MUScoop

MUScoop => Hangin' at the Al => Topic started by: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:43:30 PM

Title: Take a step back
Post by: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:43:30 PM
I am as thrilled as anyone that Wojo has added Traci Carter to an already really good class.    But before we start mentally hanging banners for next year I would suggest we collectively take a deep breath.   Next year will be better, simply due to size and numbers, but it isn't fair to assume all of the young guys are going to instantly come in and be great from day 1.    IMO, 18 wins is a fair expectation for this team, with the optimistic possibility that everything does gel and MU gets to 20-21 wins.
 What this DOES do is set up '16-'17  as having the potential to be something special.    Next year is going to be another roller coaster, albeit one with a higher ceiling.  
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: brewcity77 on March 10, 2015, 01:47:53 PM
Agreed. The roster as assembled will be better, but we are still losing our leading scorer and two senior starters. I think we will be back in the tourney next year, but it won't quite be banner time yet.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: dgies9156 on March 10, 2015, 01:49:09 PM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:43:30 PM
I am as thrilled as anyone that Wojo has added Traci Carter to an already really good class.    But we start mentally hanging banners for next year I would suggest we collectively take a deep breath.   Next year will be better, simply due to size and numbers, but it isn't fair to assume all of the young guys are going to instantly come in and be great from day 1.    IMO, 18 wins is a fair expectation for this team, with the optimistic possibility that everything does gel and MU gets to 20-21 wins.
  What this DOES do is set up '16-'17  as having the potential to be something special.    Next year is going to be another roller coaster, albeit one with a higher ceiling. 

Tower, I aint hanging any banners either. But after this year -- and last year -- I am excited.

My mind wanders to November 1975, when we played the Russian Silver Medal Olympic Team in Milwaukee. They were a tough bunch of pros and we mauled them. We knew that night as we left the Arena we had something really, really special.

We don't have anything that special -- yet. But those of us who live, eat and breathe Marquette basketball and remember fondly the good ole days of the 1970s, are seeing the beginnings of the something special again. I really view our challenge as twofold. First, can Coach Wojo consistently recruit as he has this year. Second, can we keep him over the long-term.

Time will tell.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:51:44 PM
dgies, I hope you are right.   But it could also be a re-run of KO's first recruiting class with Mac and Key.   They were not good as freshmen but developed into a really good team.    If the team doesn't gel instantly next year, I hope that those of us who live, eat, and breathe MU hoops can be patient with the process.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Dawson Rental on March 10, 2015, 01:54:01 PM
Ahh, you left out an important detail.

(http://photos-ak.sparkpeople.com/nw/5/0/l506371071.jpg)
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: wadesworld on March 10, 2015, 01:55:58 PM
7-10 seed next year.  2-5 seed the year after.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: mu03eng on March 10, 2015, 02:00:56 PM
I get from a self preservation and sanity standpoint wanting to temper expectations but I think we are do for some excitement and enthusiasm for this team next year

I won't predict anything tangible until I see the schedule come out and see at least some Pro-Am action, but gun to my head right now.....we got a tourny team on our hands.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: chapman on March 10, 2015, 02:03:33 PM
Nonsense.  Anything less than 27 wins and the Elite Eight is a terrible underachievement.  The recruiting stars given by the fortunetellers say so.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 02:04:20 PM
We have a tourney team for 15-16?    Not ready to go that far.   Unless you are Kentucky, you can't count on an entire Freshman class contributing.      One senior.   Leading scorer gone.    Pick up a solid graduate transfer, and I will seriously consider jumping on the bandwagon.    As it is, I am still hesitant.  
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Groin_pull on March 10, 2015, 02:12:04 PM
Don't see MU in the tourney next year. On the cusp, but ultimately, comes up short. The year after could be very interesting.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: 79Warrior on March 10, 2015, 02:33:24 PM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 02:04:20 PM
We have a tourney team for 15-16?    Not ready to go that far.   Unless you are Kentucky, you can't count on an entire Freshman class contributing.      One senior.   Leading scorer gone.    Pick up a solid graduate transfer, and I will seriously consider jumping on the bandwagon.    As it is, I am still hesitant.  

This. Better for sure, but lots of young newcomers that may or may not contribute.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 02:43:18 PM
The best part about this class is there are 4 quality players surrounding Ellenson.  It is very doubtful that Henry is back for his sophomore year but Wojo has built a strong foundation regardless.

And before anyone accuses me of putting too much pressure on the young man, below is the top source for NBA Draft info:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/ (http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/)

I'm just planning accordingly, as I would imagine is Wojo.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: T-Bone on March 10, 2015, 02:46:12 PM
I will never step back!
(http://www.gifbin.com/bin/072012/1341857792_base_jumpers_parachute_fails_to_open.gif)

Next year will be fun and frustrating (watching a HUGE chunk of the team learning to play college bball).  I think there's a possibility at making the tournament.  Given a healthy team and we're playing post-season - maybe not NCAA though.
But the year after should be something special.  
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GOO on March 10, 2015, 02:49:59 PM
Going into this season, we had no proven players returning. Again we had not one proven player (maybe Carlino, but he was a high volume shooter who had question marks as to how he'd fit in).

Every position for this years team was at best a question mark as to what we could expect.  We only were decent if players developed at a much faster pace than counterparts at other schools and maxed out their young potential.

For next year, 2015-16, I see the following:

PT:  ? A big question mark.  Probably no worse than going into this year with the Carter commitment, but this is still a question mark until proven otherwise.  Still need a back up or one year transfer here.

2:  + We have what should be a solid starter in Duane.  We loose Carlino, and he will be missed, but with Duane we should be better than coming into this year.  I consider this position a positive for this team and will be a position that on any given night we have the better player at the 2.

3:  ? A big question mark for next year.  Probably Cohen's to lose, but he has to become more dynamic for him to establish himself at this position.  But, we got so little from this position this year (unless you consider Duane to be a 3 at times), that we shouldn't be worse off.  I do not consider Taylor Jr to be a 3 and can't imagine him guarding college 3's in space.  Not sure what will happen here.  Maybe Cohen, JJJ, maybe Cheatam.  

4:  + We have Taylor Jr or Ellenson here.  We will be no worse and probably better. I normally give little credence to freshman, but he will be an exception,  even though Ellenson has not proven a thing at the college level.  But given his skill set, even if he way underperforms, it should be a plus for this team and we should get better production here.  It is a wild card as to how we will rate compared to the competition, but we will be better here than this year or at least not worse.  If Ellenson can play some D and pull his big man outside, it could make our offense a lot more interesting and should be a decent position with him and Taylor.

5 ++ Luke is skilled and can play.  He is proven.  He may not be the second coming, but he is proven and will probably be better next year given his skill set and surrounding players.

I think Duane and Luke give us two very good players.  More than we had coming into this year.   We have three position where I feel pretty good about next year.  If the PT position turns out okay, we will have a solid team.

So, we lose Carlino.  We were a player away from winning 2 or 3 more games (getting us close to .500 in the big east).  If we can get decent point guard play, I suspect that shooting for .500 in conference is doable and will put us near the bubble.  
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: willie warrior on March 10, 2015, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:51:44 PM
dgies, I hope you are right.   But it could also be a re-run of KO's first recruiting class with Mac and Key.   They were not good as freshmen but developed into a really good team.    If the team doesn't gel instantly next year, I hope that those of us who live, eat, and breathe MU hoops can be patient with the process.
That is possible, although this is likely a better class than that O'Neil class. Those guys were good players, but were frosh. And Logterman had to play at PG and really struggled that first year. When he was able to move back to 2G the next year, he really blossomed. These 5 guys will all be frosh, playing in a top conference, so we should not expect a lot their first year. Other than Ellenson and Cheatham, none are ranked that high. On 247:
Ellenson 5 star ranked 12
Cheatham 4 star ranked 73
Heldt  3 star ranked 132
Carter 3 star ranked 157
Anim  3 star ranked 183
Hopefully they can be developed each year.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: mu03eng on March 10, 2015, 03:14:55 PM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 02:04:20 PM
We have a tourney team for 15-16?    Not ready to go that far.   Unless you are Kentucky, you can't count on an entire Freshman class contributing.      One senior.   Leading scorer gone.    Pick up a solid graduate transfer, and I will seriously consider jumping on the bandwagon.    As it is, I am still hesitant.  

Here's what I don't think a lot of people have a way of judging because its never really happened for Marquette.....this is a ridiculously talented incoming class (with probably one more "starter" to come) and there is good talent at critical positions on the roster currently.  This is the most talented recruiting class we've ever had(including Wally), expectations should be high and this is more of a reloading class than a rebuilding class.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: warriorfan 14 on March 10, 2015, 03:26:23 PM
will have to see these guys play in a mu uniform before I get too excited. will be nice to have a full roster next year though
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 03:54:48 PM
Quote from: mu03eng on March 10, 2015, 03:14:55 PM
Here's what I don't think a lot of people have a way of judging because its never really happened for Marquette.....this is a ridiculously talented incoming class (with probably one more "starter" to come) and there is good talent at critical positions on the roster currently.  This is the most talented recruiting class we've ever had(including Wally), expectations should be high and this is more of a reloading class than a rebuilding class.

You are falling into the same trap all of the  "we've-got-7-top-100-players-so-we-should-go-to-the-tourney" folks fell into this season.   At the start of next season, how many players will be on the MU roster who have accomplished anything at the COLLEGE level?    I know that this is a highly ranked class.   Of high schoolers.   They have to show me something at the college level before I buy in.   
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GoldenZebra on March 10, 2015, 03:58:25 PM
Its still going to happen. People are still going to hype the team and then get pissed when it doesnt pan out...
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GOO on March 10, 2015, 04:02:45 PM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 03:54:48 PM
You are falling into the same trap all of the  "we've-got-7-top-100-players-so-we-should-go-to-the-tourney" folks fell into this season.   At the start of next season, how many players will be on the MU roster who have accomplished anything at the COLLEGE level?    I know that this is a highly ranked class.   Of high schoolers.   They have to show me something at the college level before I buy in.  

At least two more proven players than we had going into this year (Duane and Luke). That is a start.

Can Henry Ellenson give us 10 and 6, ore even 8 and 5?  Who knows, but if he is even decent for his rating, that gives us three better players for next year than we had coming into this year.  

But I do agree that looking at ratings is very problematic.  The biggest difference is that last year we knew the limitations of the highly ranked players as we had one year of college evidence.  All but a very few posters (two to be exact) knew that their ratings didn't show what type of college players they were.  

With this years recruits, at least we can have some hope that their ratings will better transfer to the college bottom line.  Or that one or two become solid contributors.   

Anyone know how Wally has looked in practice?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: MU82 on March 10, 2015, 04:08:34 PM
I am excited to have a team that will be more fun to watch and will give us more promise for the future.

If "the future" happens to be before the end of the 2015-16 season, all the better.

Some of us actually are patient, realistic observers.

I am psyched to see the team next season and beyond. Great job by Wojo.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: PGsHeroes32 on March 10, 2015, 04:09:13 PM
I don't think anyone is stepping to far ahead. Just excited that we will compete next year and have something special brewing for 16-17.

Since Ners is gone I can say this without it blowing up.

We are losing 3 guys and gaining 6 at least. We are losing carlino who was nice for us this year but still is what he is...a volume shooter and not much else. The other two you can argue all you want were great guys but we will already be better without them in the lineup.

Duane, Luke and Steve will all be better with the experience and off season. JJJ and Cohen are wild cards.

Henry might score more pts next year than derrick and Juan combined for in their careers. The other guys will contribute with cheatam and carter being key.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Tums Festival on March 10, 2015, 04:14:23 PM
We're going into next year with still a great many variables. Not as many as this season, but things could go a lot of different ways. It seems that the posters on this board that were the most negative were those that way over estimated this year's team and couldn't (or wouldn't) admit it. Without knowing our OOC schedule for next year, trying to predict a win total, and if we'll go dancing, is a shot in the dark.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GOO on March 10, 2015, 04:29:04 PM
Quote from: WolverineWarrior85 on March 10, 2015, 04:14:23 PM
We're going into next year with still a great many variables. Not as many as this season, but things could go a lot of different ways. It seems that the posters on this board that were the most negative were those that way over estimated this year's team and couldn't (or wouldn't) admit it. Without knowing our OOC schedule for next year, trying to predict a win total, and if we'll go dancing, is a shot in the dark.

Totally true.  And, I hope our non-conference schedule is forgiving, to give this team a chance to come together and get some W's.

How about an over seas trip?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: 4everwarriors on March 10, 2015, 04:29:21 PM
Y'all, it's great to get a woody right now. And I'm a huge (see what I did there?) Wojo backer, but remember the cat has tons of playin' time to sell these recruits. If Steve can reel the big fishes when the classes are stacked, then we're goin' Uptown, ai na?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: TAMU, Knower of Ball on March 10, 2015, 04:43:45 PM
We've got three players who I am very comfortable with starting next season: Duane, Henry, Luke

That leaves us with

PG: ?
SG: Duane
SF: ?
PF: Henry
C: Luke

Right now we have 1 player who can truly play the 1...and he's the second lowest ranked freshman in our class. Getting Carter is a great start but unless he is an absolute stud, we need to find a juco or grad transfer to fill in that position.

The SF I'm less worried about. Between Wally, Cohen, Cheatham, JjJ, and Anim we have 5 players who can play the position. Hopefully one of them step up and becomes a consistent starter for us.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: RubyWiscy on March 10, 2015, 04:47:57 PM
Wow! Can't we celebrate and fell good for at least a day before being reminded a glass half full is also half empty? Glad none of you guys are my parent, teacher, coach, girlfriend...
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: willie warrior on March 10, 2015, 04:53:16 PM
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 10, 2015, 04:29:21 PM
Y'all, it's great to get a woody right now. And I'm a huge (see what I did there?) Wojo backer, but remember the cat has tons of playin' time to sell these recruits. If Steve can reel the big fishes when the classes are stacked, then we're goin' Uptown, ai na?
Not sure what you did there. Are you saying you got a huge woody?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: RushmoreAcademy on March 10, 2015, 05:12:18 PM
No steps back. I won't do it. You can't make me.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Loose Cannon on March 10, 2015, 05:38:56 PM


  Hey lets enjoy every sandwich,  these guys didn't just fall in our laps.  Wojo and staff put in much time and hard work getting this done.   Now is the time to celebrate,  there will be plenty of time to hand wring later.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Dawson Rental on March 10, 2015, 05:45:32 PM
Quote from: T-Bone on March 10, 2015, 02:46:12 PM
I will never step back!
(http://www.gifbin.com/bin/072012/1341857792_base_jumpers_parachute_fails_to_open.gif)

There would have to be serious change to my brain chemistry before I could even think of doing that.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: T-Bone on March 10, 2015, 05:53:50 PM
Quote from: LittleWade on March 10, 2015, 05:45:32 PM
There would have to be serious change to my brain chemistry before I could even think of doing that.
Not to mention the change to your brain afterward. How that dude lived is beyond me.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: PGsHeroes32 on March 10, 2015, 06:11:11 PM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 10, 2015, 04:43:45 PM
We've got three players who I am very comfortable with starting next season: Duane, Henry, Luke

That leaves us with

PG: ?
SG: Duane
SF: ?
PF: Henry
C: Luke

Right now we have 1 player who can truly play the 1...and he's the second lowest ranked freshman in our class. Getting Carter is a great start but unless he is an absolute stud, we need to find a juco or grad transfer to fill in that position.

The SF I'm less worried about. Between Wally, Cohen, Cheatham, JjJ, and Anim we have 5 players who can play the position. Hopefully one of them step up and becomes a consistent starter for us.

Ya I'm not too worried about our situation at the 3. While it's not ideal, if no one fully takes the job we can kinda ride the hot hand a bit and with 5 options hopefully someone is feeling good each game. There is also the chance that we roll 3 bigs into the lineup especially if we get a JUCO rebounder.

I'd like a grad transfer to help at PG that's about all that is really needed.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 06:58:59 PM
Quote from: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 02:43:18 PM
The best part about this class is there are 4 quality players surrounding Ellenson.  It is very doubtful that Henry is back for his sophomore year but Wojo has built a strong foundation regardless.

And before anyone accuses me of putting too much pressure on the young man, below is the top source for NBA Draft info:

http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/ (http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2016/)

I'm just planning accordingly, as I would imagine is Wojo.

I think Henry is back his Sophomore year.  The adjustment will be bigger than folks think.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: 4everwarriors on March 10, 2015, 07:23:17 PM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 06:58:59 PM
I think Henry is back his Sophomore year.  The adjustment will be bigger than folks think.


What's the LA word 'bout #5 boltin' for the Association after the season?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: jsglow on March 10, 2015, 07:43:10 PM
In the words of the great QB. R-E-L-A-X.

Parts of this will work out better.  Other parts not so much. Let's enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: patso on March 10, 2015, 07:46:39 PM
Marquette will be a very good tournament team next year with Steve, JJJ, Luke and the great Duane leading the freshmen. I say 1 tourney win.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Stretchdeltsig on March 10, 2015, 07:53:50 PM
Look at the positive.  Wojo has recriuted a lot if height and talent.  Marquette will be a very competitive team next year.  We should be excited.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Frenns Liquor Depot on March 10, 2015, 08:30:53 PM
Quote from: Stretchdeltsig on March 10, 2015, 07:53:50 PM
Look at the positive.  Wojo has recriuted a lot if height and talent.  Marquette will be a very competitive team next year.  We should be excited.

Another way to look at it....its not like our HS retention rate can get worse than Buzz/this year.  Its time to be optimistic again as opposed to hand wringing
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 09:26:40 PM
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 10, 2015, 07:23:17 PM

What's the LA word 'bout #5 boltin' for the Association after the season?

UCLA is barely on the radar this season....apathetic L.A. to be honest with you.  Four McDonald's All Americans and they have struggled for most of the season.  The Kentucky loss and a few others really buried the "faithful".
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: real chili 83 on March 10, 2015, 09:49:21 PM
4 mc doubles with cheese?

Let's hope Wojo gets it figured out. 
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: muwarrior69 on March 10, 2015, 09:55:39 PM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 06:58:59 PM
I think Henry is back his Sophomore year.  The adjustment will be bigger than folks think.

I agree with you. The only positive for next season is will have more players and as much as I admire Derrick other teams won't be able to play 5 on 4 as I believe the others will be better scorers than Derrick. At least I hope so.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: mattyv1908 on March 10, 2015, 10:23:26 PM
I think next year hinges on the development of two returning players:  Taylor and Johnson.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 10:39:44 PM
Quote from: mattyv1908 on March 10, 2015, 10:23:26 PM
I think next year hinges on the development of two returning players:  Taylor and Johnson.

Usually you're only as good as your seniors are or want to be.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: OrangeGreenGolden on March 10, 2015, 10:43:03 PM
Quote from: mattyv1908 on March 10, 2015, 10:23:26 PM
I think next year hinges on the development of two returning players:  Taylor and Johnson.

Agree 100% with this. To much stock is being put into this Freshman class. Great class for the future of the program don't get me wrong, but good teams are built around returning players not incoming freshman. We have seen this recently with higher ranked recruits (other than Ellenson), in Deonte, JJJ, and even Duane as a redshirt and Luke as a sophomore, than we have coming in this year. Lets focus on JJJ and Steve improving instead of Cheatham/Anim or Heldt passing them up. Freshman are FRESHMAN.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 10:44:48 PM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 06:58:59 PM
I think Henry is back his Sophomore year.  The adjustment will be bigger than folks think.


Why in the world should we expect a player with Henry's resume (USA Basketball) who is projected to go 6th, to come back?  
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 10:51:10 PM
Quote from: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 10:44:48 PM

Why in the world should we expect a player with Henry's resume (USA Basketball) who is projected to go 6th, to come back?  

Just my feeling, nothing more.  I think he's here two years.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: VegasWarrior77 on March 10, 2015, 10:52:28 PM
I think Henry and Wally play together for two years.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: MU82 on March 10, 2015, 11:44:22 PM
Quote from: The Lens on March 10, 2015, 10:44:48 PM

Why in the world should we expect a player with Henry's resume (USA Basketball) who is projected to go 6th, to come back?  

Let's see what NBA types are saying about Henry next January or, better yet, a year from right now.

And believe it or not, some guys stay in college because - egads! -- they are enjoying their college experience.

My gut says two years, too.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on March 11, 2015, 07:12:26 AM
The Harrison twins at Kentucky were projected lottery picks before they ever played a game in college.  Two years later, draftexpress.com has Andrew projected to go 51 and Aaron not even drafted in their latest mock.  I'm as excited about Henry as everyone else but let's wait for him to at least arrive on campus before we start planning his departure.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: mu03eng on March 11, 2015, 07:47:05 AM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 03:54:48 PM
You are falling into the same trap all of the  "we've-got-7-top-100-players-so-we-should-go-to-the-tourney" folks fell into this season.   At the start of next season, how many players will be on the MU roster who have accomplished anything at the COLLEGE level?    I know that this is a highly ranked class.   Of high schoolers.   They have to show me something at the college level before I buy in.   

Honestly, I'm not worried about recruiting forecast.  My position is based solely on performance I've seen out of the recruits we have coming in.  I don't look at any of the recruit services or how many stars they have.  Just watching games, highlight videos etc.  From a talent and capability standpoint, this class is the best MU has ever had, I think it's better than the 3 amigos.  Henry will be a great player as a freshman, yes he will have to adjust to the college game, but any issues he will have will be mental not physical.  I also think he will spend more time at the 3 than people think.  I think Haanif will push JjJ very hard in practice, which will benefit both players.

The team has three essential starters on the roster now, Duane, Teve, and Luke.  JjJ could develop into a 4th starter.  We will have depth and more talent, we will have more situational flexibility.  Hell we could play Duane, JjJ, Henry, Teve, and Luke for minutes together and play a 2-3 zone.....it boggles my mind.  This doesn't even account for the possibility of developing Sandy into a good player and a Carlino type from the outside.

I get your point, and my current expectation is based on what I know/see now.  Things can/will change over the summer and I'll adjust my pre-season expectation accordingly...to which I will hold the team to with no room for change.  ;)
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: MUMonster03 on March 11, 2015, 07:59:18 AM
While I understand why a lot of people think we still do not make the tournament next year, if we don't make it I think a lot of people need to tone don their 16-17 excitement. Very rarely do you have a team not make the tournament and then come out the next year and have the type of season/deep tournament run many are hoping for.

With that said if this team is what most of us hope it is I see somewhere in the 18-21 win range which is usually bubble country, a top half finish in the Big East (which if the RPI of the conference is good increases bubble position), and hopefully a bid. A lot will depend on who we schedule and beat in non conference.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: MUMonster03 on March 11, 2015, 08:06:03 AM
And before anyone says UConn they would have made the 13 tournament but were banned from postseason play that year. And Kentucky is a different animal all together with all these one and dones.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: LAMUfan on March 11, 2015, 08:12:21 AM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 09:26:40 PM
UCLA is barely on the radar this season....apathetic L.A. to be honest with you.  Four McDonald's All Americans and they have struggled for most of the season.  The Kentucky loss and a few others really buried the "faithful".

I grew up a few miles from UCLA and was almost unaware that they were still playing basketball.  "faithful" is accurate
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: The Lens on March 11, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
Quote from: Lazars Headband on March 11, 2015, 07:12:26 AM
The Harrison twins at Kentucky were projected lottery picks before they ever played a game in college.  Two years later, draftexpress.com has Andrew projected to go 51 and Aaron not even drafted in their latest mock.  I'm as excited about Henry as everyone else but let's wait for him to at least arrive on campus before we start planning his departure.

I'm not trying to be negative but I really believe if you're not planning for his departure, you're planning to fail.  Wojo has been around One & Dones for the past decade, I would imagine he has a strategy.  As for me, I'm looking at anything past 2016 as some really nice gravy.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on March 11, 2015, 09:09:43 AM
Quote from: The Lens on March 11, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
I'm not trying to be negative but I really believe if you're not planning for his departure, you're planning to fail.  Wojo has been around One & Dones for the past decade, I would imagine he has a strategy.  As for me, I'm looking at anything past 2016 as some really nice gravy.

Wojo definitely needs to have a contingency plan in case HE is one and done.  Need to go all in next year and not bank schollies if that's the case.  But for fans to expect HE to be a one and done savior is setting the bar pretty high, with anything less being a disappointment.  I'm going to let Wojo worry about the what ifs while I take a wait and see approach.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: 4everwarriors on March 11, 2015, 09:11:36 AM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 09:26:40 PM
UCLA is barely on the radar this season....apathetic L.A. to be honest with you.  Four McDonald's All Americans and they have struggled for most of the season.  The Kentucky loss and a few others really buried the "faithful".


He gone
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on March 11, 2015, 09:12:31 AM
Quote from: 4everwarriors on March 11, 2015, 09:11:36 AM

He gone

I have no doubt, but if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it make a sound?
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: ChicosBailBonds on March 11, 2015, 09:13:22 AM
Quote from: The Lens on March 11, 2015, 08:54:39 AM
I'm not trying to be negative but I really believe if you're not planning for his departure, you're planning to fail.  Wojo has been around One & Dones for the past decade, I would imagine he has a strategy.  As for me, I'm looking at anything past 2016 as some really nice gravy.

Of course, you have to plan for players leaving and should recruit accordingly.  Just my gut that he stays two years.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: The Lens on March 11, 2015, 09:27:05 AM
Quote from: Lazars Headband on March 11, 2015, 09:09:43 AM
Wojo definitely needs to have a contingency plan in case HE is one and done.  Need to go all in next year and not bank schollies if that's the case.  But for fans to expect HE to be a one and done savior is setting the bar pretty high, with anything less being a disappointment.  I'm going to let Wojo worry about the what ifs while I take a wait and see approach.

I never said savior. 

Jabari - 1st round loss
Wiggins - 2nd round loss
Vonleh - No post season
Embiid - 2nd round loss

Plenty of guys who didn't move the needle in March and still were top 10 picks.  I guess if I had to pick I bet we're a bubble team and that Henry leaves. 
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Benny B on March 11, 2015, 09:28:39 AM
Quote from: tower912 on March 10, 2015, 01:43:30 PM
But before we start mentally hanging banners for next year I would suggest we collectively take a deep breath.

For some people, the only way to take a deep breath is to hang a mental banner.  Not just in basketball, but in real life.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: JakeBarnes on March 11, 2015, 09:30:48 AM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 11, 2015, 09:12:31 AM
I have no doubt, but if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there, does it make a sound?

Bill Walton makes a lot of sound about how he still hates Ben Howland. Every. Single. Game.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: JakeBarnes on March 11, 2015, 09:59:19 AM
(https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5463a8c8eab8ea486da12570/dirk%20nowitzki%20fadeaway%202%20gif.gif)
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: Juan Anderson's Mixtape on March 11, 2015, 10:00:47 AM
Well done Jake!
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GOO on March 11, 2015, 10:35:05 AM
Quote from: TAMU Eagle on March 10, 2015, 04:43:45 PM
We've got three players who I am very comfortable with starting next season: Duane, Henry, Luke

That leaves us with

PG: ?
SG: Duane
SF: ?
PF: Henry
C: Luke

Right now we have 1 player who can truly play the 1...and he's the second lowest ranked freshman in our class. Getting Carter is a great start but unless he is an absolute stud, we need to find a juco or grad transfer to fill in that position.

The SF I'm less worried about. Between Wally, Cohen, Cheatham, JjJ, and Anim we have 5 players who can play the position. Hopefully one of them step up and becomes a consistent starter for us.

This pretty much sums up my view.  The key will be point guard.  If Carter or someone else (not Duane, we need him at the 2 most of the time) can handle that roll at an average level, we should be in good shape to get to .500 in the BE.  IF Henry turns out to be a stud or IF we have great play at the point, we could be an NCAA team.  We only have a couple of IF's this coming year going into the season.  The point is the biggest IF.  This year we pretty much had IF's at every position going into the season.  We should be better next year.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: GGGG on March 11, 2015, 10:41:36 AM
Quote from: ChicosBailBonds on March 10, 2015, 09:26:40 PM
UCLA is barely on the radar this season....apathetic L.A. to be honest with you.  Four McDonald's All Americans and they have struggled for most of the season.  The Kentucky loss and a few others really buried the "faithful".

Man...who could have predicted that Steve Alford would find a way to be a fringe NCAA team with that loaded roster?


Quote from: JakeBarnes on March 11, 2015, 09:30:48 AM
Bill Walton makes a lot of sound about how he still hates Ben Howland. Every. Single. Game.

The end of Howland's tenure was no doubt a disappointment.  But the guy won there and did it cleanly.

Pretty sure that never happened at UCLA before him.
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: tower912 on March 11, 2015, 10:49:16 AM
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on March 11, 2015, 10:41:36 AM
Man...who could have predicted that Steve Alford would find a way to be a fringe NCAA team with that loaded roster?




Anyone who has ever watched him coach. 
Title: Re: Take a step back
Post by: JakeBarnes on March 11, 2015, 10:50:12 AM
Quote from: tower912 on March 11, 2015, 10:49:16 AM
Anyone who has ever watched him coach. 

At this point, I'm thinking I'm the superior Coach Alford... and all I've ever coached is NCAA 2010 teams on PS3.
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