Athlon Sports 2014 Big East Preview

[Pleasedontbanmeagain]

A little biased on my part, but i'm not big on the newcomers.

How are you not big on a 5 star recruit PG #17 in the country overall, a 25 yr old Dominican National Team player, and a 3 pt machine (as far as we know)? I can see maybe Hooper disappointing but I expect Sanchez and Jordan to immediately contribute in a solid if not dominant way. Jordan will help us penetrate which was a glaring weakness last year and Sanchez will help us rebound and score inside. Supposedly the kid has a bit of range too more like a Sampson. Will try for the dunk or layup first but can always knock down a 10 footer.

 

[redstorm80]

A little biased on my part, but i'm not big on the newcomers.

How are you not big on a 5 star recruit PG #17 in the country overall, a 25 yr old Dominican National Team player, and a 3 pt machine (as far as we know)? I can see maybe Hooper disappointing but I expect Sanchez and Jordan to immediately contribute in a solid if not dominant way. Jordan will help us penetrate which was a glaring weakness last year and Sanchez will help us rebound and score inside. Supposedly the kid has a bit of range too more like a Sampson. Will try for the dunk or layup first but can always knock down a 10 footer.

I love our newcomers, I was talking about Creighton, Butler & Xavier's conference record next year

 

[MJDinkins]

A little biased on my part, but i'm not big on the newcomers.

How are you not big on a 5 star recruit PG #17 in the country overall, a 25 yr old Dominican National Team player, and a 3 pt machine (as far as we know)? I can see maybe Hooper disappointing but I expect Sanchez and Jordan to immediately contribute in a solid if not dominant way. Jordan will help us penetrate which was a glaring weakness last year and Sanchez will help us rebound and score inside. Supposedly the kid has a bit of range too more like a Sampson. Will try for the dunk or layup first but can always knock down a 10 footer.

Do not forget about Sanchez's ability to pass the ball. IMO, that might be his best attribute. We should have ourselves a serious point forward. He's a good shot blocker, as well.

I'm not looking for Sanchez to be a scorer (I'm sure he'll have a game here or there, in which he'll give us about 17 points), but I'm looking for him to stuff the stat sheet on most nights.

An example: 11 points/8 rebounds/5 assists/3 blocks/2 steals. I'm not saying this will be his season average, but those are the kinda numbers I expect him to put up some games. Nothing gaudy, but very productive.

 

[Amaseinyourface]

A little biased on my part, but i'm not big on the newcomers.

How are you not big on a 5 star recruit PG #17 in the country overall, a 25 yr old Dominican National Team player, and a 3 pt machine (as far as we know)? I can see maybe Hooper disappointing but I expect Sanchez and Jordan to immediately contribute in a solid if not dominant way. Jordan will help us penetrate which was a glaring weakness last year and Sanchez will help us rebound and score inside. Supposedly the kid has a bit of range too more like a Sampson. Will try for the dunk or layup first but can always knock down a 10 footer.

Do not forget about Sanchez's ability to pass the ball. IMO, that might be his best attribute. We should have ourselves a serious point forward. He's a good shot blocker, as well.

I'm not looking for Sanchez to be a scorer (I'm sure he'll have a game here or there, in which he'll give us about 17 points), but I'm looking for him to stuff the stat sheet on most nights.

An example: 11 points/8 rebounds/5 assists/3 blocks/2 steals. I'm not saying this will be his season average, but those are the kinda numbers I expect him to put up some games. Nothing gaudy, but very productive.

Great points and completely agree MJ. Our passing should be greatly improved with the additions of Sanchez, Jordan, and a healthy (fingers crossed) branch. The combination of which will make up our top 3 passers. Don't see any of them averaging over 4 assists because minutes will be spread out but wouldn't be surprised if both Jordan and branch come close to that.

 

[1and1sju]

I think running an uptempo offense is overrated by fans and commentators, because it's simply not available that often.
Our team has the athletes to get out and run, so obviously when the opportunity presents itself we should push, but the truth is 70+% of our possessions are going to be in the half-court.
This year we might be able to get out on the break a little more often, because with Sanchez and Gift, and a stronger Obekpa and Sampson our guards might not have to crash the defensivee glass as often. Last year we needed all hands on deck to rebound as a team. If our bigs can hold their own in the rebound game - then maybe we can push the ball a little more.


But even still. With made baskets, fouls, and the defense simply getting back - there aren't as many opportunities as we think to run. So I agree with those who say our half-court offense will be a key to the team's success. Thankfully I think we'll be improved in that area. Our shooting is what it is, but ball movement should be much better with the addition of Sanchez, Jordan, and experience for the other guys.