'22-'23 Roster

Adunk33

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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.
 
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Defensively Liam is not physically able to play heavy minutes on a big. Ryan and Sissoko have to improve enough to stay out of foul trouble. Currently, down 2 post players from last year. Unless they do away with the shot clock, don't think a 6'5" and under team will fare well in the Valley.
I agree! Liam and Kotov while they are tall, their style of play isn’t that of an interior defender/rebounder. Without adding more to the paint, I’m afraid this team will still struggle next season. Give me a coke machine!
 

MadBird

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I agree! Liam and Kotov while they are tall, their style of play isn’t that of an interior defender/rebounder. Without adding more to the paint, I’m afraid this team will still struggle next season. Give me a coke machine!
Pedon agrees with you - he's the one that recruited Liddel to OSU.

And Zed Key too? 6'7, 245 lb.
 

SgtHulka

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Jul 17, 2017
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We can't start 12 guys. Nothing wrong with keeping a 6' 10" upper classman on the roster. Maybe Pedon thinks he could contribute, or thinks Kotov is a third string option. Or, he doesn't get a good feel for landing any servicable bigs that fit his style and are willing to sign. Here's hoping he flourishes under the new regime and averages 15 and 12.
 

FriscoBird90

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Jul 25, 2017
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We can't start 12 guys. Nothing wrong with keeping a 6' 10" upper classman on the roster. Maybe Pedon thinks he could contribute, or thinks Kotov is a third string option. Or, he doesn't get a good feel for landing any servicable bigs that fit his style and are willing to sign. Here's hoping he flourishes under the new regime and averages 15 and 12.
To play off that thought and put it another way, "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with."
 

Bird Friend

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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.
Nope. They were playing marbles.
 

Adunk33

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If I had to guess based on social media activity, I'd say its very possible he heads back to TSF. I'm not sure one season on a struggling MM bench will open the door for other D1 assistant jobs. I think he'll have to work his way in through a DOBO kind of job. He clearly has connections and does a nice job building relationships. He'll be a valuable asset somewhere. I wish him well.
Back to TSF.
 
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With the twins and Freeman likely gone, how many schollies do we have to fill? 4? I can barely keep up these days.
 

BirdGrad2011

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The further we get from the Muller era the more questions I have on what was actually going on. No wonder Brennan ponied up.
 

Adunk33

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With the twins and Freeman likely gone, how many schollies do we have to fill? 4? I can barely keep up these days.
4 is correct.
2022-23 Roster as it stands 5/6.
1. McChesney (f)
2. Lewis (f)
3. Sissoko (f)
4. Kotov (f)
5. Schmitt (f)
6. Sandage (g) Xfer from Western Illinois
7. Poindexter (g) Xfer from Virginia
8. Burford (g) Xfer from Elon
9. Luke Kasubke (g) Xfer from K-State

Stadelman WO (g)
Miller WO (g)
 

AgGrad88

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Jul 18, 2017
Messages
135
4 is correct.
2022-23 Roster as it stands 5/6.
1. McChesney (f)
2. Lewis (f)
3. Sissoko (f)
4. Kotov (f)
5. Schmitt (f)
6. Sandage (g) Xfer from Western Illinois
7. Poindexter (g) Xfer from Virginia
8. Burford (g) Xfer from Elon
9. Luke Kasubke (g) Xfer from K-State

Stadelman WO (g)
Miller WO (g)
1. McChesney (f) (He showed some promise down the stretch, definitely had some fight in him and tried to hold his own down low)
2. Lewis (f) Really glad he stayed, hopefully he will gain some confidence back and play like he played against Wisconsin)
3. Sissoko (f) (Meh... he has got the build/body we need.... hasn't shown much talent yet)
4. Kotov (f) (Step it up kid or get back to Russia, been a benchwarmer up until now.....)
5. Schmitt (f) (He needs to play with more confidence. Way too timid, almost like he is scared to be out there)
6. Sandage (g) Xfer from Western Illinois
7. Poindexter (g) Xfer from Virginia
8. Burford (g) Xfer from Elon
9. Luke Kasubke (g) Xfer from K-State

It will be interesting to see how the guys we have seen before develop under the new coaching staff. I really think that is an area Dan and company struggled with. Really interested to see what direction they go with filling the last few pieces to the puzzle. It would be nice to see someone with some size and stoutness that can play the C instead of forcing a tall skinny forward to play out of position and get his ass kicked down low all game.
 

MadBird

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Madison, Wisconsin
3. Sissoko (f) (Meh... he has got the build/body we need.... hasn't shown much talent yet)
I've argued some for Sissoko - In 20-21, Sissoko averaged 4.2 points per game and 3.1 rebs per game, in 16 minutes per game (about what Liam gave last year). Last year, basically 1 and 1 in 6 minutes per game - something happened. If he got 20 minutes per game, played like a third year player (ie. improved some) and gave us, say 8 and 6 per game, that'd be decent. Not great, but about what Mahorcic gave us two years ago, and what Lewis gave last year. I think there's something in there if someone can pry it out.
 

Chicagobirdfan

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Nov 4, 2017
Messages
953
I've argued some for Sissoko - In 20-21, Sissoko averaged 4.2 points per game and 3.1 rebs per game, in 16 minutes per game (about what Liam gave last year). Last year, basically 1 and 1 in 6 minutes per game - something happened. If he got 20 minutes per game, played like a third year player (ie. improved some) and gave us, say 8 and 6 per game, that'd be decent. Not great, but about what Mahorcic gave us two years ago, and what Lewis gave last year. I think there's something in there if someone can pry it out.
I agree with this. Whenever sissoko came in last year (albeit for low minutes) he seemed to have talent, just needs a chance.
 

Birgs

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Oct 7, 2017
Messages
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Little Village | Chicago, IL
If he's switching gears (obviously slow & 1/2 court, slow it vs length & chuck) gotta get a pivot. There was that transition when I first became affiliated with ISU. Larkio (sp.?) and KS went their ways. You had a squad of The Kernal/Altadonna/Trotter/a freshman Muller &Jamar/Cason; Kenny Wright & Marcus Franklin were my faves - it was a weird mix; eventually, you get LeRoy eligible, throw in Rico, it may get interesting.

Then you fold in your Skipp, Cartmill, Hansell. Stage Bryson....

That was old-school recruiting. Now portal-esque, who knows what center you can drop in and accelerate the transition with Coach's approach?

Oh, for the days of KP's three possessions in a row and C-o-o-o-o-o-op! to "warm up the bus"
 
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BirdGrad2011

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Jul 16, 2017
Messages
2,225
What a perfect day for a visit. Let’s hope we should be on commitment watch for Seneca Knight. Great add for 1 year.
 

redbirds2000

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Aug 1, 2017
Messages
1,873
1. McChesney (f) (He showed some promise down the stretch, definitely had some fight in him and tried to hold his own down low)
2. Lewis (f) Really glad he stayed, hopefully he will gain some confidence back and play like he played against Wisconsin)
3. Sissoko (f) (Meh... he has got the build/body we need.... hasn't shown much talent yet)
4. Kotov (f) (Step it up kid or get back to Russia, been a benchwarmer up until now.....)
5. Schmitt (f) (He needs to play with more confidence. Way too timid, almost like he is scared to be out there)
6. Sandage (g) Xfer from Western Illinois
7. Poindexter (g) Xfer from Virginia
8. Burford (g) Xfer from Elon
9. Luke Kasubke (g) Xfer from K-State

It will be interesting to see how the guys we have seen before develop under the new coaching staff. I really think that is an area Dan and company struggled with. Really interested to see what direction they go with filling the last few pieces to the puzzle. It would be nice to see someone with some size and stoutness that can play the C instead of forcing a tall skinny forward to play out of position and get his ass kicked down low all game.
I think what you stated about Kotov should go for everyone. Get us dancing or move on.
 
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