Looking ahead to next year's squad

[IthacaMatt]

I don't doubt that, how about his offensive game, is it a work in progress, can he give us something next year?

He's got more game than Coleman, Obokoh and Keita. How can catch and finish a lob, he can dunk a put back. He can maybe make a one-dribble move, but he doesn't have much low post game. If we have taught him to catch the slip pass on the pick and roll, he can finish well. His hands are not terrible. He doesn't really have much offensive footwork, but he's a good athlete for his size, and his size is substantial.

 

[Cusefan0307]

My thinking is looking at the rest of the teams in the ACC, and how we compare. That's how I'm making my judgement on next season.

Roster's I know we are better than: (At worst 7 wins, at best 10)

BC (2 )
Pitt (no Dixon) (2)
Wake (home)
Clemson (road)
Georgia Tech (2)
Florida St (home)

Jury's Out: (at worst 0 wins, at best 3)

Miami(home)
Virginia Tech (road)
Notre Dame (road)


Roster's better than us: (at worst 0 wins, at best 3)

Duke (home)
Louisville(2)
UNC (road)
UVA (home)
NC State (road)

The schedule works out in our favor that we play the weaker part of the conference more than usual. I think we definitely beat up on the bottom feeders. Going to Va Tech in Buzz third year is no picnic, they are going to be better. Not sure what to think of NC State, but we've struggled some against them even if Gottfried can't keep players.

I guess we are better than I thought, but I think the conference may be slightly weaker as a whole. I think we can be top 25, not sure about top 10. I see us anywhere from 9-9 to 12-6 in conference. I suppose we could compete with the top of the league if everything breaks our way, but I don't expect it. The non-league schedule is much weaker this year, so that helps. I don't see us losing to gtown or st. johns again, so I can see us winning about 21-25 games overall, which is probably good for anywhere from a 4-7 seed in next years tournament.

I've seen a lot of posts suggesting we will be a lot better on defense next year, and we could be, but we already we're really good there. We need more improvement on the offensive side of the ball than the defensive side of the ball, we've been outside the top 50 the past two years.

I have to adjust my projections. NC State is ahead of us if they get Yurtseven eligible with who they now return, and I have moved Notre Dame to be around us.

 

[NineOneSeven]

We need another player.

 

[RF2044]

We need another player.

We need TWO more players.

 

[Alsacs]

We are going to be a 19-12/20-11/21-10/22-9 team next year

 

[iommi]

4 out of 5 solid outings in the tourney, that's who.
Disclaimer: none of those impressive rebounding performances included tap out after tap out after tap out to the top of the key that gave us extra possessions. People often forget that part. Like hockey assists!

I like Roberson, tee, but it's time to say that The Beast nickname doesn't work. Roberson is too introverted to be The Beast. The nickname almost comes off like it's one of those opposite nicknames: like if someone were to call a bald guy, "Curly." Now I'll grant you, he has had beastly games like at Duke but the guy is too docile to be a beast.

 

[iommi]

We need TWO more players.

At this point, I'd sign up for one. We do need two.

 

[jordoo]

• How good is Gillon, and what will he bring to the table as a playmaker / scorer / shooter? Starting PG, double digit scorer, great in the PnR and brings some run and gun back.
• How much improvement will Howard show with the experience of a final four run where he played tons of important minutes under his belt? Back-up guard who will build off his late season success. I think his playmaking will take a step forward as his decision making improves. I think he shoots better but not great.
• Is Battle a transcendent offensive talent, as some posters [Tomcat, Jake, Iommi] have suggested? May challenge Lydon to be the leading scorer. This kid can do it all and those worried about his 3pt shooting will be pleasantly surprised as long as his shot selection from deep is good.
• Now that Coleman has proven he can stay healthy, will he improve this offseason now that his focus isn't on getting back to square one? Minor improvements across the board. More consistent performances and a good physical presence.
• Will The Beast finally put it all together during his senior year grand finale, maybe in the 13-14 ppg range? I'm thinking about 11,8 but without any MIA games.
• Will Roberson FINALLY start to knock down that mid-range jump shot? no
• How much of a difference maker will Chukwu be on defense for this squad? I think he makes a very big difference and likely splits time with Coleman but is a feared shot blocker that allows the zone to be very aggressive defending the perimeter.
• Will we force more turnovers defensively with improved team quickness that lead to run outs / easy scoring opportunities? Some, certainly more blocks but I think we will look to run much more so yes more easy opportunities and free throws.
• Will Gillon's quickness / penetration lead to easy scoring opportunities inside for Lydon / Chukwu / Roberson / Coleman we didn't get last year? Yes, especially of the PnR and I think Frank also improves in this area.
• How much stronger will Lydon get over the offseason, and will this help him establish a low post game that he showed flashes of last year? Physically I think he will get stringer but he's never going to be a bruiser. I think he will improve in all aspects offensively and how much he does inside will depend more on the other players and what is needed to balance the offense.
• Will Rico make the proverbial sophomore jump? Yes, but he really doesn't have far to go other than being more of a focal point and taking more shots.
• What will Moyer bring to the table his first year? I think he's this seasons Lydon. He will play smart with high energy and force the staff to make him part of the rotation. He will keep us from having to playing the Tyler's to exhaustion at the forward spots and allow us to go more offensive if we want with Lydon at the 5.
• Is he a starting caliber player who gives the team a true 3? No unless you consider Battle in that roll, he's just big enough and more than skilled enough but then again thats why he's a guard. I think Lydon and Moyer have enough offensive skills to keep it from being a major issue though.
• Will JB unleash the press more often, after how effective it was in last year's tourney, with a true shotblocker patrolling the back end? With only 3 guards on the roster I doubt it. I'd love to see it in the regular rotation even though JB doesn't really believe in it.
• Does the mystery man emerge as an actual recruit candidate? Doubtful but not impossible.

Answers above in red. I'm not as worried as most about offense but then again I'm a lot higher on the offensive talents of the 3 guys we are bringing in than most. I think between Lydon, Battle, Gillon, Roberson we get 50+ points. Moyer, Coleman, Howard, Chukwu can combine for 20 a game and we should be fine. I'm more worried about the perimeter defense than anything else right now. Still without really looking at the other ACC teams rosters too thoroughly yet I feel like we will be a top 4-6 team and be ranked all season.

OK now I will read everyone else's responses.

 

[jordoo]

I think Gillon is starting. He's not coming here to not play major minutes.

Agreed, Mal leaving basically locked that one in IMO.

 

[jordoo]

So you think Howard stays on the bench? Maybe. Battle starts at the off guard. So it is either Gillon or Howard starting.

Gillon, Battle will be the starting backcourt IMO. I think Frank gets a much bigger role but its still from the bench.

 

[RF2044]

Gillon, Battle will be the starting backcourt IMO. I think Frank gets a much bigger role but its still from the bench.

I tend to agree. But it could be like a Scoop '10 or CJ '12 role, where he's playing 20+ minutes every game and a major role.

I honestly believe that all three guards can play in different combinations effectively, and that we might even see lineups where all three play in tandem, with Battle "shifting" to 3. But after reviewing Gillon's film, I find it very difficult to envision him not starting and producing at a high level.

 

[Dave85]

Answers above in red. I'm not as worried as most about offense but then again I'm a lot higher on the offensive talents of the 3 guys we are bringing in than most. I think between Lydon, Battle, Gillon, Roberson we get 50+ points. Moyer, Coleman, Howard, Chukwu can combine for 20 a game and we should be fine. I'm more worried about the perimeter defense than anything else right now. Still without really looking at the other ACC teams rosters too thoroughly yet I feel like we will be a top 4-6 team and be ranked all season.

OK now I will read everyone else's responses.

I don't think we will go 25-0 but I think we will do better than last year's team. Without Malachi, I doubt we will be ranked in the top 25 in the beginning. I think 2016-17 will be a lot like the 2015-16 season. We will have some good highs and some bad lows. I think the 2016-17 team is probably not a bubble team but it could be. By the end of the season I think the defense will be good enough to make a deep tournament run. This is all speculation. By the end of November we will have a better idea where this team will stand.

 

[Dave85]

I tend to agree. But it could be like a Scoop '10 or CJ '12 role, where he's playing 20+ minutes every game and a major role.

I honestly believe that all three guards can play in different combinations effectively, and that we might even see lineups where all three play in tandem, with Battle "shifting" to 3. But after reviewing Gillon's film, I find it very difficult to envision him not starting and producing at a high level.

Gillon's film is like fan catnip. I hope he delivers. His ability to get fouled and make free throws will probably be just as good (unless we are playing at Cameron and we get nothing but no-calls all game until Duke is winning).

I think this will be our best lineup:

Gillon
Battle
Lydon
Roberson
Chukwu

Howard certainly could win the starting role as PG if he plays really well. Howard is pretty strong. The kid has serious muscles. He just needs to shake off the freshman-itus and play like a senior. He could be a real surprise and x-factor this season.

 

[Newhouser]

I'm excited about the team. I think Howard and Lydon are two of the better facilitators we have had in quite some time and sharing the ball is contagious. I think we will be harder to guard off the dribble and on par from deep as last year.

How we rebound ( I don't buy Beast mode, I'd settle for engaged mode in 65% of the games) and protect the rim will determine whether we win 20 or 24 ish games.

As for post season - same as every year, get the right draw and we will be able to do damage if we can score enough.

 

[jr4750]

For everyone that said they worried about offense next year, I agree. I think the key to us not being that 9-9ACC team again, (gross) is to truly become an elite defense. No matter how much talent these "better rosters" have they still have to beat and score on a team with tons of length and athleticism. Not to mention a hall of fame coach.

Not gonna lie, I do really want a year were our roster is so stacked (Duke) that we just come in steam rolling teams. Tired of being a mid-tier ACC squad.

Meant to add that I agree with jordoo about Moyer. Think he surprises as next years Lydon. Kid is just so level headed, he's on campus as of today, which gives him a huge jump start on college weight training, and he has a nasty streak. I think he plays a ton early, and perhaps even late if TROB doesn't get more consistent.

 

[Cusefan0307]

For everyone that said they worried about offense next year, I agree. I think the key to us not being that 9-9ACC team again, (gross) is to truly become an elite defense. No matter how much talent these "better rosters" have they still have to beat and score on a team with tons of length and athleticism. Not to mention a hall of fame coach.

Not gonna lie, I do really want a year were our roster is so stacked (Duke) that we just come in steam rolling teams. Tired of being a mid-tier ACC squad.

Meant to add that I agree with jordoo about Moyer. Think he surprises as next years Lydon. Kid is just so level headed, he's on campus as of today, which gives him a huge jump start on college weight training, and he has a nasty streak. I think he plays a ton early, and perhaps even late if TROB doesn't get more consistent.

It's possible, but really hard to be much more elite defensively. We forced teams to shoot 41% this year and 30% from three. We were the third best defensive team in the ACC after Louisville and Virginia this year. I imagine the same three teams will be good defensively again. Even if we are as good as the 11-12 team defensively when we allowed 39% shooting, it's not going to make that much of a difference if we can't score.

 

[jordoo]

It's possible, but really hard to be much more elite defensively. We forced teams to shoot 41% this year and 30% from three. We were the third best defensive team in the ACC after Louisville and Virginia this year. I imagine the same three teams will be good defensively again. Even if we are as good as the 11-12 team defensively when we allowed 39% shooting, it's not going to make that much of a difference if we can't score.

We could get more points off of our defense though. Having an elite shot blocker allows the wings and guards to play the passing lanes more aggressively not to mention blocking shots and taking them the other way. I think it will take a while for our 3 guards to understand their roll in the defense.

 

[RF2044]

It's possible, but really hard to be much more elite defensively. We forced teams to shoot 41% this year and 30% from three. We were the third best defensive team in the ACC after Louisville and Virginia this year. I imagine the same three teams will be good defensively again. Even if we are as good as the 11-12 team defensively when we allowed 39% shooting, it's not going to make that much of a difference if we can't score.

Who said "we can't score?"

We're going to be better offensively than you think, I'd be willing to bet.

 

[Nahson]

While we wait for some recruiting news to drop, here's a thread to stimulate discussion about next year's team. Opinions on the team's potential seem quite varied, based upon threads from the past few days. I'm curious about what others think about some of the issues identified below.

LOTS of question marks heading into next year. The determinant of our success will largely depend on how many of these questions get answered positively.

• How good is Gillon, and what will he bring to the table as a playmaker / scorer / shooter?

• How much improvement will Howard show with the experience of a final four run where he played tons of important minutes under his belt?

• Is Battle a transcendent offensive talent, as some posters [Tomcat, Jake, Iommi] have suggested?

• Now that Coleman has proven he can stay healthy, will he improve this offseason now that his focus isn't on getting back to square one?

• Will The Beast finally put it all together during his senior year grand finale, maybe in the 13-14 ppg range?

• Will Roberson FINALLY start to knock down that mid-range jump shot?

• How much of a difference maker will Chukwu be on defense for this squad?

• Will we force more turnovers defensively with improved team quickness that lead to run outs / easy scoring opportunities?

• Will Gillon's quickness / penetration lead to easy scoring opportunities inside for Lydon / Chukwu / Roberson / Coleman we didn't get last year?

• Will this team generate more easy scoring opportunities defensively a la 2012, helping to overcome perceived offensive limitations?

• How much stronger will Lydon get over the offseason, and will this help him establish a low post game that he showed flashes of last year?

• Will Rico make the proverbial sophomore jump?

• What will Moyer bring to the table his first year?

• Is he a starting caliber player who gives the team a true 3?

• Will JB unleash the press more often, after how effective it was in last year's tourney, with a true shotblocker patrolling the back end?

• Does the mystery man emerge as an actual recruit candidate?

Tons of questions, but I wouldn't be surprised for a lot of the things if not the vast majority or even all of them getting answered favorably next year.

Will we contend for the ACC title? Hard to say. But if only a couple of things fall into place, this team could be a LOT better than what many are forecasting.

Would I have preferred for Malichi to come back? Abso-freaking-lutely. But I don't think the sky is falling for next year's squad. Our best teams often seem to coalesce when people don't seem to give them credit. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see this be a top 5 type of ACC team, with lots of upside for the postseason. We'll also have much better depth, much better size.

Okay, I haven't been on top of Cuse basketball as much as I usually am because I have been super busy but here's my 2 cents...

1.) In my opinion, Howard's progression from year 1 to year 2 is paramount for our stability on offense next year. If he progresses, like he should, I will be a lot more optimistic about our team moving forward.

2.) Battle is going to be great, if he can stay healthy. Lord, please let him stay healthy.

3.) Okay, so the Coleman enigma is the one issue I've been really invested in. Coming out of high school, he reminded me of of Jared Sullinger. Both 6'9, big, but at the same time, smaller centers, whose production was linked to their aggressive play. Then he was injured and when he came back, not only was he rusty but hesitant, which hindered his effectiveness. I can relate to that. Kid got a major knee injury. I too, sustained a major knee injury playing college football. When I came back, mentally, it slowed me down. My knee was healthy again, but in the back of my head I was nervous about re-injuring it. It made me hesitant and changed the way I played, which, ironically, led to injuring it again. I feel that it was a big part of Coleman's issue. He was healthy, but in the back of his head he was nervous about messing up his knee again. I get it, I can relate, but now that he went the whole year, without re-injury, my hope is he will put that behind him. If he does, I think were going to see a different Coleman. Say what you will about his ability and what we saw last year, but I'm willing to bet that his mental state about re-injury was a big part of how he played last season. Kicking the rust off + being able to play without worry = a different player this year.

4.) No clue what we're going to get out of Chukwu BUT 7'2 in the middle of the zone has me sooooooooo excited. All the kid needs to do is be coordinated to be effective. I think our defense is going to be fantastic. Jury is still out on our offense but defensively, I think it is going to be really fun to watch.

 

[jordoo]

Who said "we can't score?"

We're going to be better offensively than you think, I'd be willing to bet.

People see the lack of 3 pt shooting and are worried but they forget that we absolutely had to rely on 3pt shooting last year for a variety of reasons. We will not need to be as reliant on 3pt shooting with the current group.

 

[IthacaMatt]

For everyone that said they worried about offense next year, I agree. I think the key to us not being that 9-9ACC team again, (gross) is to truly become an elite defense.

We lacked interior presence last year once we lost Diagne (or Thomas Bryant, or Chris McCullough). Any of them would have added about 3 wins to our team last year, just from the better interior defense.

This year, we only have Frank returning at guard, and I don't think he's going to start, so that means there is going to be an adjustment period for Gillon and Battle to learn the defensive slides. If you recall a couple years ago when we were playing Kaleb Joseph and Cooney at guard, Joseph was poor at keeping his man out of the lane, and it made for foul trouble on our bigs (although somehow Rakeem Christmas managed to not foul of very many games).

So this won't be our Best defense, but it will probably be very good by about January.

 

[Alsacs]

We may get some transition offense next year but our half court offense is going suck when we 2 of Coleman/Roberson/Chukwu only being able to give us offensive rebounds and very little post scoring against P6 teams. Those guys make it 3 on 5 offensively and teams pack the paint as a result.

Our half court offense has been a clogged toilet with no ball movement and its all 1 on 1. That is the problem. It isn't going to be any different it will just rest on the talent being able to overcome and do better than it has.

We will win games but it won't be pretty and we will have less margin for error than we have had the less 2 years. That is crazy/

 

[Cuse'91]

We may get some transition offense next year but our half court offense is going suck when we 2 of Coleman/Roberson/Chukwu only being able to give us offensive rebounds and very little post scoring against P6 teams. Those guys make it 3 on 5 offensively and teams pack the paint as a result.

Our half court offense has been a clogged toilet with no ball movement and its all 1 on 1. That is the problem. It isn't going to be any different it will just rest on the talent being able to overcome and do better than it has.

We will win games but it won't be pretty and we will have less margin for error than we have had the less 2 years. That is crazy/

I think DC2 could have a Rak-like leap in offensive skills. You could see glimpses of it last season. It won't be Rak's actual numbers because Lydon and Roberson will take possessions away, Rak was basically the only option his senior year...

 

[dasher]

We may get some transition offense next year but our half court offense is going suck when we 2 of Coleman/Roberson/Chukwu only being able to give us offensive rebounds and very little post scoring against P6 teams. Those guys make it 3 on 5 offensively and teams pack the paint as a result.

Our half court offense has been a clogged toilet with no ball movement and its all 1 on 1. That is the problem. It isn't going to be any different it will just rest on the talent being able to overcome and do better than it has.

We will win games but it won't be pretty and we will have less margin for error than we have had the less 2 years. That is crazy/

Don't put Coleman in that camp for sure. The kid has game. He spent all last summer getting his knees in shape so he could play. This summer he is working on his game. He may, and it is may, be one of those guys that have big sr years for us.

 

[jordoo]

Don't put Coleman in that camp for sure. The kid has game. He spent all last summer getting his knees in shape so he could play. This summer he is working on his game. He may, and it is may, be one of those guys that have big sr years for us.

I agree that there is a very good chance he will not be a liability on offense. Plus with Chukwu he will be able to play aggressively on both ends.
I'll add that although I'm still doubtful when it comes to Roberson's jump shot I expect he will get better at rolling off the pick and also his 1 and 2 dribble drive moves. So less of a liability in the half court sets.
Roberson and Chukwu in together could clog things on offense but I would think our offensive rebounding rate would be very good.