Running men

Just got back a bit ago from the Blue Devil run. Some nuggets for you:
Some first notes before I go sit down to write.
I saw Justin Alexander for the first time up close. I thought to myself, really, he's not taller than Ken Horton, who was standing a few feet away. Then I realized that Kenny was standing on the edge of a hill. Alexander also seems to be bonding well right away, laughing with the coaches and having a good time. He strikes me as someone who will be well-liked.
Now the question is, can he play basketball, or is he just very tall?
The freshmen all did well and appear to be in good shape. Howie Dickenman is pleased with the way they're progressing, saying he likes their attitude. The extra practice rules have helped, clearly.
Robby Ptacek and Vince Rosario were held out of the run by the training staff as they ease back in from injuries, neither are expected to miss anything important. Chris Baskerville's groin injury could be more problematic, we'll have to wait and see. But it's still October. There's 4 weeks until the trip to Mohegan Sun. I refuse to get panicky about injuries this early unless someone has a cast or crutches.
Talked to Devan Bailey, who told me he has completely reworked the form on his jump shot. He also wants to be more vocal.
Shemik Thompson is coming off some back soreness, but hasn't had surgery this offseason, which is a plus. He looks like he's still getting over the back a little bit, but he ran, so clearly it's not too bad. He seems to be relishing his role as a senior leader. I expect him to have a really big year.
I talked to Kenny, who reports himself to be in fine health. I was struck by how much older he looks, maybe just because I'm getting old and can remember him as a freshman, when he looked like he was still 12. I wouldn't say he's notably bigger, however.
Joe Efese did appear bigger, I'm going to ask how his offseason went when I get the chance. Kenny assure me he and Joe can play together, and Horton is excited about getting to play more on the wing again.
I'm sure I'm forgetting something. I'll listen to my quotes and have more as we go along here.
Practice starts for real Friday. Then it will be basketball season.