Basketball Expectations

[Balanced_view]

Not saying it will happen and it probably won't based on what we lost. The way for us to have a similar season is for the returning guys to make 100 percent of the improvement they are capable of. That is especially true for Russell and Davis as they were highly regarded coming out of HS. I have heard Davis is the most improved guy in the early summer work. We will also some of the freshman to contribute immediately. Unlikely all that happens so it is reasonable to not expect another championship season. I do think we are capable of finishing in Top 3.

well, i am expecting Georgia State to be the clear Favorite, and i think we are the clear #2. now the fan in me wants to believe between these 2 schools we both can win some game against p5 and high rpi's and run through the conference, then both go dancing. p.s. its a long way till the season, let me dream a little. lol

[VObserver]

I would agree with the exception of this past year. Our ball movement was excellent and while I'm not comparing us to them, our offense was very similar to that of Golden State Warriors. We had early ball movement with cross cuts and lateral cuts by our guards and lots of off ball screens set to free up playmakers. I thought we actually ran good sets this year. In years prior? Yeah, I would definitely share in your frustration. The only time the ball stopped moving this year is when it got in Miller's hands.

Our spacing was still awful. We tended to bunch up in the lane which allowed our opponents back side help to be much more effective than it could have been with wider spacing. When we got the ball to Washinton in the high block, we immediately drug two defenders into the lane, which imo greatly reduced his effectiveness from that position.

[ManAboutTown]

So other than Mike, no one willing to explain why expectations should be high?

[Turbine]

So other than Mike, no one willing to explain why expectations should be high?

So much lost to graduation and eligibility limits leading to many unknowns makes high expectations hard for me.

However, on the plus side, almost every one of Marlin's players improve under his tutelage. So I expect that to continue.

[zephyr]

Our spacing was still awful. We tended to bunch up in the lane which allowed our opponents back side help to be much more effective than it could have been with wider spacing. When we got the ball to Washinton in the high block, we immediately drug two defenders into the lane, which imo greatly reduced his effectiveness from that position.

Disagree. When we were playing well, Stroman was able to get into the lane anytime he wanted and kick out to open shooters or dish to Gant and Washington. You can't have Bartley and Marquetti and even Stroman making the cuts they made and getting almost open midrange shots and layups with poor spacing. I'm sure you could point to a spot here or there where you are correct but I think the bulk of the time we had much better spacing than in the past.

[zephyr]

So other than Mike, no one willing to explain why expectations should be high?

Expectations should be high at least to a degree. We still have the best PG in the conference coming back. If Stroman can work a perimeter shot into his arsenal this year, he could have a great year. Marquetti needs to be more consistent and will have to be a playmaker for us all the time and Gant will need to be that rim protector this year. Biggest question is how do you replace Bartley. If Russell can step his game up this year, we may be a very similar team to last year. We will also need new guys to step up and lead. Not sure we really have that at this point. I expect us to be fun to watch again but don't know if we have the depth and talent at guard as well as leadership to replicate last year.

[Million$Mullet]

I think a lot of people are forgetting about Jerekius Davis. I expect him and Cedric Russell to be monsters next year. Our spacing was good last year and were ranked very high in assists to baskets scored. I don’t know what happened to Marquetti at the end of the year but if he can get back to his mid season form we won’t see that big of a step back. Ga. St will be the team to beat but the conference as a whole was pretty damn terrible last year. If we don’t finish top 2 I will be very surprised.

[Hatch]

Expectations should be high at least to a degree. We still have the best PG in the conference coming back. If Stroman can work a perimeter shot into his arsenal this year, he could have a great year. Marquetti needs to be more consistent and will have to be a playmaker for us all the time and Gant will need to be that rim protector this year. Biggest question is how do you replace Bartley. If Russell can step his game up this year, we may be a very similar team to last year. We will also need new guys to step up and lead. Not sure we really have that at this point. I expect us to be fun to watch again but don't know if we have the depth and talent at guard as well as leadership to replicate last year.

I think Jeremey Hayes is going to have to make up for a big chunk of what Bartley did. If he can just give us 60% of Bartley's production and then let Marquetti, Russell, Davis etc step up for the rest that would be great. I really want to see if Russell can develop other parts of his game. I remember him hitting a couple of runners in the lane during the NIT game which was a good sign. He needs to be able penetrate and draw some contact as well, last year he only shot 8 FTs all season. I hate to say but last year Russell was basically Hayward Register 2.0, albeit with a better shooting %. I listened to that hour that Marlin recently spent on the radio with Jay last night and found it interesting that he mentioned a possible Redshirt for either Gladney or Lafayette, which makes me think there is still a possibility of getting another big man who can contribute next year with the scholarship that recently opened up.

[ManAboutTown]

I think a lot of people are forgetting about Jerekius Davis. I expect him and Cedric Russell to be monsters next year. Our spacing was good last year and were ranked very high in assists to baskets scored. I don’t know what happened to Marquetti at the end of the year but if he can get back to his mid season form we won’t see that big of a step back. Ga. St will be the team to beat but the conference as a whole was pretty damn terrible last year. If we don’t finish top 2 I will be very surprised.

Davis has a nagging back injury that will limit him, likely the rest of his basketball playing days. I expect him to contribute, but I doubt he’s ever a consistently reliable option.

[Million$Mullet]

Davis has a nagging back injury that will limit him, likely the rest of his basketball playing days. I expect him to contribute, but I doubt he’s ever a consistently reliable option.

So both him and miller?

[CajunEXPRESS]

Expectations should be high at least to a degree. We still have the best PG in the conference coming back. If Stroman can work a perimeter shot into his arsenal this year, he could have a great year. Marquetti needs to be more consistent and will have to be a playmaker for us all the time and Gant will need to be that rim protector this year. Biggest question is how do you replace Bartley. If Russell can step his game up this year, we may be a very similar team to last year. We will also need new guys to step up and lead. Not sure we really have that at this point. I expect us to be fun to watch again but don't know if we have the depth and talent at guard as well as leadership to replicate last year.

I’m gonna take exception with your evaluation. Stove is the straw that stirred this offense and his defense was exceptional.

You simply can’t look at his production and say yeah that’s it. He was an instant game changer.

[Cajunsmike]

I think Jeremey Hayes is going to have to make up for a big chunk of what Bartley did. If he can just give us 60% of Bartley's production and then let Marquetti, Russell, Davis etc step up for the rest that would be great. I really want to see if Russell can develop other parts of his game. I remember him hitting a couple of runners in the lane during the NIT game which was a good sign. He needs to be able penetrate and draw some contact as well, last year he only shot 8 FTs all season. I hate to say but last year Russell was basically Hayward Register 2.0, albeit with a better shooting %. I listened to that hour that Marlin recently spent on the radio with Jay last night and found it interesting that he mentioned a possible Redshirt for either Gladney or Lafayette, which makes me think there is still a possibility of getting another big man who can contribute next year with the scholarship that recently opened up.

Is that interview available online. Out of town and missed it?