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I think we have a chance to be much improved this year. Up front I admit I am an optimist and every year am excited to see our latest addition on the floor but this is why I feel good about the year:
1. We lost a lot of close, winnable games last year Part of the reason can be chalked up to inexperience. The year before everything went through Freeman. Last year we had some good talent but BJ was basically playing his first full year, almost the same for Porter, Caver was given the reins with broader expectations. Those guys are all still here with a year under their belts. They need to learn how to win and I'm banking on last years experience in those close games helping us this year.
2. We do need Brandon to stay healthy as well as we are very thin up front and if Brandon and Porter can't stay on the floor then my expectations are much lower.
3. People talk about up tempo but we were making a lot of strides in the 2nd half of the season in that direction until Caver turned his ankle before the tournament. He and our faster tempo was not effective after that.
4. Our offense was bogged down last year because Taylor was no threat to even shoot much less score. Everyone that watched us knows that the defense didn't even look at Taylor and with Baker the defense just had to defend the three. I understand they were our lock down defenders but I expect our offense to be much improved with more scoring threats in the game. With Porter and Stith playing alongside each other it should open the offensive end up some for both.

Last year I went to the tournament in the Bahamas. I came back feeling optimistic because I thought we would see less of Baker and Taylor on the floor as Haynes and Porter expanded their roles. As much as I liked Taylor and Baker I couldn't see us improving with very little offense coming from them. And by offense I don't just mean points. Taylor needed to be a threat to shoot and Baker needed to be effective with the ball other than just shooting a spot up three. That never happened. So each of them played about 30 minutes a game. No matter how much "up tempo" we want to be if 35-40% of our minutes are played by defensive specialist with limited offensive skills then scoring is going to be tough.

It could be a pretty exciting year if the newcomers blend in with the experience we have. Can't wait for the season to start.