This season is over from a NCAA tournament standpoint. Looking forward to next year, what players on the current roster have an elite skill that gives you hope? I mentioned on another thread that at least 3-4 players (maybe more) on a team need an elite basketball skill to be a potential top 25/tournament team.
Even in their first years at MU, Tyler was an elite passer, Kam demonstrated he could be an elite scorer (demonstrated multiple ways to score), Oso, for a big man, had elite athleticism and was an over the rim player, Stevie showed elite defensive instincts. Justin Lewis, strength and athleticism Etc.
Going into next year, what elite skills can Shaka rely on as a base for optimism?
On the previous thread I mentioned that Nigel James is an elite ball handler which is a very good trait for a point guard. But that's all I could think of which leads to concern about legitimate hope for next year.
I'd like to know other scoopers opinions on what other elite skills on this current team give you hope for next year. It could be the same player with multiple elite skills.
Quote from: Shooter McGavin on January 02, 2026, 10:51:52 PMGoing into next year, what elite skills can Shaka rely on as a base for optimism?
Layups.
Edit: I skimmed and misread — thought you were asking what elite skills you'd like to see next year (that we don't already have). As for a serious answer, although we still have yet to see Miletic and Walker play, I'd like to believe we have some sharpshooters in the younger guys, such as Philips. Things could get a lot more interesting if that ends up being a trio of guys who we can actually count on from deep.
Quote from: K1 Lover on January 02, 2026, 11:01:00 PMLayups.
Ha! Not worst skills in the NCAA. Elite on the positive side of the ledger.
Projecting out of hope and desperation:
Nigel shows some promise getting to the hoop and finishing amongst the trees. Always have the most respect for guys in the 6'0 range or under because scoring takes more skill.
Hoping Sheek can be a true threat to score down low. Seems more like a rim runner/shot blocker from my somewhat limited knowledge. The bar is low compared to what we've been working with. Speaking of bigs if Clark could be what Kuath was for a year that would be good enough.
Agree with k1 if even 2 of those players can be knock down three point shooters that would be big. If Stevens becomes 75% of Stevie at the end of his time I'd be thrilled.
Maybe Alex EGB could be the next version of Lazar/Crowder? Undersized 4 who can create mismatches