03-10-2008, 01:07 PM
This season's ending will not be soon forgotten by myself and other Buc fans. I am already anticipating a rematch next season. I also cannot wait until the despicable Doug Sirmons refs a game at the dome. His history of game-changing calls (see http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-157129867.html) and inappropriate use of the 'T' (see http://statsheet.com/mcb/referees/stats/most_techs) will be met with 40 minutes of wrath.
My rantings aside, it is time however to move forward. As we look ahead to next year, who does everyone see as the preseason favorites, all-conference players, POY, etc.
Here is my analysis:
I'll start with my beloved Bucs: To be candid, we have some gaping holes to fill, namely in the pg and frontcourt positions. We've signed a solid prospect at pg, but it will be extremely difficult for him to step in right away. As of right now, we ony have 2 front court players and one signee. The strength of our inside game will depend on our signees and development of our current post players.
On the upside, we have 2 all-conference players returning in Pigram and Tiggs. Tiggs had a great season and I expect him to have an even better one next season. He's only played organized bball for 4 year; he's not even close to peaking.
Belmont: Are they the preseason favorite?? Hare will be tough to replace, but everyone else is returning. Dansby is a heck of player.
Campbell: A new arena may help recruiting efforts. However, if they don't sign anyone of note, I don't see any improvement from this year. Rodriguez cannot do it all.
FGCU: Admittedly, they were better than I thought. I see them improving by a game or two.
JU: Everyone returns, except for Jefferson. Warren is an up-and-coming coach, but something just seems amiss to me with this squad. I still pick them towards the top.
Kennesaw State: Wooten + Stegall will not be easily replaced. They do have some outstanding talent coming in and they are almost off their probationary period, which will help recruiting efforts for sure. I still see them struggling next year.
Lipscomb: They have some nice young players. Like Wooten & Stegal, Ard will be tough to replace. Status quo next season for them.
Mercer: Totally contingent on the incoming coach. Florence is amazing.
UNF: They played a number of games close this year. Next year, they'll win 3 or 4 more.
USC-Upstate: Extremely well-coached; gritty team. They lose some key seniors too. Status quo for them next year too.
Stetson: Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year. They only lose one senior. Behind Blair, I think they'll be even better next year.
All-Conference players:
Pigram
Dansby
Rodriguez
Tiggs
Blair
Ben Smith
James Florence
Blank
Wicke
Hardy
POY: Pigram (I know, this is a homer pick!)
Freshman POY: Green, KSU.
My rantings aside, it is time however to move forward. As we look ahead to next year, who does everyone see as the preseason favorites, all-conference players, POY, etc.
Here is my analysis:
I'll start with my beloved Bucs: To be candid, we have some gaping holes to fill, namely in the pg and frontcourt positions. We've signed a solid prospect at pg, but it will be extremely difficult for him to step in right away. As of right now, we ony have 2 front court players and one signee. The strength of our inside game will depend on our signees and development of our current post players.
On the upside, we have 2 all-conference players returning in Pigram and Tiggs. Tiggs had a great season and I expect him to have an even better one next season. He's only played organized bball for 4 year; he's not even close to peaking.
Belmont: Are they the preseason favorite?? Hare will be tough to replace, but everyone else is returning. Dansby is a heck of player.
Campbell: A new arena may help recruiting efforts. However, if they don't sign anyone of note, I don't see any improvement from this year. Rodriguez cannot do it all.
FGCU: Admittedly, they were better than I thought. I see them improving by a game or two.
JU: Everyone returns, except for Jefferson. Warren is an up-and-coming coach, but something just seems amiss to me with this squad. I still pick them towards the top.
Kennesaw State: Wooten + Stegall will not be easily replaced. They do have some outstanding talent coming in and they are almost off their probationary period, which will help recruiting efforts for sure. I still see them struggling next year.
Lipscomb: They have some nice young players. Like Wooten & Stegal, Ard will be tough to replace. Status quo next season for them.
Mercer: Totally contingent on the incoming coach. Florence is amazing.
UNF: They played a number of games close this year. Next year, they'll win 3 or 4 more.
USC-Upstate: Extremely well-coached; gritty team. They lose some key seniors too. Status quo for them next year too.
Stetson: Perhaps the biggest surprise of the year. They only lose one senior. Behind Blair, I think they'll be even better next year.
All-Conference players:
Pigram
Dansby
Rodriguez
Tiggs
Blair
Ben Smith
James Florence
Blank
Wicke
Hardy
POY: Pigram (I know, this is a homer pick!)
Freshman POY: Green, KSU.