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Message: [QUOTE="reedny, post: 1138105, member: 1423"] Interesting thread, Ry. Good to get a MBB discussion started after the foot-shooting exercise we conducted last weekend on the gridiron. You did a nice job pulling predictions out of one of the most unpredictable years I can remember. We often loose good players, sometimes several. But the point guard (NBA), the starting PF (NBA) and a reliable backup center with magic feet -- big voids to fill on both ends. I do think this year's team is unusually versatile -- with 4 or 5 guys can play at least 2 positions: Gbinje (point, SG or SF), BJ (SF or SG), Roberson (SF/PF), Rak (Center/PF) and McCullough (SF/PF). We also have a brand new PG, a freshman PF, a RF backup center and a sophomore SF whose outside shot is a dice-roll. So rotations may change game by game. Add to that DC2's injury ... and you'd have to have a crystal ball and some beads to figure this thing out. Here's what's left: -I agree that rebounding will be good, maybe better than last year. Even with Coleman out, Rak, McCullough and Roberson will be mobile, athletic and hard to keep off the glass on both ends of the floor; - Overall defense is hard to predict. Our zone will be tall up front and hard to run against. Inside, I think we'll be difficult to score on because of our size and shot blocking ability. My worry is ... what happens with DC out. In that case, foul trouble for Rak will require switching from beer to hard liquor. There's so much inexperience left on the front line (1 frosh, 1 soph and 1 RSF). I don't see McCullough and Roberson lighting up the scoreboard, and the center spot will be a big challenge for a RSF. With DC back, we have the depth (and beef) we'll need. - Offensively, I'm not as optimistic as you are. Outside, even if TC takes a step up, I'm not sure that we'll have other productive shooters, or inside scoring, to take the pressure off him. I think his season will depend on how good his surrounding cast is. If MG and BJ can come in and score, TC could be a killer. If he's the only outside threat ... he'll draw tight defense and will struggle to score off the bounce. Inside, Rak might be better but he is not a scoring machine (I think 8/8 is reasonable). If DC plays, that won't be as much of a concern. But without him, I think McCullough/Roberson could struggle to score until well into the season. This could hurt our balance and turn us into a jump-shooting team. Joseph is an unknown, and Roberson has not demonstrated enough outside prowess to pull defenders out (they'll play him loose to drive). Just some thoughts. [/QUOTE]

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