Realistic Expectations for 2015-2016

I want to see a better inside game. When we are cold around the arc and continually throwing up miss 3's, it makes it tough to watch.

We were tourney worthy teams the last two years -

Bad luck cost us in both years, with poor coaching costing us last year in the first 30 minutes of the UAB game and the USL game

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Originally Posted by boxerdog

Man, Speedy was special wasn't he? Such a great guy! Losing him hurts us across the board but I think it's more on defense than offense. I say that because he plays so dang hard! On offense, I think Speedy was more valuable in the open court than in halfcourt sets.

In my opinion, Alex has the skillset to be a first round NBA draftpick at the point guard position. He's that talented. If we keep all the returners, I think we'll be a better offensive team than last season. I like this starting line-up.

1--Alex (6'4)
2--Cobi (6'6)
3--Xavian (6'6)
4--Erik (6'8)
5--Merrill (6'8)

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I could not agree more with the point about Alex. He handles the ball so well, great passer, can get into the paint at will, can use both hands at the rim and his shot is getting better and better. He may well be the guy that sends us dancing. He is that good without a doubt in my mind. I also look for Stapleton to do some work in the post this year as opposed to shooting a ton of 3's as he did last year. To me his body type is a smaller version of Lebron. To big for 2s and 3s to guard, but way to quick for 4s to guard. It is definitely gonna be a fun year.

will your expectation change now after the roster change this week?

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Originally Posted by latech

will your expectation change now after the roster change this week?

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if the incoming juco can earn some minutes, Qidar can step up like I expect, and Jean can get significant minutes by conference time, my expectations don't change.

There are just more "ifs."

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Originally Posted by latech

will your expectation change now after the roster change this week?

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Yep. Another step down in a declining trend.

I dont expect to much decline. Stapleton was super good athlete, but not very polished to this point. I can easily see Boykins stepping in and defending just as good and provide quality long range shooting. Qidar will average 12 a game. He will be an x factor.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I dont expect to much decline. Stapleton was super good athlete, but not very polished to this point. I can easily see Boykins stepping in and defending just as good and provide quality long range shooting. Qidar will average 12 a game. He will be an x factor.

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Nice pun.

My expectations are decreased. Losing X hurts. Not bc of what he is but what he could be.

The immediate effect is we aren't as good on defense and we don't have the home run threat when running the floor. Guy was an automatic ally oop on a fast break.

Derric Jean will get quality minutes from the get go and may even start from day 1 he is that good. Probably the deciding factor on Stapelton leaving. He wanted to play the 2 with Ham at point. I think Konk wants Ham primarily at the 2.

IF Cobi can put on 20-30 lbs, he may end up at the 3... and be good there.

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Originally Posted by TrueBulldog1962

I dont expect to much decline. Stapleton was super good athlete, but not very polished to this point. I can easily see Boykins stepping in and defending just as good and provide quality long range shooting. Qidar will average 12 a game. He will be an x factor.

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I agree that Qiydar is the guy who most benefited from Xavian's transfer. At this point, I can see us playing more through Erik (because of his ball handling) and Alex (point guard). Besides Qiydar, I think Erik will be given more creative freedom without Stapleton. I don't know how many realize this but Erik had a better fg% than Xavian from beyond the arc, and his overall fg% was much higher as well. Xavian took more bad shots than anybody on the team besides Appleby.

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Originally Posted by boxerdog

I agree that Qiydar is the guy who most benefited from Xavian's transfer. At this point, I can see us playing more through Erik (because of his ball handling) and Alex (point guard). Besides Qiydar, I think Erik will be given more creative freedom without Stapleton. I don't know how many realize this but Erik had a better fg% than Xavian from beyond the arc, and his overall fg% was much higher as well. Xavian took more bad shots than anybody on the team besides Appleby.

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I do think we will miss X, but I am very excited about our team next year. Depth will be our biggest concern. We need the new players to step up quickly. If we continue to run our fast pace, we need to sub out often.

Has Xavien announced yet WHERE he's transferring to??

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Originally Posted by HogDawg

Has Xavien announced yet WHERE he's transferring to??

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No, he is appealing in hopes of staying close to home and to play for an SEC team. That was the plan from the moment he found out his demands had not been met regarding the HC selection.