I'm loving what Pedon is saying. He's staying true to he's trying to develop a roster, not just build a team. He doesn't want to fill the scholarship for the sake of filling it. He's playing chess, while it felt like at times, the old regime was playing checkers. It seems he doesn't want to bring in guys that he'll just hope to recruit over in 2023. I think back to guys like Jamaal Samuels, Elvis Harvey, or Andre Washington. I don't remember when they signed but there seemed to be a feeling amongst fans that they wouldn't be back the following year.
Now, I'm not a coach or tasked with building a roster but I don't anticipate the Birds go to battle next season with 9 scholarship players... One or two injuries and your season is over. I'm happy he is being patient and selective but also know he's smarter than trying to run out with nine guys.
Agreed that it seems Pedon and Co have a liking to Kotov. For the final additions I'd bring in another Lewis/Sissoko type versatile player along with some size. I don't feel Liam, Ryan and Alex is enough at the 5 spot. Liam isn't a 5. So it really leaves Ryan and Alex to bang in the post. With Pedon saying he want's to play, "Inside out and through the post," you need more than two guys to do that, unless you're just hoping that once you throw it down low, the defense collapses and the post player can kick out to a guard to shoot or drive. For that to work, you need your post guy to be a legitimate threat to score.
Overall, I love Pedon's transparency. It seems when you ask him a question, you're getting an answer. See the Pantagraph article about LK signing on. He is honest about what Luke's strength but also what he needs to work on and how they are going to help him get to where he needs to be. In these articles previously, Muller would say something along the lines of, "We're really excited to bring in guy who played at a high level in high school and with Power 5 experience. He'll be a valuable asset to our team...." and not provide any additional comments. Maybe Benson isn't as afraid to ask questions with Pedon?
There is certainly a breath of fresh air around the program right now. I believe it was labeled in a recent article, "Honeymoon Phase." I look forward to getting the new guys on campus and potentially seeing some summer workouts.
Now, I'm not a coach or tasked with building a roster but I don't anticipate the Birds go to battle next season with 9 scholarship players... One or two injuries and your season is over. I'm happy he is being patient and selective but also know he's smarter than trying to run out with nine guys.
Agreed that it seems Pedon and Co have a liking to Kotov. For the final additions I'd bring in another Lewis/Sissoko type versatile player along with some size. I don't feel Liam, Ryan and Alex is enough at the 5 spot. Liam isn't a 5. So it really leaves Ryan and Alex to bang in the post. With Pedon saying he want's to play, "Inside out and through the post," you need more than two guys to do that, unless you're just hoping that once you throw it down low, the defense collapses and the post player can kick out to a guard to shoot or drive. For that to work, you need your post guy to be a legitimate threat to score.
Overall, I love Pedon's transparency. It seems when you ask him a question, you're getting an answer. See the Pantagraph article about LK signing on. He is honest about what Luke's strength but also what he needs to work on and how they are going to help him get to where he needs to be. In these articles previously, Muller would say something along the lines of, "We're really excited to bring in guy who played at a high level in high school and with Power 5 experience. He'll be a valuable asset to our team...." and not provide any additional comments. Maybe Benson isn't as afraid to ask questions with Pedon?
There is certainly a breath of fresh air around the program right now. I believe it was labeled in a recent article, "Honeymoon Phase." I look forward to getting the new guys on campus and potentially seeing some summer workouts.