25-26 Season

Mean Gene said:
I agree Logen, this team will be more comparable year one in some aspects. But, this team will be much more talented than the year one team. That year one team had no one who was ever coached by Pitino previously. It was completely new to everyone on the team. We have five returning players, four of which come off the bench. That gives us a strong bench in case of foul trouble etc. You’re bringing in guys off the bench who know the system, not freshman out of high school. I think the biggest thing will be getting the new guys to buy in defensively. But, they will have the five returning players pushing them in that regard so my hope is that it comes together a lot sooner then that first year team.
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We will also be x100 more athletic.

I do share concerns about a veteran backcourt leader, especially from the PG spot
 
Mean Gene said:
I agree Logen, this team will be more comparable year one in some aspects. But, this team will be much more talented than the year one team. That year one team had no one who was ever coached by Pitino previously. It was completely new to everyone on the team. We have five returning players, four of which come off the bench. That gives us a strong bench in case of foul trouble etc. You’re bringing in guys off the bench who know the system, not freshman out of high school. I think the biggest thing will be getting the new guys to buy in defensively. But, they will have the five returning players pushing them in that regard so my hope is that it comes together a lot sooner then that first year team.
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Agree but fyi...Danis, Ayo & Cruz were w/ Pitino year before.
 
logen said:
For those expecting more cheerleading, I suggest you move on.

Obviously chemistry is the biggest question mark, especially in regards to the “one ball” truth on an offensive minded team which looks like it will possibly lack an experienced battle hardened PG. To think Jackson can learn to play the position at this level on the fly in a summer is a huge gamble to say the least. Last years had two who were experienced enough and selfless enough to co-exist, and multiple players not afraid of “the moment”; the posters and coaches who have forgotten how over the top valuable Luis was at crunch time notwithstanding.
Yeah, I know Pitino was going to get Soriano in the NBA and teach Richmond to shoot 3’s and how did that work out?
Everyone lauds talent, and obviously it starts and ends with that, but where is the leadership, not players willing to shoot at the end of games, but to repeat, real battle hardened leadership? That invariably must come from the backcourt, because they have the ball in their hands most of the time and need to make good, mature decisions on offense. On defense they are the first line and need to establish and set the tone with hard on the ball play. I don’t see any players brought in who have a defense minded background.
Not predicting at all, but none of these players come from teams that had any real success last year, are relatively inexperienced and it is NOT about 5 one on one matchups so the idea of “this guy is better that that guy” year to year means nothing.
The coaching staff really have their work cut out IMO and I see this team right now more comparable to year one, which had the talent to go toe to toe with UConn but got there “too late”, than year two, but we shall see.
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Since I expressed many of the same concerns yesterday, I agree with the caution - specifically about the challenge of having only one ball to go around and people's largely erroneous belief that "anyone can play defense." I have wanted Mitchell from the start because with him and Zuby I will know I have at least two guys who get it on that end.

I do think that an experienced PG will land on the roster, and that will hopefully help if chosen well.

And I think that having about a half dozen returnees is a very significant difference from Year 1 since there is a foundation to layer the newcomers onto as opposed to everyone starting from scratch.

So I do not think we will be in Year 1 or worse territory, but I fully agree that folks may be a bit ahead of their skis thinking that the Year 3 team is guaranteed to be better than Year 2. It certainly has has the potential to be but the gap between potential and reality has to be closed and that remains to be seen.
 
logen said:
For those expecting more cheerleading, I suggest you move on.

Obviously chemistry is the biggest question mark, especially in regards to the “one ball” truth on an offensive minded team which looks like it will possibly lack an experienced battle hardened PG. To think Jackson can learn to play the position at this level on the fly in a summer is a huge gamble to say the least. Last years had two who were experienced enough and selfless enough to co-exist, and multiple players not afraid of “the moment”; the posters and coaches who have forgotten how over the top valuable Luis was at crunch time notwithstanding.
Yeah, I know Pitino was going to get Soriano in the NBA and teach Richmond to shoot 3’s and how did that work out?
Everyone lauds talent, and obviously it starts and ends with that, but where is the leadership, not players willing to shoot at the end of games, but to repeat, real battle hardened leadership? That invariably must come from the backcourt, because they have the ball in their hands most of the time and need to make good, mature decisions on offense. On defense they are the first line and need to establish and set the tone with hard on the ball play. I don’t see any players brought in who have a defense minded background.
Not predicting at all, but none of these players come from teams that had any real success last year, are relatively inexperienced and it is NOT about 5 one on one matchups so the idea of “this guy is better that that guy” year to year means nothing.
The coaching staff really have their work cut out IMO and I see this team right now more comparable to year one, which had the talent to go toe to toe with UConn but got there “too late”, than year two, but we shall see.
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GTFOH
 
lawmanfan said:
Since I expressed many of the same concerns yesterday, I agree with the caution - specifically about the challenge of having only one ball to go around and people's largely erroneous belief that "anyone can play defense." I have wanted Mitchell from the start because with him and Zuby I will know I have at least two guys who get it on that end.

I do think that an experienced PG will land on the roster, and that will hopefully help if chosen well.

And I think that having about a half dozen returnees is a very significant difference from Year 1 since there is a foundation to layer the newcomers onto as opposed to everyone starting from scratch.

So I do not think we will be in Year 1 or worse territory, but I fully agree that folks may be a bit ahead of their skis thinking that the Year 3 team is guaranteed to be better than Year 2. It certainly has has the potential to be but the gap between potential and reality has to be closed and that remains to be seen.
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As far as the returnees, it is certainly possible, but on paper, outside of Zuby, I would think all will eventually slot about where they were last year so a leadership, teaching role seems more hope than reality but I could certainly be wrong.
 
logen said:
Wow, that’s a way more intelligent reply than I expected. Totally chock full of that expansive basketball knowledge you exhibited analyzing Jenkins.
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You just have to read between the lines the lines.🤪 3 years ago Bama brought in a point guard who played 3 seasons at mid major Ohio and he was first team AA the past 2 seasons. Not saying that will happen for us or even that it needs to but with all the roster spots still open and all the mid major PG still available the right one can be very valuable to next years team and Pitino will bring in one of those at a minimum.
 
logen said:
Wow, that’s a way more intelligent reply than I expected. Totally chock full of that expansive basketball knowledge you exhibited analyzing Jenkins.
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You took a shit on the sidewalk and want me to write a poem about it?

When this team is top 15 all year, then what? Do I get to come back and rub your face in yet another bad take?

Who starts a post like this: “For those expecting more cheerleading, I suggest you move on.” Who the hell expects cheerleading from you? You make Eeyore look like he’s on a coke bender😂

Jesus Christ man, cheer up.
 
Marillac2 said:
You took a shit on the sidewalk and want me to write a poem about it?

When this team is top 15 all year, then what? Do I get to come back and rub your face in yet another bad take?

Who starts a post like this: “For those expecting more cheerleading, I suggest you move on.” Who the hell expects cheerleading from you? You make Eeyore look like he’s on a coke bender😂

Jesus Christ man, cheer up.
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It's funny because I am also down on the idea of Ian at PG, and think our floor is a top 25 team (which doesn't mean that is what I think will happen).
 
bamafan said:
You just have to read between the lines the lines.🤪 3 years ago Bama brought in a point guard who played 3 seasons at mid major Ohio and he was first team AA the past 2 seasons. Not saying that will happen for us or even that it needs to but with all the roster spots still open and all the mid major PG still available the right one can be very valuable to next years team and Pitino will bring in one of those at a minimum.
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Anything can happen but I look at things as I look at things, not hoping for one offs. I mean next year we could be in a two point game in the round of 32 and the opposing coach could bench his conference POY and 2nd team AA for the last 5 minutes of the game but I wouldn’t count on it.
I see a fair amount of ? marks right now and expressed such, feel free to disagree.
If you guys didn’t notice I am not a “Pitinie”, I acknowledge his greatness as a coach but I don’t see the NC roster many are touting; it is very tough to win on offense , especially with no PG, and that’s the roster I see right now. As I said, disagree, I certainly respect your opinion to say the least; these are my opinions, not meant to be presented as facts.
 
Last year we had no idea RJ would be healthy, let alone BE POY, or what Smith would bring, or that Zuby would make such an exponential jump. No one thought we'd win 31 games. This year, we have players in those slots who seem to have more of a track record for us to have expectations that they should be just as good as what we got from the players we lost. With that comes very high hopes and expectations. And hopefully the lack of continuity this coming year is no worse than last season.
 
logen said:
For those expecting more cheerleading, I suggest you move on.

Obviously chemistry is the biggest question mark, especially in regards to the “one ball” truth on an offensive minded team which looks like it will possibly lack an experienced battle hardened PG. To think Jackson can learn to play the position at this level on the fly in a summer is a huge gamble to say the least. Last years had two who were experienced enough and selfless enough to co-exist, and multiple players not afraid of “the moment”; the posters and coaches who have forgotten how over the top valuable Luis was at crunch time notwithstanding.

Everyone lauds talent, and obviously it starts and ends with that, but where is the leadership, not players willing to shoot at the end of games, but to repeat, real battle hardened leadership?
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It's healthy to hear all sides of an argument... that's what makes this Board Great... imagine if we all agreed... it be boring af...

I share a couple of your concerns...
-Chemistry. This will Always be a "concern" in this era of College bball... holding on to a kid for a 2nd season will be considered an accomplishment. Something every staff will have to deal with. But the "Talent" is there... most important piece to start your foundation with.

-Ball handler. If Rick thinks Ian can play point... gotta trust our HOF Coach. might certainly be some hiccups in at the start... but think with the Talent we have... they will figure it out. We will also bring in a proven PG, albiet probably from a MM. Sanon/Jackson were highly touted freshmen that showed capabilty last year... with a year under their belt and Rick's tutelage- skys the limit for both of them.

-"The moment".... we had RJ and Kadary who were very comfortable in late game situations... I think a lot of us are forgetting the "biggest" get... Bryce Hopkins. If* the kid is healthy- which the staff says he is... guys- this kid is an AA candidate... hes an absolute Stud. As good of an "RJ" replacement as one could find. The issue won't be - do we have someone for the "moment" - it will be determining Who to give it to- since we have so many perceived options.

-Leadership-...? cmon Logen... this is offensive... our biggest recruit was ZUBY... and there is a reason why the staff locked him up so early... Kid is the heart and Soul of the Team... he will forever be remembered by this fanbase... He has everything you want in a Leader... we saw it firsthand all season- and even in the Ark game- shaking RJ to come alive... no other player i would want on my squad.
 
bucketshardy said:
It's healthy to hear all sides of an argument... that's what makes this Board Great... imagine if we all agreed... it be boring af...

I share a couple of your concerns...
-Chemistry. This will Always be a "concern" in this era of College bball... holding on to a kid for a 2nd season will be considered an accomplishment. Something every staff will have to deal with. But the "Talent" is there... most important piece to start your foundation with.

-Ball handler. If Rick thinks Ian can play point... gotta trust our HOF Coach. might certainly be some hiccups in at the start... but think with the Talent we have... they will figure it out. We will also bring in a proven PG, albiet probably from a MM. Sanon/Jackson were highly touted freshmen that showed capabilty last year... with a year under their belt and Rick's tutelage- skys the limit for both of them.

-"The moment".... we had RJ and Kadary who were very comfortable in late game situations... I think a lot of us are forgetting the "biggest" get... Bryce Hopkins. If* the kid is healthy- which the staff says he is... guys- this kid is an AA candidate... hes an absolute Stud. As good of an "RJ" replacement as one could find. The issue won't be - do we have someone for the "moment" - it will be determining Who to give it to- since we have so many perceived options.

-Leadership-...? cmon Logen... this is offensive... our biggest recruit was ZUBY... and there is a reason why the staff locked him up so early... Kid is the heart and Soul of the Team... he will forever be remembered by this fanbase... He has everything you want in a Leader... we saw it firsthand all season- and even in the Ark game- shaking RJ to come alive... no other player i would want on my squad.
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CobraKai.gif
 
bucketshardy said:
It's healthy to hear all sides of an argument... that's what makes this Board Great... imagine if we all agreed... it be boring af...

I share a couple of your concerns...
-Chemistry. This will Always be a "concern" in this era of College bball... holding on to a kid for a 2nd season will be considered an accomplishment. Something every staff will have to deal with. But the "Talent" is there... most important piece to start your foundation with.

-Ball handler. If Rick thinks Ian can play point... gotta trust our HOF Coach. might certainly be some hiccups in at the start... but think with the Talent we have... they will figure it out. We will also bring in a proven PG, albiet probably from a MM. Sanon/Jackson were highly touted freshmen that showed capabilty last year... with a year under their belt and Rick's tutelage- skys the limit for both of them.

-"The moment".... we had RJ and Kadary who were very comfortable in late game situations... I think a lot of us are forgetting the "biggest" get... Bryce Hopkins. If* the kid is healthy- which the staff says he is... guys- this kid is an AA candidate... hes an absolute Stud. As good of an "RJ" replacement as one could find. The issue won't be - do we have someone for the "moment" - it will be determining Who to give it to- since we have so many perceived options.

-Leadership-...? cmon Logen... this is offensive... our biggest recruit was ZUBY... and there is a reason why the staff locked him up so early... Kid is the heart and Soul of the Team... he will forever be remembered by this fanbase... He has everything you want in a Leader... we saw it firsthand all season- and even in the Ark game- shaking RJ to come alive... no other player i would want on my squad.
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1) I acknowledged it all starts with talent but it is a start, nothing more nothing less

2) PG, sorry but I don’t share your belief in Pitino’s infallability. It is not about ball handling at all, it is about understanding the team, the game, time and score, it is about a mind set, not just being able to dribble and pass

3) Hopkins has not played in two years, I will wait to see him and the team before passing judgement. As for others, plenty of great players are afraid of the moment, again about a mind set, not just talent

4) I agree but a big can lead while the clock is off, VERY difficult while it is running, I should have been more specific
 
Zendon Hamilton, Artest, Postell, Lopez
4 guys that made pros. Team didn’t have a point guard and lost in first round.
Can’t say for sure Jackson isn’t a point but can’t say he looked like one last year.
 
logen said:
1) I acknowledged it all starts with talent but it is a start, nothing more nothing less

2) PG, sorry but I don’t share your belief in Pitino’s infallability. It is not about ball handling at all, it is about understanding the team, the game, time and score, it is about a mind set, not just being able to dribble and pass

3) Hopkins has not played in two years, I will wait to see him and the team before passing judgement. As for others, plenty of great players are afraid of the moment, again about a mind set, not just talent

4) I agree but a big can lead while the clock is off, VERY difficult while it is running, I should have been more specific
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I agree with you. Objectively speaking, if I were a betting man I'd rank Pukon slightly higher right now based not on talent but on chemistry, continuity, etc.
 
We are all speculators this Spring as to the expectations we hold for the 25-26 Season .

We are wildly enthusiastic as we have been for every year . In past years our exuberance , inflated us to even predicting CMA teams would be BE contenders and almost guaranteed a NCAA bid . The end of season results , quite different in March than they were in July or, even January .

But , here is a point to consider , What Goals should be set for the incoming team ?

I’m sure Pitino is already formulating his plans and be sure , he has Goals . That’s his DNA.

In my mind , number 1 goal is to repeat as BE Champions . Anything less is not a disaster but , if we are happy with a 4 th place BE finish , that would be a disappointing record

Goal Number 2 - We should be a Elite 8 team , at worse and should set the Goal as Final 4 as our target .


A great number of the regulars posted here are experienced BB fans . And , fandom gives us leeway to voice opinions , which are highly individual commentary .
At this point, no opinion on next season is right or wrong .

A final word about RJ and Sim.

They are deserving of our highest accolades for their contributions to our BE Championship season .

They are moving on, with their future still in front of them.

I hope RJ returns to College , gets a big NIL and has a repeat AA selection on a top tier team and is a Candidate for the Wooden Award .

For Sim, I hope he lands at a top tier team , ranked throughout the year and averages 15 points a game , 4 Assists and 5 rebounds .
And , named to that Team’s All Conference squad .
 
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