“@JonRothstein: The latest @WFAN660 features a Big East Offseason Notebook With Power Rankings, Players To Watch + More http://cbsloc.al/12So89U”
Rothstein Prognosis
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
IMO they are as good as anyone in the league. Tough players too.
I agree in theory/on paper, but as it relates to us I think we need to show something first. I know we took them to OT in their place, the second game was with a depleted SJU roster, and that what happened last season doesn't necessarily mean anything in terms of what's going to happen this season. But they did beat us twice, won 20 games, went to the tournament, and have their top 3 scorers back. They add two Top 100 pieces of their own and I could see Ochefu taking big strides in his second season, replacing Yarou's minutes/production at least.
Again I think you are correct and that most of the polls will have us above them due to our projected advantage in talent/depth. And certainly hope that turns out to be the case. But it makes me a little nervous putting us ahead of them right now coming off a year where they beat us twice and found a way to get to the tournament with their two best players being a freshman and sophomore.
Moose
Well-known member
Understand all your points. 2nd game means nothing to me since it was after our leading scorer was suspended and we played offensively as one of the worst 10 teams in D1. Not big on Ochefu either. Rothstein loves talking about how we are the most talented team in the BE. Well the most talented team in the BE shouldn't be ranked 4 in his rankings. These aren't juggernauts like Lville, Kentucky, Duke and UNC in front of us.
And I yours. I realized right after I posted this that I may still be feeling the residual effects of sitting through that Big East game, as our offensive display was one of the worst I have ever seen at any level! Nova's not much better, but ours was truly distinguished that night.
I also don't typically like hedges like "best talent in the conference...but can they put it all together?" with a ranking like 4 because then you are covered if they do and finish 1-2 or don't and finish 5-6. Not much of a prediction. But in this particular instance I don't think it's an unfair question/ranking. We are a unique kind of unknown because we are projected to be so loaded but are coming off 24 months of fairly consistent turmoil, have a good amount to blend, and haven't proven anything yet.
No matter what the experts think the most important point in my book is the one alluded to: if we really are this talented there is no reason not to finish at the top of this conference. Assuming everyone is cleared and healthy there is little reason not to have a breakout season.
I completely agree. Pinkston is a monster and if he starts knocking down deep shots like I think he will, he could blow up. I think Nova really needed an explosive second guard and they got it with Dylan Ennis. Hilliard is a decent player, but they will be much better off playing smaller with Archie and Ennis. Bell is a very good player and extremely versatile and the young big (Uchefu? always get their names mixed up) should be much improved.