ESPN: Predicting next year's NCAA seeds (SU a #3 seed)

[Henny & Coke]

Jeff Goodman ESPN Insider article posted today predicts what seeds may look like for next year's NCAA Tournament:

Has Syracuse as a predicted #3 seed.

"Syracuse Orange

I know, this one is somewhat surprising. However, Chris McCullough will return healthy and the ‘Cuse could have oft-injured DaJuan Coleman back as well. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije will be seniors, and Kaleb Josephshould be better after an up-and-down freshman campaign. The Orange also bring back Tyler Roberson and add four top 100 recruits in wing Malachi Richardson, who has size and can really shoot it, combo guard Franklin Howard, big man Moustapha Diagneand shooter Tyler Lydon."


http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=4828


So that would indicate that SU would be ranked around 9-12 nationally. I tend to agree with Goodman's optimistic view of the Orange's team next season. (But I also have higher expectations for DaJuan Coleman's level of play for next year than most here I'd imagine. Also Chris McCullough & Kaleb Joseph. I also believe that the best defensive teams we've had recently probably coincide with returning experienced players each year, since learning to play good zone defense takes these players some time...which would be a good thing for next season's team. But I need to do some research to back up that point still.)

 

[HOFCeluck]

I have zero confidence that DC will ever play meaningful minutes.

 

[orange79]

So now we've started predicting the field for next year before this year's field has been announced?

STOP THE FREAKIN' MADNESS!!!

 

[Fireball Jr.]

 

[Brooky03]

Agreed, it's pointless to 'seed' teams this early, but I think top 10-15 is where we'll be at, so it seems accurate-ish.

 

[Brooky03]

I have zero confidence that DC will ever play meaningful minutes.

Based on ability or health? If health, I can see your point; if ability, no.

 

[Doc5120]

Jeff Goodman ESPN Insider article posted today predicts what seeds may look like for next year's NCAA Tournament:

Has Syracuse as a predicted #3 seed.

"Syracuse Orange

I know, this one is somewhat surprising. However, Chris McCullough will return healthy and the ‘Cuse could have oft-injured DaJuan Coleman back as well. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije will be seniors, and Kaleb Josephshould be better after an up-and-down freshman campaign. The Orange also bring back Tyler Roberson and add four top 100 recruits in wing Malachi Richardson, who has size and can really shoot it, combo guard Franklin Howard, big man Moustapha Diagneand shooter Tyler Lydon."


http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=4828


So that would indicate that SU would be ranked around 9-12 nationally. I tend to agree with Goodman's optimistic view of the Orange's team next season. (But I also have higher expectations for DaJuan Coleman's level of play for next year than most here I'd imagine. Also Chris McCullough & Kaleb Joseph. I also believe that the best defensive teams we've had recently probably coincide with returning experienced players each year, since learning to play good zone defense takes these players some time...which would be a good thing for next season's team. But I need to do some research to back up that point still.)

Assuming everyone who can come back is back, I absolutely see us as a top 10-15 team next season. If G or McCullough were to bolt, I'd lower the expectations, but Ron or BJ deciding to move on wouldn't impact where I'd rank us.

And count me in the expecting big things from DC club. He's strong as an ox, and moves well for a guy his size. I have a good feeling he'll be a solid contributor on the glass and good for 8 or 9 ppg.

 

[Eric15]

So now we've started predicting the field for next year before this year's field has been announced?

STOP THE FREAKIN' MADNESS!!!

It's been the first breath of fresh air I've read on this board in a long time - I personally welcome the madness.

 

[jordoo]

IF Coleman can remain healthy all season I expect he will make very good contributions. His rebounding and scoring numbers per minute where pretty good for his career. If he has really improved in practice as has been reported then there is no reason not to expect him to put up decent numbers. I would however still expect limited minutes for him and would be surprised to see more than 20 a game from him no matter what the roster make up is. If he averages in the 18-24min range I bet he's around 9pts 6reb with better shooting percentages than he had before. If he's really a force he could put up even better numbers than that in those minutes provided we prioritized getting him shots.

I do worry about his knees and will until he gets through a whole season without any knee issues.

 

[HOFCeluck]

Based on ability or health? If health, I can see your point; if ability, no.

His knees. Cartilage injuries suck.

 

[Brooky03]

His knees. Cartilage injuries suck.

It's certainly not promising. And the time he is playing, he might not be able to go 100%. I really hope Diagne can play Center for us because McCullough in that spot for long stretches is no bueno.

 

[jordoo]

It's certainly not promising. And the time he is playing, he might not be able to go 100%. I really hope Diagne can play Center for us because McCullough in that spot for long stretches is no bueno.

I expect Diange will play more time at the 5 than the 4 at SU. Physically he looks ready to bang and hold his ground right now. Iommi gave an in person report from last season saying he has an increadibly strong lower body base. I don't expect a big time shot blocker but he should be able to hold his own on the glass and become a good position defender while also providing more offense than plenty of guys we've played at the 5 over the years. I'm very high on Diange and feel he's pretty ready to handle a large minute load next season if needed.

 

[CusefanATL]

Jeff Goodman ESPN Insider article posted today predicts what seeds may look like for next year's NCAA Tournament:

Has Syracuse as a predicted #3 seed.

"Syracuse Orange

I know, this one is somewhat surprising. However, Chris McCullough will return healthy and the ‘Cuse could have oft-injured DaJuan Coleman back as well. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije will be seniors, and Kaleb Josephshould be better after an up-and-down freshman campaign. The Orange also bring back Tyler Roberson and add four top 100 recruits in wing Malachi Richardson, who has size and can really shoot it, combo guard Franklin Howard, big man Moustapha Diagneand shooter Tyler Lydon."


http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=4828


So that would indicate that SU would be ranked around 9-12 nationally. I tend to agree with Goodman's optimistic view of the Orange's team next season. (But I also have higher expectations for DaJuan Coleman's level of play for next year than most here I'd imagine. Also Chris McCullough & Kaleb Joseph. I also believe that the best defensive teams we've had recently probably coincide with returning experienced players each year, since learning to play good zone defense takes these players some time...which would be a good thing for next season's team. But I need to do some research to back up that point still.)

VERY SURPRISING. I would be shocked if we werent a 1 seed.

 

[Eric15]

Jeff Goodman ESPN Insider article posted today predicts what seeds may look like for next year's NCAA Tournament:

Has Syracuse as a predicted #3 seed.

"Syracuse Orange

I know, this one is somewhat surprising. However, Chris McCullough will return healthy and the ‘Cuse could have oft-injured DaJuan Coleman back as well. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinije will be seniors, and Kaleb Josephshould be better after an up-and-down freshman campaign. The Orange also bring back Tyler Roberson and add four top 100 recruits in wing Malachi Richardson, who has size and can really shoot it, combo guard Franklin Howard, big man Moustapha Diagneand shooter Tyler Lydon."


http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/jeff-goodman/post?id=4828


So that would indicate that SU would be ranked around 9-12 nationally. I tend to agree with Goodman's optimistic view of the Orange's team next season. (But I also have higher expectations for DaJuan Coleman's level of play for next year than most here I'd imagine. Also Chris McCullough & Kaleb Joseph. I also believe that the best defensive teams we've had recently probably coincide with returning experienced players each year, since learning to play good zone defense takes these players some time...which would be a good thing for next season's team. But I need to do some research to back up that point still.)

It's just refreshing to have an independent set of eyes (aka not anyone on this board) tell us that we aren't totally doomed by these sanctions.

 

[Brooky03]

I expect Diange will play more time at the 5 than the 4 at SU. Physically he looks ready to bang and hold his ground right now. Iommi gave an in person report from last season saying he has an increadibly strong lower body base. I don't expect a big time shot blocker but he should be able to hold his own on the glass and become a good position defender while also providing more offense than plenty of guys we've played at the 5 over the years. I'm very high on Diange and feel he's pretty ready to handle a large minute load next season if needed.

I love the kid and was also impresed by his physique. Do we know if he's really 6'8" or 6'9"?

 

[Henny & Coke]

IF Coleman can remain healthy all season I expect he will make very good contributions. His rebounding and scoring numbers per minute where pretty good for his career. If he has really improved in practice as has been reported then there is no reason not to expect him to put up decent numbers. I would however still expect limited minutes for him and would be surprised to see more than 20 a game from him no matter what the roster make up is. If he averages in the 18-24min range I bet he's around 9pts 6reb with better shooting percentages than he had before. If he's really a force he could put up even better numbers than that in those minutes provided we prioritized getting him shots.

I do worry about his knees and will until he gets through a whole season without any knee issues.

In games Coleman has played 15 mins or more (games where he could develop some feel for game, so excluding games he got in there but not for long enough to make a difference/get comfortable playing) in his career:

Soph year:

5 games played 15 or more mins: 18.0 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 727% FG (16-22)

DaJuan recorded double-doubles in 2 of these 5 games.

Freshman year:

12 games played 15 or more mins: 19.1 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 462% FG (37-80)

Now, some/most of these games were against the easier teams on the schedule...but also came during DaJuan's first 2 years here, so he's gained maturity/experience thru practice since then. These numbers (scoring & rebounding) are pretty nice a big guy dealing with weight/knee issues & relatively inexperienced in the college game.

I really feel that DaJuan will be a decent rebounder & scorer for us if he gets even limited minutes...and even above average at these things if he can play a decent amount per game.

 

[jordoo]

I love the kid and was also impresed by his physique. Do we know if he's really 6'8" or 6'9"?

I don't know and I usually defer to guys like Francis and Tee for the most accurate info on that type of stuff. I usually do not make my final opinion on that until I see the new guys next to the returning guys. He does look huge in the vids I've seen but how big are the other kids? He's listed 6-9 and 250ish.

 

[OttoMets]

I have zero confidence that DC will ever play meaningful minutes.

Lost in all the hubbub: during the press conference, Hopkins said something along the lines of "we hope we can get Coleman back by the fall."

I'm taking that wording at face value. It's far from certain that he'll play again.

 

[jordoo]

In games Coleman has played 15 mins or more (games where he could develop some feel for game, so excluding games he got in there but not for long enough to make a difference/get comfortable playing) in his career:

Soph year:

5 games played 15 or more mins: 18.0 MPG, 9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.6 BPG, 727% FG (16-22)

DaJuan recorded double-doubles in 2 of these 5 games.

Freshman year:

12 games played 15 or more mins: 19.1 MPG, 8.4 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.8 BPG, 462% FG (37-80)

Now, some/most of these games were against the easier teams on the schedule...but also came during DaJuan's first 2 years here, so he's gained maturity/experience thru practice since then. These numbers (scoring & rebounding) are pretty nice a big guy dealing with weight/knee issues & relatively inexperienced in the college game.

I really feel that DaJuan will be a decent rebounder & scorer for us if he gets even limited minutes...and even above average at these things if he can play a decent amount per game.

Great work! So my expectations aren't even that far off from what he's done in extended minutes. Agreed we have to consider the competition but there have been some rave reviews about his practices of late by people who saw him play and practice earlier in his career at SU so IMO that means some definite improvements. I think he's an excellent rebounded and the type that will demand so much attention in the middle on our defensive glass that it will make it easier on our wings to hold their own when rebounding.

 

[Knicks411]

Lost in all the hubbub: during the press conference, Hopkins said something along the lines of "we hope we can get Coleman back by the fall."

I'm taking that wording at face value. It's far from certain that he'll play again.

I remember hearing from someone who would know, 12 months ago, that he (or she!) didn't think Coleman had any chance of playing next year and even after that was a little iffy. So yeah, I think we need to keep our expectations in check.

 

[Henny & Coke]

Great work! So my expectations aren't even that far off from what he's done in extended minutes. Agreed we have to consider the competition but there have been some rave reviews about his practices of late by people who saw him play and practice earlier in his career at SU so IMO that means some definite improvements. I think he's an excellent rebounded and the type that will demand so much attention in the middle on our defensive glass that it will make it easier on our wings to hold their own when rebounding.

Yep. Not to make this a DaJuan Coleman-only thread, but here are the last comments that JB made about Coleman (via his transcripts of his radio show posted here by SWC):

On his radio show from after the Virginia game:

“Taco Tim” asked about next year. JB: “We’ve got two veteran guards, Mike and Trevor coming back. The young guys got a lot of playing time and will improve. Chris and DaJuan will be back and that will be a big thing. Then there’s the four freshmen…”

On his radio show from after the Louisville game:

DaJuan Coleman “shows signs every day in practice with pull-up jumpers, he dunked and finished 5-6 times. If healthy, he can make a definite contribution. We hope he’s going to be healthy. Very few people can work hard and rehab for 2 years. It’s a lot to ask. Most are tired of it after 1 month. He can shoot, pass and make moves to the basket. He’s a tremendous offensive talent. I hope he can come back and be healthy.” I find this confusing: he’s shooting and dunking in practice but Jim seems unsure that he’ll ever be healthy enough to play. In past shows he said that DC’s problem is his ability to run the court. But if he can dunk….

EDIT: And there's also practice update article which sounds very promising:

http://www.syracuse.com/orangebaske...se_center_is_rounding_into_basketball_sh.html

So we'll see I guess. But again, I'm optimistic that they he will be good to go, since they were so careful with him & didn't rush him back this year. But I can certainly see others taking the opposite view.

 

[cpatrocks]

So now we've started predicting the field for next year before this year's field has been announced?

STOP THE FREAKIN' MADNESS!!!

I have us as a #1 seed in 2019.

 

[Calilivin28]

Let the road to Brooklyn and Philly begin!

 

[Knicks411]

Let the road to Brooklyn and Philly begin!

Ha I just started looking at tournament sites for next year. The jockeing for Brooklyn could be interesting. There's a raleigh site (of course there is); the other eastern seaboard site is Providence. In order to get Philly we'd either need to be the top ACC team, or outside the top 3. Outside the top 3 may take Brooklyn out of the picture? Why am I wasting so much time on this?

 

[tee1222]

I love the kid and was also impresed by his physique. Do we know if he's really 6'8" or 6'9"?

I would probably put him at the lower end, 6'8. I don't think he's as tall as Rakeem, probably closer in height to Roberson. But he is a big, strong post. I still think he will experiment at the 5 and 4, see which is a better fit down the road. Similar to what happened with Roc. There were a few times he was tried at the 4.