Our margin for error is so razor thin right now, even when we play well. Many reasons for this, but I think it is simply time to start to collect talent. Less worry about how a player fits, who he is behind on a depth chart, etc. Just find and sign talented players ranked in the top 125 (or so) that want to come in, compete in top 10 program and challenge themselves in the gauntlet that is the ACC (basically, CBB's version of the NBA). That is the formula that Louisville uses, near as I can tell (even they've been challenged on this front in 2016-17 ... last week at UVa they had to start a walk-on due to injury & suspension).
I am hopeful that this is how Hop sees things (and BTW, this is not meant to question/undermine JAB, who I love). I just think it is undeniable that our roster management has been challenged the last 3-4 years for or a multitude of reasons, including injuries, transfers, early entry, etc. This is the "new normal" in college hoops, and the program has to do a better job accounting for this by emphasizing depth of roster.
It's just tough right now when you look at personnel.
1. I really thought Roberson would be a much better player this year than we have seen. If he is in beast mode, we are so much better. You can put at least some of this on the coaches as they have not done enough to get him to play his best and that is at least partly their job.
2. Coleman should be a veteran force by this point in his career, at least equivalent to AO or Rick Jackson. His knees prevented that. Can't blame the coaches on that one.
3. Frank Howard. Basically the same story as Roberson. I really thought he would be a strong player vying for all-ACC (2nd team or most improved, etc) type recognition this year based on how well he played at the end of last year. Same category as TR as far as who to blame. A lot on him, but some on the coaches too.
4. I thought Moyer would help us a little more. He looked very out of shape at the beginning of the year so they redshirted him. Good decision by the coaches.
5. PC. Again, I was expecting more. JB was high on his potential to be a defensive stopper and we know that when we have a legit rim protector in the middle of the zone, it is like rocket fuel for the defense. PC was apparently playing with vision problems from a very early point in the season and then got to a point of being blind in one eye so he was shut down. This one isn't on the coaches, just bad luck. I think he'll be a force in the future, but clearly he was supposed to be a part of this year's team.
On the plus side
6. Gillon. Has lived up to every bit of what we hoped he would be, but only after about 15 games into the season. That early part of the season is what will keep us out of the tourney.
7. White. I feel he has been solid the entire year and has improved throughout. Can't argue with him (or Gillon) as key pick ups in the offseason.
8. TT. The guy is going to be an all time great if he stays here. He has taken a long time to pick up the defense, but his offense is spectacular.
9. TL. Basically he's been good to excellent for most of the year, no complaints.
10. TB. He has been coming on strong (until he got sick), but was hampered by the foot earlier. He was a one dimensional player at the beginning which really limited our offense when combined with a still figuring it out Gillon and a more on dimensional White who hadn't expanded his game yet. Again - this was a key factor in our early season woes. Overall he is a big win and if he stays will be a stud.
