Postgame Takeaways: Brazil 77 Baylor 73

Baylor representing USA falls to Brazil 77-73 in the gold medal game behind a great performance from Brazil's point guard Yago Dos Santos (30 pts; 11 assists; 6 rebounds).  The Bears had 5 players in double figures led by Jalen Bridges 13 points.  

Positives

• Great competition to help develop our team this season.  4 of the 5 games for Baylor (USA) were decided by two possessions or less.  This will prepare our guys for pressure moments during the season.  
• Jalen Bridges had a very efficient game with 13 points on 9 shots.  He chipped in 7 rebounds and had a couple of steals as well.  Things will really open for him when you add Flagler, Cryer and Love to the mix.  
• Invaluable playing time for Dale Bonner who was terrific in this tourney, Dantwan Grimes and Jordan Turner.  These minutes will bring great fruit during the season.  Bonner proved that he will have to be one of the main guys in an 8-9 man rotation this season.  His defense and court presence require it by itself but he’s also improving rapidly on the offensive end.  7 assists and only 1 turnover tonight.  
• Keyonte George is going to have his ups and downs as freshmen do but his ceiling is very high as he demonstrated in the semis against a talented Canadian team.  
• We have 3 guys in addition to Flagler and Cryer (and maybe Love) that can give you end of shot clock buckets in George, Bonner and Grimes.  That is invaluable during a season where so many games are decided by a few possessions.  
• Love the energy from Lohner and Ojianwuna.  They will give Baylor much needed rebounding and toughness in the paint.  We know Thamba brings that to the table.  

Concerns

• Transition defense needs to get better, it will.
• Turnovers (13) in this one were often “passive” turnovers, getting stuck in the air with no plan, lazy passes, loose handles, etc... 
• Can we play two non shooters in today’s basketball?  Probably “yes”, we won a national title doing it with Vital and Thamba/Jon on the court a lot together.  Golden State just won an NBA championship playing Draymond Green significant minutes.  But ideally, you play 4 out and 1 in and the 4 out can all hit 3s.  Lohner’s minutes and effectiveness may depend on becoming a consistent open 3 point maker.  He’s capable.  
• We were not good on inbounds plays on offense or defense.  A function of lack of practice time versus our opponents I am sure.  

Verdict

If this team stays healthy, they should win the Big12 and be one of the favorites to make a Final 4 and win another national title.