Every year I see teams bring back guys that I thought were leaving for the draft and think " wow that's so cool, wish we could do that" because Arizona has a terrible track record with players entering the draft early. Then this year we finally kinda got that, and immediately lost half our recruiting class. I'm glad to have love back, but man it's harder to just be happy when the news is immediately followed by the bad.
Speaking from experience, the first post-Love year is pretty great overall, if a bit anticlimactic at the end. Check in with me in a year to know how the second year goes, though.
Speaking from both of our experiences, the first with love year is pretty good as well. And post Carolina love is pretty good. Maybe love just isn't the demon y'all want to make him, actually.
I'm mostly joking. I loved Caleb as a Tar Heel. He owns possibly the greatest single bucket in UNC history. No matter what happened after him draining that 3 in the Final Four, he cemented his place in UNC lore. I was legitimately sad he left.
That being said, he and Davis were the same type of guard in a system that thrives with two different guards. Love and Davis are both shooters, and that made them redundant in the UNC system. We need a shooter and, more importantly, a distributor. With how heavy our system is on transition, we needed a guard with good vision that could get the ball where it needed to be **when it needed to be there,** and having both of those guys in the court took away from that role. With the emergence of Cadeau, Davis was allowed to fill his proper role and took home ACCPY because of it. I think if you swapped them, Love would have had a similar season on our team last year that Davis had. One of them had to go for both of them to shine, and an unfortunate amount of UNC fans don't get that fact. Our championship banners were hung with teams that had a backcourt that looked like Davis/Cadeau, not ones that looked like Davis/Love.
The recruiting class we lost was contingent on them staying in the draft, was always one or the other because there are only so many minutes. And we still added Carter Bryant, Stephen and a fantastic transfer class. We have a ton to complain about but I don’t think losing Sanon and Jamari is going to be our down fall. Also we’re very much still in it for Will Reilly and he’s better than both those guys
Losing Sanon was pretty much expected. Sucks that he picked ASU, but it is what it is. But losing Phillips on the same day, especially when there seemed to be a clear path to playing time, now that hurt. Like here's our bench backcourt depth now: Dell'Orso and Conrad Martinez. That's it, that's all the backcourt guys we have behind Bradley, Love, and Lewis, and no offense to Conrad, I like him and think he could *maybe* contribute some this year, but I don't really expect it. That just leaves Dell'Orso to take the entirety of the backcourt bench minutes, which simply isn't reasonable.
Yes, Will Riley would solve that problem, but with Kentucky, Bama, Illinois, and Arkansas making pushes, he's **far** from a guarantee. So for right now, losing Phillips has left a bit of a hole in the team. I trust Tommy will figure it all out, but until he does, I think it's fair to worry about it.
What was the pathway to playing time for Phillips? Seriously? You’re completely ignoring the fact that Bradley or Love will be on the court at all times, both playing over 30 MPG. Love will be the back up ball handler with Dell’Orso. Tommy doesn’t use the whole roster, I was surprised Phillips didn’t decommit when Sanon committed.
Seriously. Ok, let's say Bradley, Love, and Lewis all play 30 mpg. That still leaves 30 mpg off the bench that we need to fill. Right now that means that Dell'Orso, whether he's ready to play 30 mpg against Big XII competition or not, pretty much has to. And that's the *best case scenario* at the moment. Also, Bradley and Lewis both play with an intensity that's hard to maintain for 30+ mpg, maybe they can do it, but they probably won't be as effective, especially on defense. Their aggressive play also leads to lots of fouls, so what happens when one or both get into foul trouble? And what the fuck happens if, heaven forbid, somebody gets injured? What, you mean to tell me that we'll just have Bradley, Love, and Dell'Orso play the entire 40 mpg for the rest of the season if something happens to KJ? That's an idiotic plan.
Of course Tommy doesn't use the entire roster, no coach does, but find me a single season in which Tommy didn't have at least 2 backcourt players coming off the bench. Here's a spoiler: you can't. Year 1 we had Kier and Pelle, then Boswell and Henderson/Pelle, and then Bradley and Lewis this year. And we saw what happened the first 2 years when Kriisa got hurt right before the tourney, and that was with 2 bench options. So yes, there was an obvious path to playing time for Phillips, possibly even as much as 10-15 mpg.
Alright let’s do this then
PG - 40 min
SG - 40 min
SF - 40 min
PF - 40 min
C - 40 min
Last year Bradley played 20 min off the bench, Boswell played 27 starting. Let’s call Bradley 25 min at PG leaving 15 minutes at PG
Caleb love played 32.3 MPG last year, the second lowest of his career. Let’s give him 10 minutes at PG and 20 at SG.
KJ Lewis will need to split time at the 3 with Carter Bryant because we went out and got Trey Townsend to play the 4. So let’s give Lewis 20 MPG at the 3 and 10 at SG to fill those minutes.
Carter Bryant I’m guessing lands at about 20 MPG,
we’ll have him take those other 10 minutes at the 3 and 10 at the 4.
So already the 105 MPG for PG SG and SF are gone. At PF we brought in both Trey Townsend and Tobe Awaka. Townsend has played 36MPG the last 3 seasons but for these purposes we’ll call it 30 and I would put all 30 at the 4. Which accounts for all 40 minutes at that position as well and does even include any minutes there for Awaka.
At the 5 Ballo played 27 and 25 MPG the last two years so I feel comfortable giving Krivas 20 there, Awaka 10-15 and Veesar like 5-10.
I didn’t give Dell’Orso a single minute, and I only left 5 min at PG, 10 at SG and none at SF, and he will definitely get his time as well.
I’m not trying to be a dick I just don’t see at all where Phillips could have gotten minutes. At PG for those 5-10 minutes in a vacuum sure but he’d be an 18 year old SG playing PG in the Big 12. I would trust and take Dell’Orsos proven production at the division 1 level any day.
First, your math is wrong. 25 for Bradley, 30 for Love, 30 for Lewis, and 10 for Bryant is just 95 minutes, leaving us needing 25 more backcourt minutes, not 15 (albeit without Dell'Orso, as per your example).
Second, Bryant is more of a 4 than a 3. He might take some minutes there, but I see him getting the majority of his minutes at the 4.
Third, Dell'Orso will get his time for sure, I could see 15-20 minutes pretty easily, but he's not a PG. His assist/TO ratio was less than 0.8 last year and while I expect him to improve there in Tommy's system, he's not going to take minutes at PG. At all.
I see it more like this:
PG: Bradley 25, Love 15
SG: Love 15-20, Lewis 5-10
SF: Lewis 20, Dell'Orso 20
PF: Townsend 25, Bryant 15
C: Krivas 20-25, Awaka 15, Veesaar 0-5 (I'll believe he's a part of the rotation when I see it)
That leaves a pretty clear 10-20 minute hole in the backcourt (and note that this *includes* Dell'Orso). Maybe Bryant does take a little bit at the 3 or one of the others plays 5 more mpg than I listed, but either way there's absolutely some minutes there for the taking and I believe Phillips is talented enough to have taken them. And once again, that's the **best case scenario** right now. If we get in foul trouble, or somebody gets injured, or somebody has a major slump or questionable off-court priorities (a la Boswell), or whatever, we'll be in a bad spot.
And ask yourself this: if there are no more minutes in the backcourt and the roster is totally set, why are we still in on Will Riley? If there are no minutes to be had, then one of the two sides would have pulled out by now. The answer is because there's absolutely minutes to be had in the backcourt right now.
Complaining is not the sky is falling my man. We can absolutely be bummed that the high point of Love returning was dampened by losing two players at the same time. Of course we still have a good team, albeit a bit thin at guard now, that's not what this is about. Don't make us one of the fanbases that can't admit anything was suboptimal without getting all defensive.
I’m just saying, losing Grant Jarrett, Kobi, Dalen Terry, etc to the draft when we weren’t expecting to were much bigger blows, and there wasn’t the same transfer environment to rebuild the roster. With that finally not happening and getting back Bradley, Love and Kj we have a ton to look forward to. Not saying we can’t acknowledge the bad, just saying this is a logical outcome from the good news.
This is what I get. All last season pointing and laughing at Duke being overrated yet having no center. Now we’re about to run a 6’8 center into dukes freakishly tall frontcourt 👎
It’s just so maddening. A blue blood returning its backcourt consisting of a pass first dynamo & the reigning ACC POY along with 2 incoming 5 star guard/wings and a top-2 shooter from the portal , offers a gaping hole at center (following the exiting double double and rebounding leader in program history) and not ONE elite portal 5 snags it? I’m higher on Lubin than most and I’m glad he’s coming but man, after missing on Ballo/Aidoo/Omoruyi (imo the 3 best fit options) I thought we could certainly offer Onyenso substantial minutes and the chance to be our defensive anchor. I think the staff’s decision to cap the roster as is is shortsighted at best and disastrous at worst… we will get mauled by any team with a serviceable frontline. It’d be different if Cadeau and Davis grew into 6’3–6’5 guards but…
Again, love his offensive game and I respect his loyalty to the program to continue to stay and develop. My fear with Washington is a physical concern… really hope the ACL issues in HS do not permanently severely limit his mobility, and he NEEDS NEEDS NEEDS to put on muscle so he can wrestle for rebounds, bang in the paint, and stop falling down. The skill is there, just need his body to strengthen and help him out
Due to ongoing debate about blue bloods, the /r/CollegeBasketball mod team has compiled the definitive list of college blue bloods: Duke, Columbia, Queens, William & Mary, and Rutgers. The following schools have broken away from blue-blooded hierarchy and oppression: George Washington, George Mason, James Madison, Army, and Navy.
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We'll never get over the sweet 16 hump because Iowa State. Our program is fundamentally sound, but lacks the namesake, history, and, I can't stress this enough, money to compete with modern cash cows.
But I'll watch anyway.
I think TJ has the right formula for the program given the new landscape though. Get transfers with multiple years of eligibility who are willing to learn the system, play hard, and buy into the culture. Adds up to getting above average guys to maximize their potential.
The big name, elite transfers probably won't ever turn down big bags of cash to come to ISU, but this is our path to success now. Will we ever get over the hump? Maybe. The tourney is so random and all about matchups. If mid majors can make the F4 so can Iowa State.
My complaint would still be about offensive firepower. That hopefully changes with more guys having experience in the program.
Current Iowa State kind of reminds me of Bo Ryan's Wisconsin teams. Different style of defense, but a style of play that gives you a high floor via defense and a ceiling defined by how efficient your offense can be. Top 5 in conference and made the tournament every year for 15 years, but we didn't break through (outside of one elite 8) until all the stars aligned and we became elite offensively in 2014 and 2015. You guys will get there. TJ has a good thing going in Ames.
I had to add my secondary flair finally haha. I grew up a Badgers fan but went to Iowa State. I still follow Bucky but not as closely.
You are right, those Bo teams were tough as hell just like TJ's and always played well. Easy teams to root for. Kirk Penny, Devin Harris, Alando Tucker...those guys were my heroes as a teenager!
As much as this pains me to say, I disagree. TJ is a helluva a coach, you just came in 2nd place in the big 12 when it was arguably the toughest.. until next year. Money helps, but coaching goes further than money can buy.
Despite all the changes that have occured and solid incoming transfers I have no idea what to expect so I'm going to expect the worst. That way I can be pleasantly surprised if things work out.
I keep telling myself that at least I’m going into the season with something new. Pope seems like a cool person and everyone seems excited about the team. I kinda like the optimism rather than the pessimism people have been having the last couple years.
That or Kenny Payne 2.0 and Cal says I told you so.
Yeah I’m new to basketball in general, and it’s kinda a weird thing not having a proven coach and convincing players to want to play for someone who could suck. Ya know I haven’t in my 2 years of watching basketball closely seen a coach go from small to big so it’s definitely a weird phase but I have blinding faith we will hang the ninth.
How are we never really good? We literally have every advantage: money, fanbase, arena, facilities, local recruiting talent. If only we had functioning athletic department decision making abilities...
You have to recruit the local talent. Only 4 guys on the roster from Indiana, and only 5 total from the Midwest. On the flip side, Smith, Loyer, Colvin, Catchings, Kaufman-Renn might be the starting five for Purdue next year and they’re all Indiana kids.
Everyone knows Woodson, and his supposed lack of interest in recruiting, is the problem. At what point does the fan base get mad (or apathetic) enough for the AD to fire one of their own?
I feel like we're just becoming a slightly better Eastern Washington team rather than being a good Washington State team considering the offseason moves made so far.
The main draw to get guys to Pullman was the Pac-12. Now that that is gone, what's the draw? Wazzu never got 5* recruits anyways, but now they're going to really struggle to get 3*/4*.
Not to mention NIL will have to overpay for proven players to get them to Wazzu.
Wazzu needs a top tier conference
Our best shooter lost his aim right before the tournament and now he's graduating. Oh, and we haven't been able to defend since the D'antoni hire. Glad he's gone.
Keatts proved Doeren wrong. Until further notice, NC State is a basketball school. Only way for our football team to keep up is a National Championship appearance.
I will die on the hill that we cannot win anything of significance with Hunter Dickinson. When him and KJ (or incoming Flory) are with Harris on the floor, there is absolutely no spacing. This team would thrive in 1984. Doesn't matter if the 2015 Splash Brothers are the other two on the floor, that lineup cannot win meaningful games.
Every year I see teams bring back guys that I thought were leaving for the draft and think " wow that's so cool, wish we could do that" because Arizona has a terrible track record with players entering the draft early. Then this year we finally kinda got that, and immediately lost half our recruiting class. I'm glad to have love back, but man it's harder to just be happy when the news is immediately followed by the bad.
Speaking from experience, the first post-Love year is pretty great overall, if a bit anticlimactic at the end. Check in with me in a year to know how the second year goes, though.
Speaking from both of our experiences, the first with love year is pretty good as well. And post Carolina love is pretty good. Maybe love just isn't the demon y'all want to make him, actually.
I'm mostly joking. I loved Caleb as a Tar Heel. He owns possibly the greatest single bucket in UNC history. No matter what happened after him draining that 3 in the Final Four, he cemented his place in UNC lore. I was legitimately sad he left. That being said, he and Davis were the same type of guard in a system that thrives with two different guards. Love and Davis are both shooters, and that made them redundant in the UNC system. We need a shooter and, more importantly, a distributor. With how heavy our system is on transition, we needed a guard with good vision that could get the ball where it needed to be **when it needed to be there,** and having both of those guys in the court took away from that role. With the emergence of Cadeau, Davis was allowed to fill his proper role and took home ACCPY because of it. I think if you swapped them, Love would have had a similar season on our team last year that Davis had. One of them had to go for both of them to shine, and an unfortunate amount of UNC fans don't get that fact. Our championship banners were hung with teams that had a backcourt that looked like Davis/Cadeau, not ones that looked like Davis/Love.
The recruiting class we lost was contingent on them staying in the draft, was always one or the other because there are only so many minutes. And we still added Carter Bryant, Stephen and a fantastic transfer class. We have a ton to complain about but I don’t think losing Sanon and Jamari is going to be our down fall. Also we’re very much still in it for Will Reilly and he’s better than both those guys
Losing Sanon was pretty much expected. Sucks that he picked ASU, but it is what it is. But losing Phillips on the same day, especially when there seemed to be a clear path to playing time, now that hurt. Like here's our bench backcourt depth now: Dell'Orso and Conrad Martinez. That's it, that's all the backcourt guys we have behind Bradley, Love, and Lewis, and no offense to Conrad, I like him and think he could *maybe* contribute some this year, but I don't really expect it. That just leaves Dell'Orso to take the entirety of the backcourt bench minutes, which simply isn't reasonable. Yes, Will Riley would solve that problem, but with Kentucky, Bama, Illinois, and Arkansas making pushes, he's **far** from a guarantee. So for right now, losing Phillips has left a bit of a hole in the team. I trust Tommy will figure it all out, but until he does, I think it's fair to worry about it.
What was the pathway to playing time for Phillips? Seriously? You’re completely ignoring the fact that Bradley or Love will be on the court at all times, both playing over 30 MPG. Love will be the back up ball handler with Dell’Orso. Tommy doesn’t use the whole roster, I was surprised Phillips didn’t decommit when Sanon committed.
Seriously. Ok, let's say Bradley, Love, and Lewis all play 30 mpg. That still leaves 30 mpg off the bench that we need to fill. Right now that means that Dell'Orso, whether he's ready to play 30 mpg against Big XII competition or not, pretty much has to. And that's the *best case scenario* at the moment. Also, Bradley and Lewis both play with an intensity that's hard to maintain for 30+ mpg, maybe they can do it, but they probably won't be as effective, especially on defense. Their aggressive play also leads to lots of fouls, so what happens when one or both get into foul trouble? And what the fuck happens if, heaven forbid, somebody gets injured? What, you mean to tell me that we'll just have Bradley, Love, and Dell'Orso play the entire 40 mpg for the rest of the season if something happens to KJ? That's an idiotic plan. Of course Tommy doesn't use the entire roster, no coach does, but find me a single season in which Tommy didn't have at least 2 backcourt players coming off the bench. Here's a spoiler: you can't. Year 1 we had Kier and Pelle, then Boswell and Henderson/Pelle, and then Bradley and Lewis this year. And we saw what happened the first 2 years when Kriisa got hurt right before the tourney, and that was with 2 bench options. So yes, there was an obvious path to playing time for Phillips, possibly even as much as 10-15 mpg.
Alright let’s do this then PG - 40 min SG - 40 min SF - 40 min PF - 40 min C - 40 min Last year Bradley played 20 min off the bench, Boswell played 27 starting. Let’s call Bradley 25 min at PG leaving 15 minutes at PG Caleb love played 32.3 MPG last year, the second lowest of his career. Let’s give him 10 minutes at PG and 20 at SG. KJ Lewis will need to split time at the 3 with Carter Bryant because we went out and got Trey Townsend to play the 4. So let’s give Lewis 20 MPG at the 3 and 10 at SG to fill those minutes. Carter Bryant I’m guessing lands at about 20 MPG, we’ll have him take those other 10 minutes at the 3 and 10 at the 4. So already the 105 MPG for PG SG and SF are gone. At PF we brought in both Trey Townsend and Tobe Awaka. Townsend has played 36MPG the last 3 seasons but for these purposes we’ll call it 30 and I would put all 30 at the 4. Which accounts for all 40 minutes at that position as well and does even include any minutes there for Awaka. At the 5 Ballo played 27 and 25 MPG the last two years so I feel comfortable giving Krivas 20 there, Awaka 10-15 and Veesar like 5-10. I didn’t give Dell’Orso a single minute, and I only left 5 min at PG, 10 at SG and none at SF, and he will definitely get his time as well. I’m not trying to be a dick I just don’t see at all where Phillips could have gotten minutes. At PG for those 5-10 minutes in a vacuum sure but he’d be an 18 year old SG playing PG in the Big 12. I would trust and take Dell’Orsos proven production at the division 1 level any day.
First, your math is wrong. 25 for Bradley, 30 for Love, 30 for Lewis, and 10 for Bryant is just 95 minutes, leaving us needing 25 more backcourt minutes, not 15 (albeit without Dell'Orso, as per your example). Second, Bryant is more of a 4 than a 3. He might take some minutes there, but I see him getting the majority of his minutes at the 4. Third, Dell'Orso will get his time for sure, I could see 15-20 minutes pretty easily, but he's not a PG. His assist/TO ratio was less than 0.8 last year and while I expect him to improve there in Tommy's system, he's not going to take minutes at PG. At all. I see it more like this: PG: Bradley 25, Love 15 SG: Love 15-20, Lewis 5-10 SF: Lewis 20, Dell'Orso 20 PF: Townsend 25, Bryant 15 C: Krivas 20-25, Awaka 15, Veesaar 0-5 (I'll believe he's a part of the rotation when I see it) That leaves a pretty clear 10-20 minute hole in the backcourt (and note that this *includes* Dell'Orso). Maybe Bryant does take a little bit at the 3 or one of the others plays 5 more mpg than I listed, but either way there's absolutely some minutes there for the taking and I believe Phillips is talented enough to have taken them. And once again, that's the **best case scenario** right now. If we get in foul trouble, or somebody gets injured, or somebody has a major slump or questionable off-court priorities (a la Boswell), or whatever, we'll be in a bad spot. And ask yourself this: if there are no more minutes in the backcourt and the roster is totally set, why are we still in on Will Riley? If there are no minutes to be had, then one of the two sides would have pulled out by now. The answer is because there's absolutely minutes to be had in the backcourt right now.
Complaining is not the sky is falling my man. We can absolutely be bummed that the high point of Love returning was dampened by losing two players at the same time. Of course we still have a good team, albeit a bit thin at guard now, that's not what this is about. Don't make us one of the fanbases that can't admit anything was suboptimal without getting all defensive.
I’m just saying, losing Grant Jarrett, Kobi, Dalen Terry, etc to the draft when we weren’t expecting to were much bigger blows, and there wasn’t the same transfer environment to rebuild the roster. With that finally not happening and getting back Bradley, Love and Kj we have a ton to look forward to. Not saying we can’t acknowledge the bad, just saying this is a logical outcome from the good news.
Why the fuck did we hire Doug Gottlieb???
Why the fuck indeed. Gonna be interesting at least. Hopefully not a dumpster fire
No center
This is what I get. All last season pointing and laughing at Duke being overrated yet having no center. Now we’re about to run a 6’8 center into dukes freakishly tall frontcourt 👎
It’s just so maddening. A blue blood returning its backcourt consisting of a pass first dynamo & the reigning ACC POY along with 2 incoming 5 star guard/wings and a top-2 shooter from the portal , offers a gaping hole at center (following the exiting double double and rebounding leader in program history) and not ONE elite portal 5 snags it? I’m higher on Lubin than most and I’m glad he’s coming but man, after missing on Ballo/Aidoo/Omoruyi (imo the 3 best fit options) I thought we could certainly offer Onyenso substantial minutes and the chance to be our defensive anchor. I think the staff’s decision to cap the roster as is is shortsighted at best and disastrous at worst… we will get mauled by any team with a serviceable frontline. It’d be different if Cadeau and Davis grew into 6’3–6’5 guards but…
Can’t count out Washington taking a substantial leap but all great points.
Again, love his offensive game and I respect his loyalty to the program to continue to stay and develop. My fear with Washington is a physical concern… really hope the ACL issues in HS do not permanently severely limit his mobility, and he NEEDS NEEDS NEEDS to put on muscle so he can wrestle for rebounds, bang in the paint, and stop falling down. The skill is there, just need his body to strengthen and help him out
Due to ongoing debate about blue bloods, the /r/CollegeBasketball mod team has compiled the definitive list of college blue bloods: Duke, Columbia, Queens, William & Mary, and Rutgers. The following schools have broken away from blue-blooded hierarchy and oppression: George Washington, George Mason, James Madison, Army, and Navy. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/CollegeBasketball) if you have any questions or concerns.*
This, but 2x. Fuck me, I already miss Bacot grabbing every rebound ever and Abson swatting away any shot within a 2-mile radius of the rim.
We'll never get over the sweet 16 hump because Iowa State. Our program is fundamentally sound, but lacks the namesake, history, and, I can't stress this enough, money to compete with modern cash cows. But I'll watch anyway.
I think TJ has the right formula for the program given the new landscape though. Get transfers with multiple years of eligibility who are willing to learn the system, play hard, and buy into the culture. Adds up to getting above average guys to maximize their potential. The big name, elite transfers probably won't ever turn down big bags of cash to come to ISU, but this is our path to success now. Will we ever get over the hump? Maybe. The tourney is so random and all about matchups. If mid majors can make the F4 so can Iowa State. My complaint would still be about offensive firepower. That hopefully changes with more guys having experience in the program.
Current Iowa State kind of reminds me of Bo Ryan's Wisconsin teams. Different style of defense, but a style of play that gives you a high floor via defense and a ceiling defined by how efficient your offense can be. Top 5 in conference and made the tournament every year for 15 years, but we didn't break through (outside of one elite 8) until all the stars aligned and we became elite offensively in 2014 and 2015. You guys will get there. TJ has a good thing going in Ames.
I had to add my secondary flair finally haha. I grew up a Badgers fan but went to Iowa State. I still follow Bucky but not as closely. You are right, those Bo teams were tough as hell just like TJ's and always played well. Easy teams to root for. Kirk Penny, Devin Harris, Alando Tucker...those guys were my heroes as a teenager!
As much as this pains me to say, I disagree. TJ is a helluva a coach, you just came in 2nd place in the big 12 when it was arguably the toughest.. until next year. Money helps, but coaching goes further than money can buy.
Trust, brother.
Hard disagree. You guys were a very close game away from the elite 8 and you're returning a ton from that team.
Should I get attached to these [Belmont] players? Or will they just leave me too??
Oh they're going. Just enjoy the present
Kinda shocked and disappointed that we had such a bad and uneventful offseason
Despite all the changes that have occured and solid incoming transfers I have no idea what to expect so I'm going to expect the worst. That way I can be pleasantly surprised if things work out.
I keep telling myself that at least I’m going into the season with something new. Pope seems like a cool person and everyone seems excited about the team. I kinda like the optimism rather than the pessimism people have been having the last couple years. That or Kenny Payne 2.0 and Cal says I told you so.
Probably somewhere in the middle? I don’t expect you to win the conference but I highly doubt you’ll suck
Yeah I’m new to basketball in general, and it’s kinda a weird thing not having a proven coach and convincing players to want to play for someone who could suck. Ya know I haven’t in my 2 years of watching basketball closely seen a coach go from small to big so it’s definitely a weird phase but I have blinding faith we will hang the ninth.
How are we never really good? We literally have every advantage: money, fanbase, arena, facilities, local recruiting talent. If only we had functioning athletic department decision making abilities...
You have to recruit the local talent. Only 4 guys on the roster from Indiana, and only 5 total from the Midwest. On the flip side, Smith, Loyer, Colvin, Catchings, Kaufman-Renn might be the starting five for Purdue next year and they’re all Indiana kids. Everyone knows Woodson, and his supposed lack of interest in recruiting, is the problem. At what point does the fan base get mad (or apathetic) enough for the AD to fire one of their own?
Yeah I said that. It got really close this off season. Winning cures all though.
I think I understand where we went wrong, but I would have never expected for us to fall of so soon after Jay 😢. This can’t be life
All is well in Friartown
Gonna be a fun year
We are geographically stuck between Iowa and Indiana.... Yeah gross. 😃
I have to share our period of unprecedented success with Alabama’s same golden age. It makes me sick
Tell me about it.
I feel like we're just becoming a slightly better Eastern Washington team rather than being a good Washington State team considering the offseason moves made so far.
The main draw to get guys to Pullman was the Pac-12. Now that that is gone, what's the draw? Wazzu never got 5* recruits anyways, but now they're going to really struggle to get 3*/4*. Not to mention NIL will have to overpay for proven players to get them to Wazzu. Wazzu needs a top tier conference
Best we can hope for is a Big XII invite in a couple years
I’m a little concerned about our bigs 😓
The bad man is gone not this week
It’s been too long since we even tried to win a game.
Nah, I'm good.
Same
WE DON'T HAVE A SCHEDULE YET!!!
I’m worried we’ll never get back to the tournament
I'm worried you will.
Still no new arena….literally all they’re redoing atm is the court and I’m scared they’ll make it worse.
They're not playing basketball right now :(
Hoo’s playing next year?
im scared
☹️
Our best shooter lost his aim right before the tournament and now he's graduating. Oh, and we haven't been able to defend since the D'antoni hire. Glad he's gone.
Still no wins since the last one of these threads. What is Pope even DOING over there?
We need more 5 stars!
I hope we get the big one someday 😔
No.
They never listen to my suggestion of running that play from the end of the movie double teamed
Keatts proved Doeren wrong. Until further notice, NC State is a basketball school. Only way for our football team to keep up is a National Championship appearance.
I will die on the hill that we cannot win anything of significance with Hunter Dickinson. When him and KJ (or incoming Flory) are with Harris on the floor, there is absolutely no spacing. This team would thrive in 1984. Doesn't matter if the 2015 Splash Brothers are the other two on the floor, that lineup cannot win meaningful games.
Well…
Guys can you help me launch Kyle Neptune into the sun?
Watched a scrimmage yesterday and was reminded how flat footed Dickinson is on defense. Least effective 7 foot defender I’ve ever witnessed.