RE: Redemption Week, Part 2 -- ODU @ UNT, 1/28/17
Because I think the talk of this game is dead, I'm going to keep my 3,2,1 in the thread and I'll keep it pretty simple.
Three observations
1) Most obviously, Brandan is still dealing with the high ankle sprain. As I mentioned after the Rice game, those injuries are no joke. With that said, I don't think they brought him back too early. It's just that the effects will linger for a while. I'd suspect that the recovery between games will continue to get better, but frankly, I'll be surprised if he's fully healthy even by the end of the season.
2) Caver and Talley have taken the reigns of this team. Jordan and Denzel will continue to be the leaders of making sure others know what it takes to succeed, but when we need a bucket, I expect we'll see our sophomores leading the charge. One thing to watch in this regard, however, is that Jeff seems to like the idea of going to BJ posting up smaller guards in these crucial moments. Honestly, in my opinion, it hasn't been particularly successful thus far, but I do like the idea of it. BJ just has to become more comfortable with it.
3) The defense is definitely missing Brandan's presence. Trey did a great job blocking shots, but it just seems that while trying to make up for Brandan's absence, our rotations are just a little out of place and teams are taking advantage of the openings when they get them. I'd love to see us get back to the lockdown defense of the early season.
Two questions
1) Back to observation #1, how will Brandan's ankle respond? We have two winnable games at home before the most difficult road trip of the year. It would be nice to get him some more action, without overdoing it, so that he's ready to go @MTSU and @UAB.
2) Will this team be able to find any consistency? This is a question that goes for the team as a whole, but also for a number of individual players. I think we know what we'll get from Caver and Talley now, but Haynes, Porter, Baker, BJ Stith, post-injury Brandan...we're just not sure. Each has shown flashes of what could be, but none have been consistent enough to sustain success.
One prediction
1) I still have hopes that this team can finish the season on a high note, but in order to do so, you have to win these two games at home against cellar dwellers. I'm going to go out on a limb and predict BJ will have a big game and make Anthony Evans' return to Norfolk a terrible one for him. Monarchs by 10.
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