player. However, he does have room for improvement in terms of consistency.
Midrange
Dai Dai showcases his ability as a shot creator off the live dribble, particularly in the midrange area. Here are a few examples illustrating Dai Dai's creativity as a midrange scorer:
Transition Play
Transition is indeed where Ames truly shines, showcasing his speed and explosiveness to become a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, it's also an area where he needs to refine his decision-making. While his ability to push the ball up the floor with lightning speed is impressive, he sometimes falls into the trap of forcing shots that aren't there.
One aspect that stands out is his tendency to shoot 3-pointers in transition, despite not being particularly proficient from beyond the arc. This can disrupt the flow of the offense and lead to missed opportunities for higher percentage shots or better ball movement.
To fully capitalize on his strengths in transition, Ames should focus on improving his shot selection and decision-making in those fast-paced situations. By recognizing when to attack the basket aggressively and when to involve his teammates, he can maximize his impact on the game and become an even more potent offensive threat.
Tony Bennett and his staff have made significant strides in strengthening their roster, securing commitments from a variety of talented players. Among the notable additions are TJ Power from Duke, Elijah Saunders from SDSU, Jalen Warley from FSU, and Carter Lang from Vanderbilt. Adding Ames would be a homerun for the Hoos.
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