Are we in better shape than last year?

[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282205][quote="mjmaherjr" post=282198][quote="Boo Harvey" post=282185][quote="mjmaherjr" post=282179][quote="Chicago Days" post=282174][quote="Mean Gene" post=282169]I'm hoping in this scenario that Trimble leaves and we get a grad transfer or JUCO big. I like Trimble but we need the big more. If we do not sign anyone else and Trimble stays then we need either Roberts or Diakite to come up big this year.[/quote]

I think we'll have 1 more guy leave. Maybe Diakite and Trimble stays this year.
So, 1 more commit. I'm hoping with the rest of Board for a 'big'--but I want a good niche piece, not merely 'serviceable'.
Thinking we miss on Dachon Burke--and our 'big' is today's version of The Round Mound of Rebound--not Barkley, but also from Auburn--Desean Murray..
Sweet.[/quote] I want the big man. It's not like Mullin showed up for the Burke home visit or anything anyway[/quote]

Is it true that Mullin didn’t participate in the home visit with Burke?[/quote] from what I was told from multiple people who I trust he didnt go to it[/quote]

We certainly don't need to sign another guard right now. But on the date of Burke's in-home visit, we had not yet signed Eli Wright. As a rabid fan, I do wonder why Mullin did not attend? Fair or unfair, our fan base is beginning to question his commitment to recruiting. If it's unfair, then showing up for an in-home with this highly regarded transfer target would be one way to thwart an inaccurate perception.[/quote]
Not defending Mullin, but Wright was already wrapped up. Trust me on this. Still thought CM should have been at Burke in home visit, like the HCs of his other suitors did.
 
[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282205][quote="mjmaherjr" post=282198][quote="Boo Harvey" post=282185][quote="mjmaherjr" post=282179][quote="Chicago Days" post=282174][quote="Mean Gene" post=282169]I'm hoping in this scenario that Trimble leaves and we get a grad transfer or JUCO big. I like Trimble but we need the big more. If we do not sign anyone else and Trimble stays then we need either Roberts or Diakite to come up big this year.[/quote]

I think we'll have 1 more guy leave. Maybe Diakite and Trimble stays this year.
So, 1 more commit. I'm hoping with the rest of Board for a 'big'--but I want a good niche piece, not merely 'serviceable'.
Thinking we miss on Dachon Burke--and our 'big' is today's version of The Round Mound of Rebound--not Barkley, but also from Auburn--Desean Murray..
Sweet.[/quote] I want the big man. It's not like Mullin showed up for the Burke home visit or anything anyway[/quote]

Is it true that Mullin didn’t participate in the home visit with Burke?[/quote] from what I was told from multiple people who I trust he didnt go to it[/quote]

We certainly don't need to sign another guard right now. But on the date of Burke's in-home visit, we had not yet signed Eli Wright. As a rabid fan, I do wonder why Mullin did not attend? Fair or unfair, our fan base is beginning to question his commitment to recruiting. If it's unfair, then showing up for an in-home with this highly regarded transfer target would be one way to thwart an inaccurate perception.[/quote] Fair points. We didnt have either of these 2 commits when the in home happened a week ago
 
AlBovino Wrote: Why are people including Lovett in comparisons of last years team to next year's team. Lovett quit on the team and didn't play in the last 20 games of the season. So it is a no brainer that Dixon or even Greg Williams will give us more than Lovett did.

Since I started this thread I will try and answer your question about why Lovett was included in the comparisons. The initial question asked: was now that we have committed our thirteen scholarships are we better off than last year after we had committed our thirteen scholarships?

At that point Lovett's destiny as well as Sid Wilson's departure were unknowns. Last summer we were projected to be pretty good with the biggest question marks being around our interior play. With our recent signings we now have no more scholarships available. I thought it was a good time to look back to when we were in a similar place with roster development and see if people felt better about our chances going into this season than they did going into last season.
 
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[quote="Paultzman" post=282203]This team will have a lot of firepower offensively. Will they continue improvement evidenced last year defensively and rebound more proficiently is the question.[/quote]

Great points Paultz. Yeah, the potential 'firepower' on this team is 'silly', but critical they address the rebounding weaknesses of last year--either in 1 more 'big' (Desean Murray?), or a combo of Keita providing more boards than Owens and a swarming 'help' D by some very talented and quick guards...and MC Jr?
I think LJ will provide a spark both on 'O' obviously, but also on 'D' and I'm looking for Ponds to return, dedicated to show the NBA his mettle.
We shall see.
 
Don't even feel it is a question,THIS YR we will rebound better at mostly every position AND SCORE, inc our teams overall % from deep and play better D . Just mo think LJ TAKES MINS AWAY FROM Simon THINK WE WILL HAVE A STRONGER AND BETTER TEAM But they have to show it on the court,Coaching and getting players to reach their potential needs to improve as well as continuing to recruit top players but like the players we have recruited
 
[quote="Boo Harvey" post=282194][quote="gman" post=282193]I think we are neutral with the LJ signing offsetting Lovett but in a weaker BE.

As much as we want a big man, I don’t think Mullin wants one. He seems to want long and lean that can get up and down the floor.[/quote]

LJ offsets Bashir not LoVett. Hopefully Dixon offers some of what LoVett did[/quote]

This is the issue with the thread. Which team from last year are we comparing to? Not better off than last year's team w/Lovett, but I had pretty high expectations of that team. Probably slightly better off than the team that went 4-14 in conference mostly based on depth, would hope to be at .500 or maybe a game above. Question is can the team stay at 11-2 OOC. Will be hard to say until that full schedule comes out but apparently they won't be in the Gavitt Games so maybe besides Duke the OOC won't be too tough. Two of Cal/VCU/Templel compares favorably to Advocare with 1 less game, and Ga Tech are about where Nebraska was. Is anything else confirmed?

Forgetting about wins or expectations I'd say the team coming in is about the same as the team that went out (which underachieved in conference) but not as good as the team that started the season.
 
When comparing the two rosters, I wouldn't underestimate the experience that Ahmed and Owen's had. LJ, Dixon and the freshmen have never been in a game that demands the type of intensity that a major conference game requires. Even if they were to have greater raw talent, there will be a learning curve.

Unfortunately, we really don't have a lot of margin for error this year.
 
[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282240]When comparing the two rosters, I wouldn't underestimate the experience that Ahmed and Owen's had. LJ, Dixon and the freshmen have never been in a game that demands the type of intensity that a major conference game requires. Even if they were to have greater raw talent, there will be a learning curve.

Unfortunately, we really don't have a lot of margin for error this year.[/quote]

True enough, JF. I hear you.
Aside from the lack of 'big' depth (which may still get addressed), I think this roster better than last year's--assuming no major defections. Ponds, Simon, Clark, Figueroa, Keita, Dixon better imo than Ponds, LoVett, Simon, Clark, Ahmed, Owens.
From all accounts both Dixon and Keita seem to be ready for the challenge of BEC play, LJ is not a 'rookie' from HS (he a 1st team Juco AA as a frosh), and last year's squad soon had the desertions / defections of Wilson and LoVett.
So, I'm cautiously optimistic about the season, thinking the potential firepower intriguing and hoping the full year experience of Ponds, Simon, Clark--and things to prove for all three--might translate into some impressive performances.
We shall see.
 
going into last year simon and clark were big unknows. i know we hoped they would produce as well as they did but they were question marks. We know what they are now and that is very good players with a year under their belts and natural progression, so we are better right there, Dixon had a real solid year as freshman of the year in his conference so i dont think he will take too long to produce here. I was a huge lovett fan of his game and what he brought to the table but that said we are in better shape going into the season when compared to lovett being on the team, and as simon and clark took awhile to fit in. I understand dixon is a transfer too but see him settling in faster than the other 2 who were question marks on what they would provide.
 
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Going into last year I looked at team as an 18-19 win team (definite NIT bid and NCAA bubble team). Right now I look at next year's team as 19-20 win team so slightly better feeling than at this time last year. At this time last year we had a proven backcourt that was looked at as one of the better backcourts in the country, Owens coming off a solid soph year and Simon & Clark as promising newcomers but with no BE track record. This year, we have Ponds, Simon & Clark as proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita as the promising newcomers who are as yet unproven as high major players. I give next year's team an edge mainly based on better depth & hungry Ponds with a lot to prove. Our ability to keep Keita on the court and Clark to rebound better as he did at the end of this year is going to be key.
 
[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282240]When comparing the two rosters, I wouldn't underestimate the experience that Ahmed and Owen's had. LJ, Dixon and the freshmen have never been in a game that demands the type of intensity that a major conference game requires. Even if they were to have greater raw talent, there will be a learning curve.

Unfortunately, we really don't have a lot of margin for error this year.[/quote]

Ahmed and Owens each had 1 full season of division 1 play prior to last season as Owens played very little at Tennessee. Now Pomds has 2 seasons, Simon 1, Clark 3 , Trimble 1, Dixon 1. If anything we have a little more experience this season than last. Last season Ponds, Lovett, Ahmed and Owens each had 1 season. Would I want Owens back you bet but we have to deal with things as they are.
At least we have a bench this year of Williams, Earlington, Roberts, Diakite, and Dixon and Trimble. A fantastic bench , absolutely not , but I hope the 3 freshman other than Williams can give us 5-8 minutes a game and hope Williams can give us 10-15 minutes a game. If the freshman can play D and board on their limited time we could be good.
Here is to hoping everyone works very hard on the off season.
 
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[quote="NCJohnnie" post=282244]Going into last year I looked at team as an 18-19 win team (definite NIT bid and NCAA bubble team). Right now I look at next year's team as 19-20 win team so slightly better feeling than at this time last year. At this time last year we had a proven backcourt that was looked at as one of the better backcourts in the country, Owens coming off a solid soph year and Simon & Clark as promising newcomers but with no BE track record. This year, we have Ponds, Simon & Clark as proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita as the promising newcomers who are as yet unproven as high major players. I give next year's team an edge mainly based on better depth & hungry Ponds with a lot to prove. Our ability to keep Keita on the court and Clark to rebound better as he did at the end of this year is going to be key.[/quote]
As you said Ponds, Simon & Clark are proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita completing the top six. However, with Trimble and the two freshmen it gives us a possible rotation of 9 players. The depth question is solved but the front court is still small with no natural center. Year 4 will show how adaptive Mullin is to new players. If Ponds bolts I wouldn't expect better than a 8th place finish and if Kofi bolts NYC, the end of the Mullin experiment.
 
There are so many changes each year, I barely know who is on the team. It is not enjoyable
 
[quote="NCJohnnie" post=282244]Going into last year I looked at team as an 18-19 win team (definite NIT bid and NCAA bubble team). Right now I look at next year's team as 19-20 win team so slightly better feeling than at this time last year. At this time last year we had a proven backcourt that was looked at as one of the better backcourts in the country, Owens coming off a solid soph year and Simon & Clark as promising newcomers but with no BE track record. This year, we have Ponds, Simon & Clark as proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita as the promising newcomers who are as yet unproven as high major players. I give next year's team an edge mainly based on better depth & hungry Ponds with a lot to prove. Our ability to keep Keita on the court and Clark to rebound better as he did at the end of this year is going to be key.[/quote]

Marvin is an amazing kid. He really has a special personality. We are lucky, because many kids in his shoes would be disgruntled about having to play a bulk of his senior year out of position. He was let down by Owens departure and again by no big man being brought in. Yet, he wished Tariq well on Twitter and has been very clear that he looks forward to returning next season as a Johnny. Again, this is a really special kid.
 
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I think we are better off going into this year for a few reasons. As previously stated, Ponds , Simon , Clark and Trimble should all be better with experience and as a natural progression. LJ I fee will be better for us than Ahmed based on what I have read. Meaning, he is a more consistent outside shooter , better defender and I even saw one quote that spoke about his ability to pass the ball (Ahmed never passed the ball). I think LJ will fit the offense that Mullin wants to play better and be more effective in it than Ahmed was. I think that Keita will also be a better fit than Owens because he will give us what we really need out of that position which is defense, rebounding and passing out of the post. He will not be out at the top of the key firing up 3 pointers. We have scorers. We are much deeper in the back court with Trimble, Dixon and Williams coming off the bench which is what Mullin needs to run his offense effectively. Lastly, Roberts and either Earlington or Diakite have to be better options than Ali or Yakwe. Combine all that with a weaker Big East and I believe we are in much better shape than last season. If we can bring in another big, Calloo or grad transfer , we could really do some damage.
 
You are right about Marv seeming like a great kid, but I don't think he is being asked to play out of position. He will have plenty of opportunities to shoot the ball from 3 and play make off the pick and roll, which is consistent with his game. And, on defense, he'll be asked to guard a variety of players, which is also what he is going to be asked to do on the next level.

[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282254][quote="NCJohnnie" post=282244]Going into last year I looked at team as an 18-19 win team (definite NIT bid and NCAA bubble team). Right now I look at next year's team as 19-20 win team so slightly better feeling than at this time last year. At this time last year we had a proven backcourt that was looked at as one of the better backcourts in the country, Owens coming off a solid soph year and Simon & Clark as promising newcomers but with no BE track record. This year, we have Ponds, Simon & Clark as proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita as the promising newcomers who are as yet unproven as high major players. I give next year's team an edge mainly based on better depth & hungry Ponds with a lot to prove. Our ability to keep Keita on the court and Clark to rebound better as he did at the end of this year is going to be key.[/quote]

Marvin is an amazing kid. He really has a special personality. We are lucky, because many kids in his shoes would be disgruntled about having to play a bulk of his senior year out of position. He was let down by Owens departure and again by no big man being brought in. Yet, he wished Tariq well on Twitter and has been very clear that he looks forward to returning next season as a Johnny. Again, this is a really special kid.[/quote]
 
If Ponds returns we will be better, maybe even threaten breaking into the top half of the big east. If Ponds leaves we will flirt with the basement again. It's really that simple.
 
[quote="Rob" post=282262]You are right about Marv seeming like a great kid, but I don't think he is being asked to play out of position. He will have plenty of opportunities to shoot the ball from 3 and play make off the pick and roll, which is consistent with his game. And, on defense, he'll be asked to guard a variety of players, which is also what he is going to be asked to do on the next level.

[quote="JohnnyFan" post=282254][quote="NCJohnnie" post=282244]Going into last year I looked at team as an 18-19 win team (definite NIT bid and NCAA bubble team). Right now I look at next year's team as 19-20 win team so slightly better feeling than at this time last year. At this time last year we had a proven backcourt that was looked at as one of the better backcourts in the country, Owens coming off a solid soph year and Simon & Clark as promising newcomers but with no BE track record. This year, we have Ponds, Simon & Clark as proven BE big time players with Dixon, Figueroa & Keita as the promising newcomers who are as yet unproven as high major players. I give next year's team an edge mainly based on better depth & hungry Ponds with a lot to prove. Our ability to keep Keita on the court and Clark to rebound better as he did at the end of this year is going to be key.[/quote]

Marvin is an amazing kid. He really has a special personality. We are lucky, because many kids in his shoes would be disgruntled about having to play a bulk of his senior year out of position. He was let down by Owens departure and again by no big man being brought in. Yet, he wished Tariq well on Twitter and has been very clear that he looks forward to returning next season as a Johnny. Again, this is a really special kid.[/quote][/quote]

You're right, I do agree. But, I am sure he would want more time at the three and would love someone else (bigger) banging underneath with the likes of Paschall and Spellman.

Incidentally, someone on here raised the idea of playing Simon at power forward. He is obviously not one, but it might actually be our best option.
 
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[quote="redmannorth" post=282246][quote="JohnnyFan" post=282240]When comparing the two rosters, I wouldn't underestimate the experience that Ahmed and Owen's had. LJ, Dixon and the freshmen have never been in a game that demands the type of intensity that a major conference game requires. Even if they were to have greater raw talent, there will be a learning curve.

Unfortunately, we really don't have a lot of margin for error this year.[/quote]

Ahmed and Owens each had 1 full season of division 1 play prior to last season as Owens played very little at Tennessee. Now Pomds has 2 seasons, Simon 1, Clark 3 , Trimble 1, Dixon 1. If anything we have a little more experience this season than last. Last season Ponds, Lovett, Ahmed and Owens each had 1 season. Would I want Owens back you bet but we have to deal with things as they are.
At least we have a bench this year of Williams, Earlington, Roberts, Diakite, and Dixon and Trimble. A fantastic bench , absolutely not , but I hope the 3 freshman other than Williams can give us 5-8 minutes a game and hope Williams can give us 10-15 minutes a game. If the freshman can play D and board on their limited time we could be good.
Here is to hoping everyone works very hard on the off season.[/quote]

Ahmed had his moments here and based on the talent level of the team was a good fit. We killed him at times, and I'm no exception, but overall he was good enough to start on last year's team and could score. I would say though if we compared our top players to Villanova's rotation, Ponds Simon Clark and Owens would have seen minutes. Ahmed probably not. So Ahmed is a guy who helped our team last 2 years, but would not get us to the next level IMO.

I think this team is in better shape, but I do think that a 5 game improvement is too optimistic wilthout seeing the new guys play.

If I had to make a prediction, it would be a 1-3 game improvement and be pleasantly surprised if they exceed that.
 
The three areas of play that needed improvement were:
1 Rebounding: Keita taking Owens minutes has to be an improvement
2 Three point shooting: Clark, Dixon, Figueroa and improvement from Ponds in this area should close the gap SJU always seems to have vs the opposition
3 Bench strength: Nothing could be worse than last year
 
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