OK to start guessing now.
Since he started most of the time last year, I assume Wayne will start at the 5, even though he might not have the most minutes. I assume III will start at the 2. Likewise Solomon at the point. Some of you reported that the 4 was Courtney's to lose, so pencil him in there. He is expected to be ready after his off-season physical problems. Who knows about the 3, but your concensus seems to be that Garcia is the man there. In any case, all these should be in the rotation. If any of those do not start (except for injuries), that is a good sign, because someone has stepped up.
Who knows who will be in the rotation. Assume Foster as the other point. No doubt Smith. That only leaves two or three spots. Competition ought to be fierce.
The slot where I don't have a clue is who will back up III at the 2.
(09-10-2009 11:37 AM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]OK to start guessing now.
Since he started most of the time last year, I assume Wayne will start at the 5, even though he might not have the most minutes. I assume III will start at the 2. Likewise Solomon at the point. Some of you reported that the 4 was Courtney's to lose, so pencil him in there. He is expected to be ready after his off-season physical problems. Who knows about the 3, but your concensus seems to be that Garcia is the man there. In any case, all these should be in the rotation. If any of those do not start (except for injuries), that is a good sign, because someone has stepped up.
Who knows who will be in the rotation. Assume Foster as the other point. No doubt Smith. That only leaves two or three spots. Competition ought to be fierce.
There is no question in my mind that the starting guards and the 3 position is pretty well set. Bozeman, III and Alex. Probably Courtney at the four. But the five is the question mark in my mind. I believe it's wide open. Mike is a senior, and if he's worked hard to get in shape, then he deserves the starting spot, or at least equal time with Burton.
But we have three wild cards. Bails, Lozeiro and Thornton. That's where the competition will come from. It's possible that any one of this group could step forward and take over the five spot. Also some of them will play the four, so we have more quality depth inside than anytime in my years of being a fan. That's why I like this team. Believe me, we're going to be better than anyone thought before the season.
We won't win 23 games against this schedule, but we might be a better team before the season is over. I'll be very disappointed if we don't at least get to the tournament finals this year, and possibly win it.
(09-10-2009 11:46 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I'll be very disappointed if we don't at least get to the tournament finals this year, and possibly win it.
Keep talking, Doc. I like the song you're playing.
(09-10-2009 11:44 AM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]The slot where I don't have a clue is who will back up III at the 2.
Cicic and probably Kelson or Davison. Davison could also back up Alex at the three. We make up all these lineups, and not one of us has the power to implement them. That's obviously Steve's job, and he'll fit the pieces together. I'm basing my assumptions on limited time seeing the new players perform. Coaches are with them every day. That's why they get paid the big bucks, and I draw my Social Security check each month.
And . . . if they don't play defense, they don't play.
(09-10-2009 11:50 AM)MICHAELSPAPPY Wrote: [ -> ]And . . . if they don't play defense, they don't play.
I'm pretty sure Alex and Ricky will be able to play hard defense right away. Nick might need a year to get stronger and quicker. His value will be as another shooter to compliment III. I see him as a role player this season, developing into a more complete player in the next year or two. Marlon and Thornton will play hard defense. Joe Kleine will bring them along on both offense and defense.
Joe has potentially the best group of big men to coach since he's been here. Could be a strong point on the team. I look at them in comparison to Jones-Jennings. No doubt none are probably his equal as a rebounder, but they all have possibilities to be good rebounders if not great, and from what I've seen, they all have better offensive skills than JJ did. As a group, they should be able to get the job done.
(09-10-2009 11:46 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I'll be very disappointed if we don't at least get to the tournament finals this year, and possibly win it.
You crack me up Doc. Do you really believe this? If so, get ready to be disappointed.
(09-10-2009 01:48 PM)LRTrojan Wrote: [ -> ] (09-10-2009 11:46 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I'll be very disappointed if we don't at least get to the tournament finals this year, and possibly win it.
You crack me up Doc. Do you really believe this? If so, get ready to be disappointed.
I guess it doesn't hurt to be optimistic. But, I'm not counting on getting to the finals- have we made it there in the last 15 years?
(09-10-2009 02:40 PM)mjs Wrote: [ -> ] (09-10-2009 01:48 PM)LRTrojan Wrote: [ -> ] (09-10-2009 11:46 AM)outsideualr Wrote: [ -> ]I'll be very disappointed if we don't at least get to the tournament finals this year, and possibly win it.
You crack me up Doc. Do you really believe this? If so, get ready to be disappointed.
I guess it doesn't hurt to be optimistic. But, I'm not counting on getting to the finals- have we made it there in the last 15 years?
Don't guess we ever made it to the finals other than Wimp's team that lost to New Orleans at Barton.
That's why I play the lottery. At some point I figure I'm due.
Hasn't helped yet.