Elite Skills to Look Forward to on Next years Team

[Shooter McGavin]

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. 

[K1 Lover]

Going 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.

[Shooter McGavin]

Layups.

Ha! Not worst skills in the NCAA.  Elite on the positive side of the ledger.

[Markusquette]

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

[Shooter McGavin]

 The lack of a list of elite skills on this current team to give hope for next and future years is telling. 

There is always HOPE that the freshmen, red shirts and future freshmen have elite skills they will bring to the table and develop over time.  But Shaka has a complete rebuild in year 6 (next year) on the job.  Almost has to treat it like he was just hired and cleaning up the mess from the prior coach. Amazing how MUBB got to this point.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

There isn't much to build on for next year but hope the red shirts and young 'uns develop. Don't hold much hope unless roster gets an infusion

[brewcity77]

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

Honestly, this is part of my worry for next year's team. Some of the biggest hopes we have are pinned on guys like Pearson and Egbuonu who we've never seen. We're hoping for improved shooting from Miletic and Walker who haven't stepped on a D1 court.

It's pretty much Nigel and a bunch of guys who give us more questions than answers. Pinning hopes to guys that either haven't taken a step up yet or haven't even taken a first step. That's concerning.

[Jockey]

When we get better players, we can identify elite skills. Right now it's the needle in a haystack deal.

[muwarrior69]

A coaching staff that has the elite skills to evaluate talent and spend the money to get it.

[Mu8891]

77 - Well said.

It's ridiculous to think MU will be any better next season w / out portal additions. 

Some ( including Shaka ? ) want us to believe that a bunch of redshirts and Frosh are gonna save the team ?!  It's laughable.  Even w / their inconsistent seasons Gold and Ross are 2 of the 4
best players on this roster.

If Hamilton yells more, and Clark gets strong enough to stay upright in a stiff breeze we should be good.

[muwarrior69]

Honestly, this is part of my worry for next year's team. Some of the biggest hopes we have are pinned on guys like Pearson and Egbuonu who we've never seen. We're hoping for improved shooting from Miletic and Walker who haven't stepped on a D1 court.

It's pretty much Nigel and a bunch of guys who give us more questions than answers. Pinning hopes to guys that either haven't taken a step up yet or haven't even taken a first step. That's concerning.

I guess we'll know the direction the program will take at the very least will be March/April. Wonder if it will come sooner.