Dishing It Out: What it's like to watch J.J. Caldwell

Walking into the gym at Neal Recreation Center in Bryan, I wasn't sure who J.J. Caldwell was.

I knew his story, which is well worth a look. I knew he was a prized commit for Texas A&M in 2016 and had just signed his letter of intent. I also knew he possessed an incredible game that I couldn't wait to watch in person. I just didn't know which SATCH team member going through warmups on the far end of the court was Caldwell.

Then, shortly after grabbing a rebound, a kid stops and throws the ball with two hands over his head, one hopping it perfectly in step to a teammate halfway towards a layup.

“Oh, so that’s J.J.”

While my initial impression of next year’s potential starting point guard was impressive, he was truly just getting started.

He doesn't shoot much from outside the paint, but honestly, he didn't need to. Instead, Caldwell proved adept at getting himself into the lane and finishing with extreme control. Twice in the first quarter, he took a fast break pass and evaded defenders with in-air body control that’s somewhat reminiscent of Tony Parker.

Fun stuff to watch, but it wasn't until the end of the first quarter when the buzz amongst the crowd finally made total sense.

With the time running down, Caldwell calmly stood outside the three point line until the moment was perfect. Then, almost effortlessly, he drove in for an apparent layup, only to throw the ball up to a breaking teammate for a powerful alley-oop.

It wasn't the kind of thing you just “do” on the fly. This was the type of precision that comes from foreseeing the future, then executing it. That vision will serve A&M well next season and according to Caldwell is something he’s spent a long time developing.

“When I started playing, I didn't really like to shoot the ball,” He said. “So as time went on, I just liked to pass the ball. As I got older and stronger my shot came, but I still like to pass the ball more than anything.”

In the second quarter, as SATCH began to build a double-digit lead over Aggieland Homeschool, Caldwell once again stood just outside the three point line. This time, he thought about throwing a low pass to his right but stopped at the last moment, curled the ball back towards himself, and then fired to a teammate in the left corner. The ensuing three was nothing but net and the Mavericks were on fire.

Through a mixture of layups, floaters and free throws, Caldwell racked up 21 points to go alongside his 10 assists.

“I played pretty well tonight,” Caldwell said. “I dished the ball to everybody and helped everyone get into the game. Really, everybody stepped up in this game and played really well.”

With his SATCH squad nearing the end of its regular season, Saturday’s game was a big one. They had beaten Aggieland Homeschool, one of the best teams in the state, 84-64 a week prior and thus had a target on their back.

After building a 65-44 lead through three quarters, SATCH got the Panthers' best punch in the fourth. With an 8-0 run, the home team clawed their way back into the game, but Caldwell and his teammates proved too strong on their way to an 83-71 victory.

Next time J.J. Caldwell comes to College Station for a basketball game, it will likely be as a member of the Texas A&M Aggies. When asked about what he’s seen from his future team, Caldwell lit up.

“The way they play, it isn't a fast pace, but it’s a pace where everyone gets involved. I like the way they play and the coaches are really good.”

As for how he sees himself fitting in, Caldwell was excited about that aspect, too.

“They won’t really have a point guard next year, so I think me stepping in as the lead point guard will be great. Everybody can touch the ball, everybody can score and be a factor in the game.”

While he wants to work on his jump shot, leadership and conditioning before officially joining the Aggies, it’s pretty clear Caldwell has the type of game A&M fans will love seeing at Reed Arena next season.

I might not have known which player he was the first time I saw him, but trust me, you will.