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Based on last season’s 9-9 conference record, does anyone think that this years Blazers overachieved? Just curious what you all think.

Nope, last year’s team underachieved. What a difference a good coach makes.

(03-06-2021 09:46 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote:  Nope, last year’s team underachieved. What a difference a good coach makes.

Good point. And let me add that I realize that there are quite a few different players on the team.

I'd say we have not overachieved, based on the fact that several guys in our rotation have had off years statistically. Benjamin (3pts), Ertel (3pts), Quan (FTs), Lovan (FTs), and Nicholson (FTs) all have had significant drop offs in shooting accuracy. TSG hasn't dropped year to year but went from shooting 44% from 3 before he dislocated his shoulder to 35% now.

If we get a solid reversion to the mean by these guys, we will be a very difficult out in Frisco.

The previous staff underachieved, not guys like Tavin and TSG. They just needed a good coach.

(03-06-2021 09:52 PM)BandGrad Wrote:  

(03-06-2021 09:46 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote:  Nope, last year’s team underachieved. What a difference a good coach makes.

Good point. And let me add that I realize that there are quite a few different players on the team.

For sure! Kennedy brought in these transfers too. Ertel, Jemison, and Q. Jackson killing it. Glad Ertel has found his shot again.

(03-06-2021 09:52 PM)BandGrad Wrote:  

(03-06-2021 09:46 PM)jcduncan13 Wrote:  Nope, last year’s team underachieved. What a difference a good coach makes.

Good point. And let me add that I realize that there are quite a few different players on the team.

Just as it is often said, there is no "I" in TEAM and there is no "I" in COACH either. Good coaches AND good players build good teams.

I’d say we’ve underachieved by about 4-5 games, but that’s due to a lack of respect I have for Chatt, Char, LT, ODU, & UTSA. At least ODU and LT are in top 4, so we can give coach a pass on those to an extent. I’m pleased with where we are, given we don’t have a pg, can’t shoot 3s, can’t shoot free throws, can’t inbound the ball.

As Blazer Green said, we had certain guys play well below their average in many categories this season. Much of it don’t make much sense to me, unless it’s due to them(Ertel & Quan) playing in different arena. I can’t complain about Quan further than his FT %. Guy’s been stellar.

Yeah quan's only weakness has been his awful free throw shooting. He's actually been better than expected from 3.

Ertel's shot has fallen off the face of the earth (although hopefully he's found it again after this weekend), but he is valuable in other areas. He's an excellent ft shooter, good midrange shooter, and can drive and get to the rim. He's been a better than serviceable point guard, even though that's not his natural position.

Jemison has improved a lot through the season. If he can develop more post moves, improve the accuracy on his jump hook, the sky is the limit. He obviously has all the athletic tools and size, but wasn't very talented/skilled - but I've seen consistent improvement from him on that front through the season.

This team was cobbled together at the last minute with a lot of weird stuff going on. We have a bunch of redundant players. All of these guys are different obviously, but Ertel, Quan, TSG, Lovan, all fit a somewhat similar mold. 6'2" to 6'6" ish guards who can't shoot very good, but play good defense, dry to the rim well, and rebound. I think AK has done a really good job getting the most out of this team with our limited depth and shooting and redundant players.