Kind of interesting to look at the detail of the College Sports Madness report. The athletic department found it interesting enough to post on the ETSU web site
http://www.etsubucs.com/mbasketball/news...4-preview/
The real take on this is that these folks are sharp enough to be aware of the Bucs at all after so many personnel losses. They see that something good may be coming here. But clearly they are going to rate us behind UNCG and, probably, Wofford. They slate us for the CBI or CIT, and not the NCAA's.
They have a nice little chart showing some key statistical categories and how the Bucs rank in those categories, both in the NCAA's and in the SoCon. The key figures have been mentioned before - the Bucs succeeded by tight defense (13th in D1 and 1st in the SoCon in FG% defense at .403; 28th in D1 and 2nd in the SoCon in holding opponents down at 65.9), and solid rebounding (3.9 rebounding margin, 54th in D1 but 3rd in the SoCon). What this doesn't show is that these numbers were trending down the last half of conference play after being
really impressive midway through the SoCon. While UNCG was trending strongly better at the same point.
Offensively, the Bucs were efficient scorers (47.3 FG%, 45 in D1 and 1st in the SoCon) but poor 3 point shooters (7.2 per game, 224 in D1 and 10th in the SoCon; .343 3pt%, 208 in D1 and 7th in the SoCon). Those numbers also trended down, but not as sharply as the defense and rebounding. Weak 3 point shooting put more pressure on the Bucs to be great on defense and on the boards every time out.
With the changes in personnel, the strengths and weaknesses of this year's Bucs could be very different. Shooters like Patrick Good, Tray Boyd, Carlos Curtis and Kevon Tucker could change the offensive look, and active defenders like Jeromy Rodriguez and Octavion Corley (whom the report, I think correctly, sees as a possible difference maker) could help the defense be as good or better, despite the loss of strong defenders Peter Jurkin, Jermaine Long and Desonta Bradford.
Here is their take:
"
Projection:
A few returning players will be in the mix this year. Bo Hodges was the most productive last season, averaging 9.0 points as a freshman. The 6-4 guard would be a much more dynamic scoring threat if he found some consistency with his outside shot. Kanayo Obi-Rapu can knock down a few shots and had a few decent outings off the bench last season. Mladen Armus averaged 6.3 points and 5.5 rebounds as a freshman and is ready for a larger role as a sophomore. But most of the production will come from the nine newcomers. Tray Boyd, Jeromy Rodriguez, Octavion Corley, Isaiah Tisdale and Kevon Tucker all join ETSU from the junior college ranks. Tray Boyd and Isaiah Tisdale are highly regarded guards who are expected to step right into a starting role. Tisdale was a juco All-American last season and averaged 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists while leading Vincennes Junior College to the NJCAA Final Four. Also keep an eye on Octavion Corley. The seven-footer may not do a ton of scoring, but he will be a massive presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. East Tennessee State does not lack in talent, but experience at this level could be a concern. Once all the pieces come together, this will be a tough team to beat.
Projected Postseason Tournament: CBI/CIT
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 75.2 (135th in nation, 6th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 65.9 (28, 2)
Field-Goal Percentage: 47.3 (45, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 40.3 (13, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.2 (224, 10)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 34.3 (208, 7)
Free-Throw Percentage: 71.0 (187, 7)
Rebound Margin: 3.9 (54, 3)
Assists Per Game: 14.7 (98, 5)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.4 (220, 4)"