There's a difference between ranking us there, and the Bucs finishing there. I think we will be ranked third, but if we can gel, there is no reason we can't make a run at it.

Last year I thought KSU was going to improve because I figured the very players I am banking on this year were going to play. However, they redshirted due to health concerns and other factors. I believe ETSU could win the conference but I still think last years squad will be the better of the two teams. The "big three" were good and I feel the loss of two of them will be hard to replace. Also, I really think our conference will be stronger as a whole this year.

(04-23-2009 10:03 PM)GoBucsGo Wrote:  I'm betting preseason it's JU first and ETSU second, followed by Campbell & then maybe Belmont. Typically, as far as I've seen, preseason picks are based on nothing but returning starters. Belmont will at least get in the top 4 if not 3. I don't think anyone has a lot of confidence in Lipscomb and/or Campbell - probably more confidence in Lipscomb. So change that - BU ahead of those two.

I think the person that a lot of people are ignoring here is Micah Williams. This guy is versatile - can shoot the 3 and rebound and bang inside, and is a matchup problem at the 2 guard and at the 3. He's quick & shown flashes of brilliance. I really thought Murry didn't let him develop as much as he could have this year, and a great example of that was the flat out odd strategy of pulling him @ JU when he was red hot. This kid is good.

I really think we'll do much better than people think. Tubbs should adjust pretty quickly, he's already been here a year and played at a higher level. He should step right in. Smith should be an absolute star. The question is who else will step up? My money is on Micah. Yes, Tommy will be key as a defender, Isiah a solid player in the post. Coy contributes, hopefully. We have at least 2 point guards, so that position is solid. And I know, I know, pick up games mean nothing, but observing JC Ward in the CPA here lately he's been playing pretty well. Physical, gets rebounds, and he can score a little. He can contribute, and the players seem to like him, which is important.

If Pitt was on here he would scream at me about how that doesn't matter. Gee, I miss that guy.... That's sarcasm, in case no one recognizes that....

Where is Pitt? I have not seen any posts from him in a while.

(06-14-2009 08:51 PM)jeff722 Wrote:  

(04-23-2009 10:03 PM)GoBucsGo Wrote:  I'm betting preseason it's JU first and ETSU second, followed by Campbell & then maybe Belmont. Typically, as far as I've seen, preseason picks are based on nothing but returning starters. Belmont will at least get in the top 4 if not 3. I don't think anyone has a lot of confidence in Lipscomb and/or Campbell - probably more confidence in Lipscomb. So change that - BU ahead of those two.

I think the person that a lot of people are ignoring here is Micah Williams. This guy is versatile - can shoot the 3 and rebound and bang inside, and is a matchup problem at the 2 guard and at the 3. He's quick & shown flashes of brilliance. I really thought Murry didn't let him develop as much as he could have this year, and a great example of that was the flat out odd strategy of pulling him @ JU when he was red hot. This kid is good.

I really think we'll do much better than people think. Tubbs should adjust pretty quickly, he's already been here a year and played at a higher level. He should step right in. Smith should be an absolute star. The question is who else will step up? My money is on Micah. Yes, Tommy will be key as a defender, Isiah a solid player in the post. Coy contributes, hopefully. We have at least 2 point guards, so that position is solid. And I know, I know, pick up games mean nothing, but observing JC Ward in the CPA here lately he's been playing pretty well. Physical, gets rebounds, and he can score a little. He can contribute, and the players seem to like him, which is important.

If Pitt was on here he would scream at me about how that doesn't matter. Gee, I miss that guy.... That's sarcasm, in case no one recognizes that....

Where is Pitt? I have not seen any posts from him in a while.

Hehehe:lock:

Should be a very competitive year in the Asun.
Who will step up for whom ?

I think 3rd or 4th is about right for us.

Hopefully can make a run at the end.

I think Tubbs, Micah and Isiah are the keys for us. How well they do will determine our fate.

I think a big key is someone taking the role of point gaurd and owning it.

(06-15-2009 09:21 AM)Goldfinger Wrote:  I think a big key is someone taking the role of point gaurd and owning it.

Point guard is critical next year, as it is every year. I thought CP showed exceptional leadership throughout the season; we'll need someone to step up and lead next season too. Can Jacolby lead a team? Has Adam matured as a leader? Will Grimm be able to step in right away and lead a team? These are all unknowns at this point.

Personally my money is on Adam...but we'll see.

(06-15-2009 03:44 PM)Goldfinger Wrote:  Personally my money is on Adam...but we'll see.

He is keeping the Tampa gyms busy. I've seen him playing in a league from 6-7:30 a.m. before he goes to work running basketball clinics for the city of Tampa. His friends say he's at the YMCA every night lifting and / or shooting and then hitting areas gyms playing after that. He has that same hard work ethic he had in high school. He looks driven on the court. If they'll let him lead, he'll be what we need to finish first in the A Sun.

Goodfella, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the Florida area. What kind of careers do you think Poderis and Cooley will have? Will either have an impact as a freshman? From what I have read I think Cooley can contribute immediately defensively.

(06-15-2009 04:31 PM)Goodfella Wrote:  

(06-15-2009 03:44 PM)Goldfinger Wrote:  Personally my money is on Adam...but we'll see.

He is keeping the Tampa gyms busy. I've seen him playing in a league from 6-7:30 a.m. before he goes to work running basketball clinics for the city of Tampa. His friends say he's at the YMCA every night lifting and / or shooting and then hitting areas gyms playing after that. He has that same hard work ethic he had in high school. He looks driven on the court. If they'll let him lead, he'll be what we need to finish first in the A Sun.

I just knew this guy was a true gym rat! Here's hoping that this pays off big time this year. So much exciting potential!

Great update/information on A. Sollazzo. I agree with everyone regarding M. Williams stepping up next year. I look for;
M. Smith, J. Tubbs & Williams to be our top 3 scorers.

(06-15-2009 07:44 PM)ETSUAlumni Wrote:  Goodfella, you seem to have a lot of knowledge of the Florida area. What kind of careers do you think Poderis and Cooley will have? Will either have an impact as a freshman? From what I have read I think Cooley can contribute immediately defensively.

Cooley had an outstanding junior year; however, his school plays in a weaker district than Sollazzo's school. His senior year was good but not spectacular. His stats are high considering the schools Plant plays. His senior year in AAU was not as strong as his junior year either. Regardless, Cooley has potential. How a high school grad will perform at the college level is a "wait and see" game. Cooley seems to have a good work ethic. That tells a lot about a player.

I haven't followed Poderis, and I haven't seen him play. He's from another county.

Goodfella,
You don't by any chance hear anything from South Florida and how Isiah Brown might be spending the summer?

(06-16-2009 09:58 AM)swvabucsfan Wrote:  Goodfella,
You don't by any chance hear anything from South Florida and how Isiah Brown might be spending the summer?

I'll ask around about Isiah.

(06-15-2009 03:44 PM)Goldfinger Wrote:  Personally my money is on Adam...but we'll see.

I agree. Someone else might step up but I'm pretty confident in that guy.