Poll: Which Team Is Better, Last Year or Next Year?

[Tugg Speedman]

Some Stats

Gone                               Arriving                     Staying

Trent Lockett                   Duane Wilson               Derrick Wilson
Junior Cadougan                JJ Johnson                  Jamil Wilson
Jamal Ferguson                 J McKay                     Juan Anderson
Vander Blue                      D Burton                    D Gardner
                                    J Dawson                   Todd Mayo
                                                                    C Otule
                                                                    S Taylor Jr.
                                                                    Jake Thomas
                                                                    Dylan Flood
                                                                    G Swanson

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The wildcard is the loss of Vander.  But given the incoming talent, I say next year, especially if they are measured after February 1, 2014.

Thought?

[4everwarriors]

Better players were needed, mission undertaken.

[real chili 83]

Better players were needed, mission undertaken.

We need more traditionals, and really, really big and tall big men.

[GoldenZebra]

Saw Deonte Burton today on campus...taller and bigger than I expected.

[willie warrior]

Should be better next year with talent coming in. And we have Otule back to win every tip, which is a huge plus!

[WarriorFan]

Unfortunately, I think the only answer is "2014-2015".

If the new guys figure out the top level D1 game, sweet 16 is a possibility.  If 2 or 3 don't, it'll be one and done or round of 32 with no hope of going further.

[Lennys Tap]

Three starters with 11 years of D1 experience gone - hard to believe we'll be better. Had Blue stayed it's a different story.

[Galway Eagle]

Its Dylan Flood's breakout year so we'll be better.  But seriously, I like the 13-14 team better because we have more options than the other team did. 

[Dr. Blackheart]

If Talent = Potential, the upcoming team is better.  If better = results, then this past season. Replacing three backcourt players who have been through the Big East and NCAA wringer, playing tough games on the road, then no way do I see next season's team as being better.  

MU won't have one guard (counting Juan as a forward) who has started a conference game on the road, let alone at home, other than D Wil and Mayo in that WVU suspension game IIRC. It took Lockett, a high D1 conference transfer, almost all season to adjust to the style of play.

MU had ten games+ decided in the last seconds of games last season, so it is unrealistic to think the talented freshmen can instantly adjust on both sides of the ball, new conference or not. The new teams are going to be amped in Year 1, so MU's guard play better ramp up.  Game one sounds like on the road on national TV in a sold out 19,000 seat arena against the potential player of the year.

[4everwarriors]

Dylan Flood =Paul George

[Dunk The Ball Eric]

If this poll doesn't scream "expectations are too high" I don't know what does. We tied for the Big East title and made the Elite Eight. IMO to have a better year next year we will need to win the new Big East and make the Final Four. I just don't see that as a realistic expectation at this point given the backcourt question marks we have entering the season.

[Atticus]

If this poll doesn't scream "expectations are too high" I don't know what does. We tied for the Big East title and made the Elite Eight. IMO to have a better year next year we will need to win the new Big East and make the Final Four. I just don't see that as a realistic expectation at this point given the backcourt question marks we have entering the season.

What are you talking about? Making it to the FF isnt that tough - i mean...one in 30 years proves that.

I will say that winning the conference championship from time to time should be a realistic expectation given that the BE isnt nearly as strong as it has been since we joined.

[MarquetteDano]

This past year's team is better.  Unless the frosh at the guard positions are Freshman of the Year candidates I don't see how this team will be better than last year.  As stated previously, #3 seed, Big East Championship, and Elite Eight this past year.  The only thing I believe the team next year can equal is win the Big East, and that is only because Louisville, Cuse, Pitt, et al. are gone.

I think we will be good... solid candidate to win Big East, lock for the tourney, etc.. but not as good as this year.

[Dawson Rental]

Three starters with 11 years of D1 experience gone - hard to believe we'll be better. Had Blue stayed it's a different story.

This is reality.  Like you and Blackheart mention the talent is better, but tons of experience is gone.  The new guys will have to make an unreal improvement in three point shooting to come close to this year's results.

[Daniel]

Lots of freshmen..  As Coach Al used to say, the only god thing about freshmen is they become sophomores". Can't have huge expectations from all the freshmen. Not fair. But 214-15 should be outstanding. Maybe we will be surprised but have to give them ti e

[The Equalizer]

Our record should be no worse because we're in an easier conference.

On an objective basis the team will suffer due to the losses.

The wild cards are injuries & luck.  We had no signficant injuries for the first time in ages, and had a surprising number of games where an opponent had a key player out.

[Sunbelt15]

How can anyone say a team that no one has seen play together is better than a team that won their conference and made the Elite 8, three wins from national champion. Please! Right not, it's a dumb-ass question and a no brainer.