My 2017-18 SU Basketball Preview Part 4 | Syracusefan.com

My 2017-18 SU Basketball Preview Part 4

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The Conference Schedule

Sunday, December 31st in the Carrier Dome 6PM vs. Virginia Tech ESPNU (Channel 370 on Spectrum)

The Hokies beat 22 teams las year. They irritated 33. Buzz Williams teams get “up close and personal” on defense. You might beat them but you never look good against them. The old adage about not wrestling with pigs (“You’ll both get dirty and he likes it”), applies here. But it works: the Hokies were 10-8 in the ACC. They lost their top two but they return four players who averaged at least 9.2p last year: 6-6 forward Chris Clarke (11.4p 7.3r )6-5 guard Ahmed Hill (11.4p), 6-1 guard Justin Robinson (10.4P) and 6-5 guard Justin Bibbs (9.2p). 6-10 250 Khadim Sy (4.0p, 2.7r) is listed as a forward but I assume he’ll be spending a lot of time in the paint. 6-10 257, (also listed as a forward), Harry Blackshear (6.2p 4.5r)is back from an injury. (Late news: Khadim Sy has left the team.)

Lindy’s says: “Justin Robins showed last year that he can do just about anything at the point spot. He was a fine distributor, hit the long ball well and played solid defense on the perimeter at times.” Let’s hope this isn’t one of those times. Bibbs “is a strong long-range specialist who can put pressure on a defense with his accuracy.” Hill “is a very good shooter from the wing but needs to get more productive in other parts of the game”. Clarke is “plenty strong and finishes well close to the basket.”6-5 210 Alexander Walker “is a highly skilled player who will play big minutes” and “brings an impressive all-around game to Blacksburg. He can shoot, handle, and pass. He has a good mid-range game and will play defense.” Lindy’s says that he’s “the highest rated recruit the Hokies have signed in a long time.”

They beat us 73-83 in their place last year.

Wednesday, January 3rd at Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem NC 7PM vs. Wake Forest (ESPNU)

Wake used to be pretty good at this sport, then went into an eclipse. But the sun is starting to shine again under Danny Manning. Last year they went 19-14 and 9-9 in the conference. They lost their leading scorer and two other members of their rotation but get back 6-3 guards Bryant Crawford (16.2p, 5.5a) and Keyshawn Woods (12.5p 3.5a). 6-2 guard Mitchell Wlbekin hit 40.5% from the arc last year. They are rebuilding underneath, especially since 6-10 255 Dinos Mitoglou decided to return home and play in the European Leagues. 7-1 265 Doral Moore 6-11 280 Sam Japhet-Mathias or 6-11 210 Olivier Sarr could replace him but Moore and Japhet-Mathtias hardly played last year and Sarr is a freshman. Chaundee Brown, 6-5 210 “was a consensus top 35 recruit...has a college-ready body and he’s shown the ability both to knock down 3 pointers and get to the basket. 6-8 190 freshman Melo Eggleston “has the ability to thrive on the break, hit open shots and defend.” It’s another interesting match-up with a team that rebuilding up front but strong in the backcourt.

We beat them 81-76 in our place last year.

Saturday, January 6th at the Carrier Dome 3:15PM vs. Notre Dame ESPN or ESPN2

The Irish have been on a strong run since they joined the ACC. After winning the 2015 ACC title and making two consecutive trips to the Elite 8, they went 26-10 last year and 12-6 in the conference before losing in the round of 32. They return 6-6 225 Bonzie Colson, “perhaps the nation’s best power forward” per Athlon back. He averaged 17.8p and 10.1r. Mike Brey: “Bonzie comes in with a chance to be the conference Player of the Year, the National Player of the Year, the Wooden Award winner…When your best player wants to win as badly as he does, that helps everybody’s frame of mind.” Colson is often the sole big man on the court, surrounded by 4 guards. 6-1 Matt Ferrell will be the best of them, (14.1p, 5.4a). Brey calls he and Colson “two of the ten best players in the ACC”. Colson himself could be two of the ten best players in the ACC. Ferrell is a 42% three point shooter. 6-6 Rex Pfluege, who hit 40%, will line up next to him. Even Colson hit 43% from the arc. Athlon: “Freshman DJ Harvey comes to South Bend with the ability to be a solid driver and a mid-range shooter.” They still have mid-range shooters in college basketball?

We lost 66-84 at their place last year.

Tuesday, January 9th at the JPJ Arena in Charlottesville, VA 8PM vs. Virginia ACC Network (It doesn’t say “Extra” so I’m not sure what channel this will be on)

The first three times we played Virginia upon entering the ACC it did not go well for us: We lost 56-75, 47-59 and 65-73. It looked like the same story in the Midwest Regional final in 2016 but we put on a miracle rally and won 68-62 to make it to the Final Four. Then last year we beat them in our place 66-62. Now we will play them in their place. Do you think they might remember those last two scores?

Last year’s team was a notch down from the 89-19 record of the previous three years. The Cavaliers went 23-11 and 11-7 in the conference. It ended with an ugly 39-65 loss to Florida in the second round of the NCAAs. They play very tough defense and very sound offense. Previously, Tony Bennett’s players were known for staying for four years. Then, suddenly three players transferred out. “leading some to wonder whether Tony Bennett’s emphasis on defense is becoming unpopular”, per Lindy’s. They had already lost point guard London Perrantes. They have no returning double figure scorers but they don’t produce many of those, anyway, (Perrantes was the only one last year). Their best frontcourt player is 6-7 225 Isaiah Wilkins (6.8p, 6.0r), who, per Athlon, is “more of a glue guy”. Tony Bennett’s teams often seem to have an entire line-up of glue guys. 6-11 247 Jack Salt “who brings rebounding, hustle and physicality”. Freshmen 6-11 215 Jay Huff and 6-7 212 DeAndre Hunter “bring intriguing length and athleticism”. Bennett predicts “I think you’re going to see flashes with them”. Somewhere G-Rob is smiling.

6-5 senior Devon Hall “showed he could do a lot of things He’s a strong three point shooter, takes care of the ball and can score well.” 6-3 Kyle Guy “was excellent from three point range but also had some serious problems when he couldn’t launch from deep”. Grad transfer Nigel Johnson, (from Rutgers) “is a strong on-ball defender and can shoot the long ball”.

Saturday, January 13th at Donald Tucker Center Tallahassee, FL 2PM vs. Florida State ACC Network

The Seminoles has a splendid season last year, going 26-9 (12-6 in conference. The lost four starters, three of whom jumped early to the pros. But they played a lot of people have six returnees who played 10+ minutes per game plus a top 10 recruiting class. The ‘Noles always have plenty of tall timber. Christ Koumadje is 7-4, 233. That makes him two inches taller than Chukwu. (But can he guard God Shammgod? Ikey Obiagu (Ikey? ) is 7-0 240. They have a trio of freshmen forwards , one of whom, Mfiondu Kabengele, 6-8 230, is a nephew of Dikembe Mutombo. He “specializes in blocking and defending”. And saying “No-no-no!” Freshman Taiquan Garym (6-8 250), “has excellent size and strength.at the ‘4’ spot. He passes well, has good hands and some post moves.”

“FSU doesn’t have anybody with a verified point guard pedigree”. They are going to try 6-5 Trent Forest and 6-1 CJ Walker. “Neither is a particularly accurate long range shooter and Walker struggled to score whenever he was on the court.” 6-6 Terrence Mann is the lone returning starter (8.4p 4.5r). Freshman MJ Walker is 6-5205, “extremely athletic and has a frame that bullied high school rivals. He can hit jumpers inside and beyond the arc and is excellent in the open floor.”

We beat them in the Dome, 82-72 last year.

Tuesday, January 16th at the Carrier Dome 9PM vs. Pittsburgh Regional Sports Network

He Panthers were toothless last year stumbling to 16-17 but 4-14 in the conference. One of those 4 wins was against us in their place, 75-80. But we beat them up here 77-66. The switch from Jamie Dixon to Kevin Stalling was a disaster and it continued into the offseason. In addition to losing 4 seniors, 5 other players transferred out, another was dismissed and Stalling’s first recruiting class included no one who could be considered a blue chipper. Stallings said “Losing is de-motivating. It takes away some of your spirit”. Whatever is left will be in danger this year. Only three players from last year’s team are back and one of them is a walk-on.

The highest returning scorer is 6-9 225 Ryan Luther, who averaged 5.7p and 3.9r. 6-7 220 Samson George has been compared to DeJuan Blair - by his high school coach. 6-10 240 Terrell Brown was “among the top players in Rhode Island”. 6-9 235 Peace Ilegomah might be able to guard Christ Koumadje.

They lacked a true point guard last year, (Karl Krauser has graduated). Freshman combo guards Marcus Carr and Parker Stewart will try to help. Carr was a four star recruit from Florida and Stewart was all-state in Tennessee.

They figure to have a long season. We’ll be playing them twice again and will need to get these victories.

Wednesday, January 24th at the Carrier Dome 7PM vs. Boston College ESPNU

Last year it was unanimous that Boston College would be the worst team in the league. So we opened the season in Boston against then and got blown out by 15 points, (81-96). And they did turn out to be the worst team in the league: 9-23, 2-16, (we beat them here by 23: 76-53). That’s the thing about this league: anyone can beat you. It’s not enough to be Syracuse and you aren’t. You’ve got to bring your ‘A” game to every game so you’d better have one. The Eagles were a decent team that didn’t have one and they got pounded into the floorboards like a nail hit by 16 hammer blows.

They were going to return their top 5 scorers until AJ Turner, “the first top 150 recruit in nine years”, (and our fans were concerned we did have a top 100 recruit this year), transferred to Northwestern. They have two returning double figure scorers and both are guards: 6-5 Jerome Robinson (18.7p 3.9t, 3.4a) and 6-1 Ky Bowman (14.3p 4.8r 2.9a). Bowman is the team’s leading returning rebounder. 6-5 Jordan Chatman scored 8.6p, Per Lindys, Robinson had too many turnovers and was a mediocre 33% from three and “Bowman also struggled with giveaways”. Chatman is their three point threat (42%).

6-8 220 Deontae Dawkins is a transfer from Illinois State who played well, there, (14.0p, 6.5r). 6-9 200 Vin Baker Jr. “is a versatile forward with good skills”. 6-10 216 Luke Kraijevic “is skilled but lacks the strength to be a force inside.” Maybe 6-11 243 Nick Popovic does. He averaged 6.1p 3.5r while playing only 13.8m per game last year.

Saturday January 27th at the Peterson Events Center in Pittsburgh PA 4PM vs. Pittsburgh ACC Network

This is our first rematch of the season and it needs to be a second victory over Pittsburgh, as hard as it can be to win down there.

Wednesday January 31st at McCarnish Pavillion in Atlanta, Ga. 8PM vs. Georgia Tech ACC Network

We split with the Jackets last year, losing 65-71 in Atlanta but crushing them 90-61 in the Dome in the game we felt clinched a spot in the Big Dance for us, (it didn’t, as our lousy Non-Conference season was still held against us). They still have Ben Lammers, 6-10 227, who was one of the ACC’s best big men, (14.2p 9.2r, 3.4b) . Tech uses an almost Princeton-like offense that runs the ball through Lammers in the high post. Lindy’s says that he “has the potential to be even more productive on the offensive end” this year. 6-9 211 Abdouleye Gueye is coming back from a broken wrist “after showing himself to be a solid rebounder but not much of a scoring threat.” 6-10 231 Sylvester Ogbonda “can score inside some but wasn’t ever a real option.”

6-4 207 Josh Okogie “had a tremendous debut, demonstrating the ability to score all over play some strong defense and hit the boards”, (16.1p 5.4t). 6-2 209 Tadric Jackson showed “he could score inside the arc” but only shot 32.5% from outside it, (12.1p). No returning player averaged more than 2.4 assists. (Late update: Okogie fractured the index figure of his left hand in Tech’s opener against Georgia State: “He could be out for a while”)

Tech was supposed to be terrible last year but the development of Lammers and the surprising stardom of Okogie, who wasn’t a highly rated recruit, got them to a 21-16 record, 8-10 in the conference. They will be shooting for the NCAAs this year.

Saturday February 3rd at the Carrier Dome 4PM vs. Virginia ACC Network

This is our second rematch, (see January 9th). If we can at least split with the “Whoos”, it would help.

Monday February 5th at the KFC Yum Center, Louisville Kr. 7PM vs. Louisville ESPN

It will be strange to play the Cardinals without Rick Pitino in his ice cream man suit marching up and down the sidelines. (It’s also strange it’s taken this long to get rid of him.) How do the Cardinals follow up the tenures of two consecutive Hall of Famers? Dana Padgett, the interim coach, will try.

Last year’s Cardinals were 25-9 and 12-6 in the conference but lost to Michigan in the second round of the tournament. They’ve lost 6 players form that team but only half that many were part of their primary rotation. But before he left Pitino brought in the #6 ranked recruiting class, so there’s plenty of talent on hand.

Like so many teams on our schedule, they are strong in the backcourt. Quentin Snyder, the 6-2 point guard, returns after starting their last 61 games “He won’t do the spectacular but he avoid silly plays” per Athlon. 6-7 Deng Abel averaged 16.3 points in their last three games 6-6 VJ king, a former McDonald’s AA, hit 42% from three point range. 6-2 Darius Perry “arrived with the announced goal of becoming the best defensive player in the ACC. 6-0 Ryan McDonald hit five threes vs. Pittsburgh. 6-7 Brian Bowen was the top recruit and “could play any positon except center.

Bowen or Adel could play forward as well as guard. 6-5 Dwayne Sutton transferred form UNC Ashville, where he averaged 12P and 7.7r. 6-10 215 Ray Spaulding is an erratic scorer (5.9p 5.5r) but is “a terrific weapon in the Cardinals’ press” per Athlon and “primed for a break-out season as a skilled, modern power forward” per Lindy’s. of the freshmen, 6-8 215 Jordan Nwora is a “a combo forward…who may need some time to develop”; 6-8 219 Lance Thomas and 6-11 215 Malik Williams can “play inside or out”. 7-0 220 Anas Mahmoud is the returning center “can defend and shoot a high percentage” but Pitino wanted him to add about 15-20 pounds per Athlon. Lindy’s: “They’ll be long, athletic and disruptive on the defensive end, although there’s a dearth of physicality and strength in the group”. Sounds like us.

Sunday, February 11th at the Carrier Dome 1PM vs. Wake Forest ACC Network

This is a rematch of the January 3rd game. Hopefully, we’ll be looking for a sweep.

Wednesday, February 14th at the Carrier Dome 9PM vs. North Carolina State ACC Network

The Wolfpack didn’t hunt too successfully last year, going 15-17 and 4-14 in the conference. They were supposed to be contenders but couldn’t play defense. They fired coach Mark Gottfried. Kevin Keatts, who used an up-tempo, three point, pressing style at UNC Wilmington, is the new coach. He’s a Rick Pitino disciple, having previously been an assistant at Louisville. But his new team lost their top three scorers.
6-1 Markell Johnson will be the point guard. He “had an uneven freshman season but is an elite athlete and excellent fit for Keatts’ up-tempo system” per Athlon. The problem was his shooting per Lindy’s, “Johnson showed the ability to distribute, defend and take care of the ball.” 6-5 210 Torin Dorn “can convert off the dribble and from long range. He also rebounds pretty well (9.5p 4.6r). 6-2 freshman Levar Batts was a top 100 recruit. He could play with Johnson or back him up. “Keatts likes to have more than one ball handler on the floor.” Keatts has two grad transfers for the backcourt: 6-3 210 Allerick Freeman from Baylor, who can hit the long ball (9.7p at Baylor) and 6-2 Sam Hunt from NC A&T, “a combo guard who can shoot for distance” (12.7p).

7-0 245 Omer Yurtseven has been a disappointment, (5.9p 4.4r) . The skilled big man showed some signs of potential but for the most part was overwhelmed in ACC play.” 6-8 240 Abdul-Malik Abu “is a reliable inside scorer who can also rebound (11.8p 7.0r). “Keatts has already promised that the springy 6-8 big man will lead the country in dunks this season.” 6-8 265 Leonard Freeman didn’t play last year due to an injury. He “adds an element of toughness that was missing last season while he sat out as a medical redshirt but how his surgically repaired leg holds up in Keatts’ wide-open system will be a concern. 6-7 230 Darius Hicks is “a solid rebounder and defender but needs to get a more well-rounded offensive game.”

I think we need to beat Mr. Keatts’ team this year because he could get things percolating in Raleigh in future years.

Saturday, February 17th in the Watsco Center in Coral Gables, Fl Noon vs. Miami CBS

Athlon had an interesting stat: Miami was 4-31 all-time vs. Duke and North Carolina before Jimmy Larranaga became their coach. They are 10-8 against those teams since. Last year they were 21-12 (10-8). ”The Hurricanes have a seat at the table with the rest of the ACC heavyweights and this could be a season they eat more than their share.” Lindy’s notes that they are bringing 5 star recruits now, not just guys who stay for four years. They say this many be Larranaga’s most talented line-up.

Two of their three five star recruits will be their starting backcourt. 6-5 Bruce Brown averaged 11.8p 5.6r 3.2a last year. “He distributed the ball, played some sticky D, hit the long ball and scored off the dribble”. Lonnie Walker, a 6-4 freshman, is a “high flyer who played in the McDonald’s AA game” tore his meniscus in his right knee in July and so might not be ready for the season. “Walker is another diverse scorer who has a high basketball IQ, makes good decisions with the ball and can defend.” Fortunately, senior Ja’Quan Newton, a 6-2 point man, is still around. He averaged 13.5p, 3.5r and 3.4a. But “He turned it over too often and shot a meager 27.5% from three point range.” There is also “electric freshman Chris Lykes” who “is only 5-7 but he is a tough penetrator, an excellent 3 point shooter and someone who can control the game.” Miami’s backcourt “will attack defenses with athleticism.”

The third five-star guy is 6-11 220 Dewan Huell. He’s a sophomore “and this could be his breakout year”. Last year he “showed that he can score close to the hoop, rebound a little, especially on the offensive end and block shots.” Athlon says that he has the size and skill to average a double-double this year. 6-7 210 Anthony Lawrence “can hit the jumper and work off the dribble. His passing is solid and he can be a defensive force.” 6-10 231 Ebuka Izundu “has proven he can protect the rim”. 6-9 205 Same Waardenberg is a “shooter who cannot help but stretch the floor”. Rodney Miller is 7-0 258. You can’t teach that.

Wednesday, February 21st at the Carrier Dome 7Pm vs. North Carolina ESPN

This will be an interesting trip to the Salt City for the defending national champions. The comparison between the NCAA’s actions against Syracuse and their non-action against the Tar Heels will be on the fan.s minds and perhaps those of the SU staff and players. But it will take more than resentment to win this game. We are 0-5 vs. the Heels since Tyler Ennis was our point guard.

UNC has lost 5 players from last year’s team, including veteran big men Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks. 6-8 240 Luke Maye is “a hard worker and can contribute on both ends”. He was hero of the Tar Heels win over Kentucky in the NCAAs. He made 40% of his three point shots “and has a knack for rebounding, despite limited athleticism”. 6-6 220 Theo Pinson “can rebound but did not shoot the ball accurately” but “is a point forward who can initiate the offense, defend multiple positons and provide hustle plays”. Cameron Johnson is a grad transfer from Pittsburgh who will remember how to beat Syracuse. He’s 6-8 210. He averaged 11.9p, 4.5r and has “the ability to shoot from outside”, (42%). 6-9 215 Garrison Brooks was ”an accomplished prep board man”. 6-10 250 Brandon Huffman “is a hard worker with good size and strength.”6-11 240 Sterling Manley “is a late bloomer who can score inside and out but needs to add strength.” They led the nation in rebounding margin with an incredible +12.3 last year. That stat will be tough to duplicate.

6-0 Joel Berry returns to the backcourt. He is “A complete point man who can score plenty and create for teammates” and “provides toughness, leadership and scoring” He hit 38% from three point range while scoring 14.7 with 3.6a. He’s the team’s only returning double figure scorer. Seventh Woods, (what happened to the first six?) is a 6-1 “stud athlete” who needs to work on his shot but “showed defensive prowess”. 6-3 Freshman Jalek Felton, a nephew of Raymond, is “a gifted passer who has scoring ability”. He “can get to the rim but has to improve his shot”. Kenny Williams is a 6-4 ‘wing’ who can shoot the 3 and play defense. He can also tear the meniscus in his right knee, which he did last year. He’s had to have two surgeries on it, the last in July. 6-5 Brandon Robinson is another perimeter shooter as is 6-3 freshman Andrew Platek.

This might be a good year and a good place to finally beat the Tar Heels, (before they get going again).

Saturday, February 24th at Cameron Indoor Stadium TBD vs. Duke ESPN/ESPN2

We may never displace North Carolina as Duke’s primary rival but since SU joined the ACC, nobody in the country has played as many classic games against each other as Duke and Syracuse: the 91-89 OT Orange win in the Dome 2/1/14; The 60-66 “Jacket Game” at Cameron three weeks later; 72-80 and 54-73 losses vs. Duke’s national champions the year we dumped the post season; Our 64-62 in at Cameron on 1/18/16 and John Gillon’s 40 footer to win 78-75 in the Dome last year. Only one one-sided game in the bunch and three classics that will be remembered for years.

As usual, the Blue Devils are loaded. Four of the top 32 players in the 2017 NBA draft were from their roster but they again have the top recruiting class in the country. They are doing pretty much what John Calipari has bene doing at Kentucky but somehow without the same controversy. Coach K was once a critic of Calipari’s but now he’s doing the best job of emulating him. “Change is exciting”, he was quoted as saying. We lose players early just like they do but our players are not just like their players. Their guys can win national championships for them before they leave. But we’ve still found a way to beat them three times since this new rivalry started, including in their place.

Grayson Allen (6-5 205 14.5p 3.7t 3.5A0 is still around for everyone to hate. Lindy’s: If he can remain under control, he has the ability to affect a game endlessly with his long-range shooting, passing defense and overall competitive drive. He’ll have to get more productive inside the arc this year and cut back on his turnovers.“ He won’t have to try to be a point guard this year. 6-3 Freshman Trevon DuVal will take over that responsibility. He “is an explosive and powerful playmaker who gets to the rim and finished well” but “is not a great shooter year”. 6-6 freshmen Gary Trent Jr. is. He was “considered the top shooting guard in the 2017 class. 6-6 freshman Alex O’Connell is “dynamite in the open court and has deep range…he has a productive pull-up game but needs to gain some strength”. 6-7 freshman Jordan Goldwire is “a good defender and play maker who can also play some two.” Athlon lists former SU target Jordan Tucker with O’Connell as “likely candidates to crack the rotation”. Lindy’s: He has “a lot of skill and shooting range to the arc. He can post and possesses a well-developed mid-range game.”

Like so many of our opponents, Duke is ‘rebuilding’ up front. Unlike them they are doing it with McDonald’s AA’s. 6-11 246 Marques Bolden was a top 15 recruit last year but injured his foot. And saw limited action. “He has good size and the ability to finish close to the basket.” 6-10 259 freshman Wendell Carter has a 7-3 wingspan. “The burly rookie has double-double potential thanks to an array of post moves, an appetite for the backboards…He’s also an adept shooter form short range.” 7-0 269 junior Antonio Vrankovic “is a force close to the basket in the middle”. 6-10 231 Javin DeLaurier “has the potential to score inside and rebound well”. Jimmy B should ask his old friend Mikey K if he could borrow one of those guys. They would probably all start for us.

Wednesday, February 28th at Conte Forum, Boston, Ma 9PM vs. Boston College Regional Sports Network

Out last rematch, (see January 24th). We will be trying to gather enough wins to make the Big Dance by this juncture and the result had better be better than out last trip to Boston.

Saturday, March 3rd at the Carrier Dome 2PM vs. Clemson ACC Network

In coach Brad Brownell’s 8th season, the Tigers are coming off a 17-16 (6-12) year and he’ll be under pressure to produce. By the time we play them, he will have done so likely be on their way out. When last seen they were blowing a 20 point lead to Oakland in the first round of the NIT. South Carolina’s Final Four run doesn’t help as an unfavorable comparison. Neither does the loss of three starters.

Their strength is in the backcourt although it tells you something about their program that after 8 years, Brownell’s starting back court was not originally recruited by him. 6-3 Shelton Mitchell transferred in from Vanderbilt and scored 10.8 with 3.6a for the Tigers last year. “He is a floor general with speed who can get to the rim and knock done 3 pointers at a 45.3% rate, although he only attempted 64 of them. 6-3 Marcguise Reed transferred in form Robert Morris and scored 10.0p. He is “a solid scoring option who can get his inside and out…Reed can also distribute and take care of the ball and is the team’s most productive perimeter defender”. 6-3 Gabe DeVoe “proved himself to be a strong third guard option” but “he needs to improve his shot selection both inside and outside.” 6-5 redshirt freshman AJ Oliver “has good range on his shot and plays smart ball, will be a perimeter asset, although he does need to improve his strength and get a better handle.”

They lost Javon Blossingame, a two time ALL-ACC player 6-9 230 Texas A&M transfer Elijah Thomas “showed flashes of brilliance…however he’ll need to stay out of foul trouble…Thomas can finish inside and rebound well. He’s also a solid shot blocker.” They also have 6-9 240 grad transfer from Michigan in Mark Donnal, who “can rebound some in his area, finish close to the hoop and play some defense but he is not overly athletic…Clemson fans should not expect too much.”

I have a feeling Clemson fans’s expectations will not be a problem by March 3rd.


General Comments: We are not the only team with a potentially strong backcourt that is rebuilding up front. I was worried that our young, skinny guys would be bullied by ACC front courts but other than Duke, I’m not sure ACC front courts are what we are used to this year. This season will be a battle of the backcourts.

But we won’t be playing very many teams that we can expect to beat just because we have more talent than them. We will have to outplay teams to win. There just aren’t that many soft spots on the schedule. This will be like a wrestling match in a parking lot. I would expect double figures in losses and another sweaty Selection Sunday.
 
It may be "spin," but ...

The UVa upperclassmen's transfers are viewed on our board as the players' seeing the "less available PT" writing on the wall. Johnson, Huff, and Hunter are seen as playing a lot of minutes. Johnson is a Rutgahs xfer, BTW, and gives us more of a dribble-drive capability than we've had a quite a while.
 
It may be "spin," but ...

The UVa upperclassmen's transfers are viewed on our board as the players' seeing the "less available PT" writing on the wall. Johnson, Huff, and Hunter are seen as playing a lot of minutes. Johnson is a Rutgahs xfer, BTW, and gives us more of a dribble-drive capability than we've had a quite a while.
Taking a Rutgers transfer will generally cost a team between 5 and 10 losses per season. The infection starts early and becomes overwhelming very quickly. Bennett is pretty smart and will probably soon move to kick him off the team/quarantine him/trade him to VT, so perhaps your season can still be saved.

Godspeed.

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
 

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