Too bad because other parts of the game are in place, but without height they have no chance to beat athletic elite teams like UConn and UL. Pitt will also be a problem. Shortcomings of the departed and his lack of recruiting have become readily apparent. Deshonte Riley would be a welcome addition.
Yup.
Having ZERO options down low to score really hurts us.
Not having a shot blocker doesn't help our defense.
Looking at Aldrich (now), Swopshire on the UL bench, just to name a few...really makes me wonder what this team would be like with a true, dominant center.
Burke has two main deficiencies: lack of height and absolutely NO post game.
Maybe Riley can bring those two to MU.
Quote from: 77ncaachamps on March 01, 2009, 01:16:09 PM
Yup.
Having ZERO options down low to score really hurts us.
Not having a shot blocker doesn't help our defense.
Looking at Aldrich (now), Swopshire on the UL bench, just to name a few...really makes me wonder what this team would be like with a true, dominant center.
Burke has two main deficiencies: lack of height and absolutely NO post game.
Maybe Riley can bring those two to MU.
Thats why Trevor leaving when he did was huge. The kid had hops that translated into big boards, big putbacks and big shot blocks.
Taller, yes. But also with some serious b-ball experience. MU will be taller with Otule, a project whom many said has been rehabbing all year (Uh???) and McMorrow, whose claim to fame is a hockey player. Hazel is definitely not in the picture now, he was nailed again to bench and even Fulce played 2 minutes. With Riley, at least he has b-ball ability.
I can see why Buzz is recruiting length!
Quote from: mu77vegas on March 01, 2009, 01:37:46 PM
I can see why Buzz is recruiting length!
But we still need to recruit shooters and slashers!
Quote from: mufanatic on March 01, 2009, 01:18:26 PM
Thats why Trevor leaving when he did was huge. The kid had hops that translated into big boards, big putbacks and big shot blocks.
I'll believe in Mbakwe when I see it. He showed me nothing last year, though of course he was injured.
On the larger topic of lack of size, I agree wholeheartedly, because it lowers are margin of error considerably. It seems like over the past four years we have not gotten crucial stops at the end of close games because we could not control the defensive boards on a foul shot or just because the other team got a big rebound even though we had position just because they were way bigger.
I would not like to give up our quickness right now for height. There has to be a little balance. Agreed, we are BEGGING for 1-2 big guys, but we still need the 1-2 quick of the dribble guys on the perimeter.
Quote from: CTWarrior on March 01, 2009, 01:42:13 PM
I'll believe in Mbakwe when I see it. He showed me nothing last year, though of course he was injured.
On the larger topic of lack of size, I agree wholeheartedly, because it lowers are margin of error considerably. It seems like over the past four years we have not gotten crucial stops at the end of close games because we could not control the defensive boards on a foul shot or just because the other team got a big rebound even though we had position just because they were way bigger.
He showed what he was capable of doing against St. Johns last year but much like Buzz doesn't trust his bench, TC wasn't the greatest at using his either.