an odd take on NC chances

[CuseinNYC]

Going into the Dance, with Melo, I did not think this group had much of a chance to win the NC. I thought we had a decent chance to make the FF.

Without Melo, I thought our chances to make the FF were lower than before. But our chances to win the NC, while still not super high, are a little higher than they were. My thinking is that if this team somehow makes the FF, then some unexpected guys will have to contribute (Rak, MCW, Triche?). I suspect the team could be more formidable, and harder to game-plan in the FF. Of course we have to get there first, which is far from a certainty!

 

[cusetown1]

Melo being out brought new life to this team. It created a lot more doubters and an us against the world mentality. This team wasn't playing that great with Melo either. I believe it was a blessing in disguise. Nothing like motivation to fire up the team.

 

[armory]

Also one of our biggest problems going into the tourney was rebounding. Rak is an infinitely better rebounder than Melo.

 

[CuseinNYC]

Totally agree on that one. Melo has good hands, but he's strangely passive when it comes to grabbing boards. Rak looks like a man pulling in rebounds. I hope that's enough to make up for what we're losing on the defensive end.

 

[jdubs30]

Melo;s offense is a wash as well. Sure, he finished well around the rim, but also took a lot of shots that he shouldn't have.

 

[ConnectiCuse]

Also one of our biggest problems going into the tourney was rebounding. Rak is an infinitely better rebounder than Melo.

His 11 rebounds vs. K-State topped Melo's career best (9, I believe).

 

[jdubs30]

Rak is averaging 9rpg in games he plays more than 25 minutes in this year.

 

[HakAttack]

His 11 rebounds vs. K-State topped Melo's career best (9, I believe).

Melo had one game with double digit rebounds ALL YEAR, and that was 10 against Pittsburgh at the Dome.

Rak had 7 against UNCA and 11 against K-State. That's 18 in the two biggest pressure games of his career.

Anyone that says we're not a better rebounding team with Rak in the middle is an idiot.

 

[rottweiler44]

Melo had one game with double digit rebounds ALL YEAR, and that was 10 against Pittsburgh at the Dome.

Rak had 7 against UNCA and 11 against K-State. That's 18 in the two biggest pressure games of his career.

Anyone that says we're not a better rebounding team with Rak in the middle is an idiot.

Plus Fab was goaltending twice a game as well, right there is +4 points.

 

[jdubs30]

Plus Fab was goaltending twice a game as well, right there is +4 points.

You're not including his offensive basket interference?

 

[jekelish]

Totally agree on that one. Melo has good hands, but he's strangely passive when it comes to grabbing boards. Rak looks like a man pulling in rebounds. I hope that's enough to make up for what we're losing on the defensive end.

I wouldn't say Melo was ever passive when it comes to rebounding, he's just always out of position because he tries to block everything in sight. I think that, when Melo is in position to grab a board, you'll be hard pressed to find someone who will take it away from him. He's just infrequently in that position.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Plus Fab was goaltending twice a game as well, right there is +4 points.

That assumes shots were not going in.

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