(10-19-2020 08:55 AM)NJDuke97 Wrote: Agreed that we have talent and Coach B has done a great job (especially considering the circumstances) of infusing more talent and depth into the roster. Obviously cohesion is going to be a challenge with a new coach new system during a time with a different off season and pre season.
I do think the prognosticators took the safe pick based on the roster turnover and our recent performance in picking us 9th. Some were burned last year by thinking JMU may finish in the top half. I get that with Lou Rowe as coach because he never proved he could win. Coach B does have a track record and I think that should be worth something. The Caa teams lost some players and there are still some players (Drexel for example has the big Butler and the guard still on their team). I think JMU should be 6th or 7th in these predictions based on returning talent and Coach Bs resume. We should be above UNCW who was bad and has a new unproven head coach. We should be above Drexel who has struggled under Spiker.
I thought I counted that 12 of the top 15 scorers in the CAA had left until I read that a Drexel guy that fit into category had been granted a 6th year of eligibility. So yes, Drexel has a lot returning. Drexel, according to that site, though, has been the approximate 250th ranked team in the country nearly every season for 6 straight years, meaning Drexel can never move the needle.
I like our talent and our coaching staff and not a ton is returning to the league in terms of scoring. All the other CAA teams are in the same boat as JMU in terms of off season workouts and getting guys up to speed. And yes, JMU's selection is heavily influenced by its recent dreadful performances, especially as compared to where they've been picked. And I missed that Bertrand of Towson transferred out...so another significant loss for them in addition to Brian Fobbs.
Couple other points on this: JMU, IMHO, has one of its most talented teams on paper in many years. It rivals, perhaps, the 3rd year of Brady's tenure (2011-12?) and the Lefty team that advanced to the NCAAs (1993-94 team). This team on paper seems deep and answers the mail in most areas:
Scorers: Lewis, Fredericks and Morse (have all averaged double digits collegiately)
Shot Blockers: Mensah, Jacobs, Wooden
Athletic Wings: Christmas, Edwards, Fredericks
Athletic interior players: Wooden, Amadi, Mensah (Taylor also fits this description but is sitting out)
Ball handlers: Lewis, Hodge, Strickland, Morse
Shooters: Lewis, Fredericks, Morse, Christmas, Harvey, Hodge
Defenders: TBD (a key area for improvement across the board)