Next Years Team

[Redbird222]

They might be good at guard now. A room that was 3 deep last year due to ongoing injury/illness now has 5 in it with JK, Luke, Mal, DB, and DB. I certainly wouldn't say no to another one but 2 of the final 3 scholarships for sure need to go to a big and a wing. There is some flexibility with the last one but I'd prefer another big. Walker and Schmitt are the only post guys on the roster for next year as of now. Lewis and Sissoko can play in the post, when needed, but shouldn't be 3rd or 4th on the depth chart because we know foul trouble will be an issue with the other two.

We definitely need another big and someone on the wing. I personally would fill the 13th scholarship and not leave it open. A strong 4 would be nice especially because this is Lewis' last year. I know coach is concerned about not having enough playing time for 13 scholarship players but I would rather have more talent than less. Injuries and other things happen and I don't know if I would say we have an abundance of proven depth. We have 3 freshman, Schmitt and Sissoko have had limited contributions historically, and we are hoping a change in scenery helps Banks.

 

[ScoreboardDotRace]

Agreed with 222. We need to fill everything. And we need someone who can come in and score the basketball. Unless the plan is to have repeats of 3-4 minute scoring droughts like there were consistently last year.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Agreed with 222. We need to fill everything. And we need someone who can come in and score the basketball. Unless the plan is to have repeats of 3-4 minute scoring droughts like there were consistently last year.

I agree we need more scoring (and consistency out of returnees) and size. We just need to remember Ty Pence is a top 200 player and a bucket. So it’s not just running it back like last year.

 

[ScoreboardDotRace]

While I get what you’re saying, and I’m hopeful too….high school and college are still different. Will be interesting to see.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

While I get what you’re saying, and I’m hopeful too….high school and college are still different. Will be interesting to see.

Absolutely. I think if the addition of Banks and Johnny allow Mal and DB to play off ball a vast majority it will increase their scoring. If Luke takes the step to be more consistent from 3 then watch out. That’s a dangerous backcourt. Would like to see Pence contribute and add another Knight size wing for the versatility.

 

[Hamdonger]

Absolutely. I think if the addition of Banks and Johnny allow Mal and DB to play off ball a vast majority it will increase their scoring. If Luke takes the step to be more consistent from 3 then watch out. That’s a dangerous backcourt. Would like to see Pence contribute and add another Knight size wing for the versatility.

There was a 5 or 6 or 7 game stretch where I thought Luke (combining both ends of the court) played like our overall best player. He really crashed at end of year and looked nowhere near that player. Hoping we get that 5-10 game Luke.

 

[Manchester Matt]

There was a 5 or 6 or 7 game stretch where I thought Luke (combining both ends of the court) played like our overall best player. He really crashed at end of year and looked nowhere near that player. Hoping we get that 5-10 game Luke.

Have heard LK had a pretty significant shoulder issue that was fixed once the season ended. Imagine that was a major reason he struggled down the stretch.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

Have heard LK had a pretty significant shoulder issue that was fixed once the season ended. Imagine that was a major reason he struggled down the stretch.

That would make sense. He was always good on defense, but that stretch he was a lights out shooter. Had confidence and it showed. Thought it was odd that guy just disappeared offensively.

 

[Adunk33]

Just about simply, obviously, naming Such (a) likable assistant. Yay!

Just
About
Simply
Obviously
Naming

Such (a)
Likable
Assistant
Yay!

 

[SgtHulka]

Welcome Jason!

 

[Baltimore Bird]

This appears to be a tremendous hire. WELCOME JASON! Make Redbird Nation proud!

 

[dpdoughbird06]

Have heard LK had a pretty significant shoulder issue that was fixed once the season ended. Imagine that was a major reason he struggled down the stretch.

I had a shoulder injury in my senior league baseball season last fall. I couldn’t throw anyone out from second base and had to bowl lefty for a few months. Trying to play high-level basketball with a bum shoulder? Can’t even imagine.

 

[Redbird28]

I had a shoulder injury in my senior league baseball season last fall. I couldn’t throw anyone out from second base and had to bowl lefty for a few months. Trying to play high-level basketball with a bum shoulder? Can’t even imagine.

Chuck Knoblauch couldn't throw anyone out from 2nd base either. Don't feel bad.

 

[RedbirdSoxFan]

Chuck Knoblauch couldn't throw anyone out from 2nd base either. Don't feel bad.

Steve Sax Syndrome

 

[ScoreboardDotRace]

Welcome to the program to Coach Slay.
Wonder what his connections are to the ‘bread basket’, because USF had exactly 1 player from that radius last year.

I’m sure it’s recruit the area around you, and he will be able to adjust and build those relationships in his new location. Just funny he’s coming from an area that fans don’t like us to recruit from.

Also interesting he spent a year under Brian Gregory who I remember a lot of people wanted when he eventually went to Dayton (?) and we ended up with Porter.

 

[BirdGrad2011]

He spent time at Youngstown State. He has Midwest ties.

 

[ScoreboardDotRace]

I know he has ties there, and spent time at YSU. Simply pointing out he wasn’t getting kids down to USF from that area in the last 2-3 years. Maybe the staff didn’t want to consider players from that area. Maybe by design.

I’m sure he will leverage and develop relationships and help us fill in the gaps where we’re lacking.

 

[Adunk33]

We have one of the walk on spots filled:

 

[SgtHulka]

We have one of the walk on spots filled:

Awesome!!!

 

[Manchester Matt]

Hearing we could get another commitment early next week…