I think we are right about the talent being here. Even early on we can see that there are several "keepers" in the group - maybe all of them if we can get them to stay - and a few potential stars. It will just take time for them to get into the system.

At this point, I reiterate our two potential stars, IMO, are Gillon and White. I guess you have to give some credence to Will becoming a star, but his health always seems to be an issure. And I think Osse has the chance to be a better than average player if not a star. Other than that, I think we have a lot of good, solid players, and you need those to compete. The John Fowlers of the world. Maybe Isler will fit that role. I have a feeling we're going to see more of Stetson Billings as we go along. He's starting to show some progress on the defensive end, and I look for him to do more scoring as we go along.

Hagins.

Hagins, White and Gillon are definite talents. And I really doubt there are any throw-backs in this group.

I think a star in basketball has to put up points. Obviously good defensive players and assist leaders are important to winning, but it seems that the stars in the sport are the ones who put up big numbers. So I wouldn't include Hagins as a star yet. He might turn out to be, but his ability to score will make that determination. Graber was a perfect example. He was a very good point guard, but you wouldn't call him a star. But he was a vital cog in the machine. Hagins might be a Graber. A terrific, true point guard, but not what makes all conference teams. Fans don't come out to watch passes or defense. They want to see the ball go through the hoop. It's like football. The great offensive and defensive linemen win games, but quarterbacks and running backs win the Heisman Trophy.

By "star" I mean someone exceptionally good at his position. A starter.

If that's your definition, then I would have to agree that Hagins could be a star if he starts and contributes. I was just thinking of a different definition. Most teams are lucky to have one star. Or maybe some stars are just brighter than others. I don't know. I just hope all our kids have great careers at UALR. Stars or not.

To my way of thinking, Graber was one of the biggest stars we have had. He played his role as well as anyone.

He was a great point guard, no doubt. He played his role, which was vital. Whether or not he was a star, I don't know. But he was the glue that held the team together.

(11-18-2012 02:17 PM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote:  I think we are right about the talent being here.

It certainly looked that way in the first game. Hasn't looked that way the past two games. In fact, and I'm saying this strictly from the stats since I haven't seen the games. In fact, so far they've looked somewhat like some of the recruiting we've seen the previous nine years. I'm not speaking of all the new players. A couple have looked pretty good in all the games. What's been disappointing is, some of the returnees have looked like Ned in the first reader.

A couple of them haven't played enough to tell us anything about what their future holds here.