SWC75
Bored Historian
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 33,720
- Like
- 64,919
Saturday, February 1st in the Dome vs. DUKE at 4/6/8 PM TV: ESPN RADIO: TK 99/105
There’s no Zion Williamson, no R. J. Barrett and no Cam Reddish. Also no Marques Bolden. But Athlon and Street and Smiths both favor them to win the conference anyway and Lindy’s has them #2 behind Louisville. Once again, they have a highly recruited freshman class and as many as four of them could start.
The new names are:
Vernon Carey (6-10 275) “the big man uses his soft touch to score with his back to the basket. He’s surprisingly light on his feet and can face up from the high post and even knock down three pointers… A wide pivotman who is more skilled and mobile than one would expect for a big guy. He can score from 15 feet, has solid feet and great feel for the game.” (Solid feet are better than liquid feet.) “The big challenge Duke coaches will face is getting him to stay close to the hoop.” (Normally the defense wants to prevent a big man from getting to the hoop.)
Matthew Hurt (6-9 214) “A classic stretch 4, Hurt will help space the floor for a talented group of guards and has the handle to score in the lane…Very versatile and has a high basketball IQ. He works well within the flow of the offense and has a fluid game but isn’t overly athletic.”
Wendell Moore (6-6 215) “A crafted, big-bodied swingman…Expect Moore to be more advanced on the defensive end, at least at the beginning of the season. He’s excellent off the break and can get to the basket off the dribble but his shooting needs improving.”
Cassius Stanley (6-5 195) “A freak athlete…He’s an acrobatic dunker and a fearless driver to the hoop but he needs to be a more reliable shooter. His defensive potential is boundless.
The fifth starter will be Tre Jones (6-2 183 9.4p/5.3a), whose injury in the Syracuse game last year was a turning point in Dukies’ season. He came back but was never 100% and he was their point guard and leader. “When he is on, Jones is an outstanding distributor and defender who doesn’t turn it over too often. But this year he’ll have to score more often and that means improving his range and deep accuracy.” He had a 3.6-1 assist to turnover ratio.
Other veterans are:
Alex O’Connell (6-6 193), the team’s best three point shooter (37.5%) “His minutes will ultimately be determined by his defense.”
Jordan Goldwire (6-2 181), “a solid assist man who struggled with his shot last year”
Javin DeLaurier (6-10 234) “a finisher close to the bucket and a strong rebounder, particularly at the offensive end. He can also block shots well.” Where else can you ‘finish’ except close to the bucket?
Jack White (6-7 222) “another fine rebounder who can also block shots and, while his offensive game has the potential to be diverse, his shooting eye must sharpen.”
I get the impression that this team might be vulnerable to a zone. They also might be a better defensive team than recent Duke teams.
Saturday, February 8th in the Dome vs. WAKE FOREST at 8PM TV: ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
Danny Manning’s attempt to rebuild this once-proud basketball program has been spinning its wheels. In five years he’s had one winning record and last season wasn’t it. The Deacons went 11-20, 4-14 in the conference. And his best player, Jaylen Hoard, jumped early to the NBA so more of the same seems likely.
The best remaining player is Brandon Childress, (6-0 190, 14.7p/3.8r/4.0a). “Childress did just about everything last year scoring well, handing out assists, playing good defense and hitting from long range…He cut back significantly on the turnovers and over-dribbling but the expectations and heavy minutes (36.4 MPG) wore on him. Through 14 games he was one of the nation’s top three point shooters at 46.8%. He shot 30.3% the rest of the way.” Their other double-figure scorer is Chaundee Brown, (6-5 215 11.9p/5.0r). “A former Top 35 recruit, Brown has been solid but unspectacular. He closed last season strong scoring 18 points or more in four of the last ten games and averaging 8.1 rebounds in the last seven….he’s good at finishing in the lane and helps out on the backboards…but he isn’t a great shooter, (career 33% on three pointers), doesn’t get to the line much and turns the ball over a lot. Defensively, he’s the lone bright spot.”
7-0 235 Oliver Sarr, (6.2p/5.5r will be their big man inside. “Sarr is an athletic seven footer with a decent shot but that hasn’t translated into results”. Isaiah Mucius (6-8 190), “had a solid debut but struggled with his shooitng…looked intimidated as a freshman”. Sharone Wright (6-5 180 7.1p/2.4r) is “a plus defender…but his shooting eye must sharpen”. Charlotte transfer Andrien White (6-3 190) “shot 38% in three seasons there…he scored 15.0 in 2017-18”. The best freshman is 6-8 200 Ismael Massoud, “a skinny 6-8 but an excellent shooter”.
Tuesday, February 11th in the Dome vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU RADIO: TK 99/105
The Wolfpack, unlike so many ACC teams, is not rebuilding. They think that this could be their year. Last year they were 24-12, (9-9). What they need is consistency.
Their star player, Markell Johnson, (6-1 170, 12.6p/2.6r/4.2a) is back. He averaged 17.3 over the last nine games. he averaged 42% from three. His off-court troubles and back injury should be behind him and maybe his defensive lapses as well. Coach Kevin Keats, a defense oriented guy hopes so. CJ Bryce, (6-5 210, 11.6p/4.6r) is “a solid complimentary scorer”. Braxton Beverley (6-8 180, 9.4p/1.7r/2.5a), is a guard despite his size and “a threat from three point range(.347) but needs to figure out how to run more hot and cold”. “More was expected of Devon Daniels, (6-5 205, 9.3p/4.4r) last season, When he was good, he was really good. When he wasn’t, he wasn’t.” He is “a solid, off the dribble wing but must cut down on his turnovers.”
Keatts is not afraid to play four guards and one big man. That would be DJ Funderburk, (6-10 225 8.8p 4.2r), “a rim-runner who can protect the rim and rebound well”. Keatts: “For us to be a very good team, DJ has to be very good.” Funderburk “has a soft shooting touch, (.552), and a knack for blocking shots but he needs to rebound more consistently”. There’s that word again. He also tends to get into foul trouble. Keatts has more depth to play with at this spot. 6-11 230 Manny Bates redshirted with a shoulder injury last year. His “defense is ahead of his scoring skills” but he is “a solid rebounder”. . Danny Dixon, (6-10 230), is a grad transfer from Missouri-Kansas City. Pat Andree (6-8 220), is a grad transfer from Lehigh, where he averaged 12.9p and made 42% of his threes.
I think we have a team that could guard a four guard line-up this year.
Saturday, February 16th at FLORIDA STATE at Noon TV: ESPN/ESPN2 RADIO: TK 99/105
The Seminoles have become a perennial ACC power. Leonard Hamilton likes to use a lot of people, (11 different players averaged 10 minutes a game last year), and is able to recruit a lot of people, providing they are willing to share time with everyone else. Last year they were 29-8 and 13-5 in the conference. They lost 6 of those 11 players but have brought in 8 newcomers. The beat will go on.
Another Hamilton trait is over-sized big men. Sadly, the career of 7-4 268 Crist Khoumadje has come to an end. To replace him, Hamilton has brought in 7-4 230 Naheem Mcleod, 7-2 260 Dominik Otejnizak and 7-1 260 Blasa Koprivica, (I hope he’s not made of balsa wood). Olejniczak is a grad transfer from Ole Miss (5.3p/3.0r in 18 minutes a game). “He isn’t much of a scoring threat but is a proven inside presence who can provide help at both ends.” Koprivica can “provide some low-post scoring and rebounding”. McLeod “is a raw offensive player but can block shots and hit the boards”. At least their scrimmages should be fun.
None will be as good as 5 star freshman Pat Williams, (6-8 215), who “has a high basketball IQ and an effective mid-range game in the forward spot”. “Sophomore Malik Osborne, (6-9 250), is the best rebounder”. He’s a transfer from Rice where he averaged 9.0p/6.5r two years ago. RaiQuan Gray, (6-8 260) “is a versatile 4 man”. Hamilton said that Wyatt Wilkes (6-8 220) is “probably the best perimeter shooter on the team” even though he hit just 26.7% last year.
Trent Forrest (6-4 210 9.3p/3.7a) “is the ultimate leader. He’ll do whatever it takes to win a game, whether it’s a steal, free throw or create a bucket for something else. He’s such a winner and a coach on the floor.” 6-5 213 MJ Walker, (7.5p/2.2r), “must get better from the outside and cut back some on his turnovers” but, per Hamilton “is right on schedule in terms of his ability”. (Whatever that means.) Anthony Polite, (6-6 215), leads the team in good manners and “is a solid defender”, (an unusual combination), but “must sharpen his shooting eye”. Devin Vassell (6-6 180), doesn’t have to. He is “a dangerous outside weapon” (42% from three). JUCO transfer Nate Jack (6-5 195) is “one of those guys you expect to hit seven or eight threes during a game.” That always helps.
I cringe at the thought of our skinny ‘big’ men going up against those monsters in the middle. But FSU can beat you with the other guys, too.
Wednesday, February 19th at LOUISIVLLE 7PM TV: ESPN RADIO: TK 99/105
The Cardinals are coming back in a hurry under Chris Mack. The Cardinals were 20-14 and 10-8 in the conference last year and Mack has brought in a top recruiting class, (a half dozen 4 and 5 star guys), to go with four returning starters and 6 of its top 7 scorers. Lindy’s even has them winning the conference over Duke.
There’s also a transfer for St. Joseph’s, 6-0 185, Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble, (FSU will have Anthony Polite guarding him, no doubt), who will likely be the point guard. He averaged 15.6p/3.6r/2.8a for St. Joe’s. “He’s more of a combo, thanks to his scoring ability, but he should be able to initiate the offense and create for his teammates.” Two of the top recruits will compete for the “wing spot”: 6-7 190 Samuell Williamson and 6-4 195 John Nickelberry. Williamson “is a versatile player who can get to the basket and rebound. He won’t dazzle with his hooting but is athletic and passes well.” Nickelberry “is a scorer with a great mid-range game. He can also hit the long ball and drives aggressively. He may be a little streaky at times.” Senior Ryan McMahon, (6-0 185, 7.2p/1.8a) “is a solid ball-handler who can fill in at both guard spots”. 6-2 195 Darius Perry (5.4p) is “a good shooter who can also handle it.”
6-7 225 Jordan Nwora and 6-10 230 Steve Enoch decided not to jump the NBA. Nwora averaged 17.0p/7.6r and will again be one of the league’s best players. “He’s a versatile scorer and who can hit from the outside and finish quite effectively close to the hoop. He needs to cut back some on his turnovers. Enoch averaged (9.4p/5.2r) “is versatile, too” but “must improve his rebounding and ability to protect the rim”. Mack: “When Steve’s going well, he can score on anybody in the country.” 6-11 205 Malik Williams, (7.7p/6.1r) “is more of a traditional pivotman”.Mack: “Malik is one of the best defensive bigs in the country”. 6-5 220 Dwayne Sutton, (10.0p/6.9r), “can do a lot of things with the ball, including shoot with range and set up his teammates”. Then there’s freshmen Adian Iglebon, (6-10 230), who can “defend, rebound and finish”, Jae’Lyn Withers (6-8 219), who ”will provide early help on the boards and some buckets close to the hoop”. But will he provide late help on the boards?
Saturday, February 22nd in the Dome vs. GEORGIA TECH at 4PM TV: RSN RADIO: TK 99/105
See December 7th. The Yellow Jackets may have grown up – or at least older - by the time of this second match-up.
Wednesday, February 26th at. PITTSBURGH at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
See January 25th. The Panthers should be the same team but the Peterson Center has been a house of horrors for SU over the years.
Saturday, February 29th in the Dome vs. NORTH CAROLINA at 4/6/8PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2 RADIO: TK 99/105
The Tar Heels don’t make the big recurring splashes that Duke does but they just keep winning and occasionally winning it all. They were 29-7, (16-2) last year. All three magazines have them #3 behind Duke and Louisville- and not far behind. If you are good every year good things are more likely to happen. It will be more of a challenge than usual for Roy Williams this year: he lost his top five scorers: three to graduation, (can they speak Swahili?), and uncharacteristically, two to undergrad jumps to the NBA. He said “The biggest uncertainty is: Who’s going to come through? We know some guys will but I just don’t know who it’s going to be.” That’s UNC basketball.
Roy brought in four freshmen and two very productive grad transfers to make sure that the beat goes on in Chapel Hill. The new names are:
Cole Anthony (6-3 190) is replacing the exciting Coby White at the point. Anthony is an “explosive point guard…who has a great first step, can pass the ball and defend…he has a complete skill set. He is an accomplished scorer and passer and at 6-3 he is a good rebounder who can finish through contact. About the only thing he has to work on is becoming a team-first guy.” He was MVP of the McDonald’s All-American game. ”He may be the most complete point guard I’ve ever recruited” Williams says. “He may be as good a defensive-rebounding guards as I’ve ever seen.”
Armando Bacot (6-10 232) was also a five star recruit. He “is a strong rebounder who can score around the basket with either hand”. He “arrives with excellent hands and good power moves. He’s a fine defensive reboudner and brings good size defensively. He isn’t going to wow people with his perimeter moves but he’s a talent interior weapon.”
Anthony Harris (6-4 170) is “an athletic combo man” who tore his ACL in December and may not be ready to start the season.
Jeremiah Francis (6-0 210) is another point guard who committed before Cole Anthony finally made up his mind, then also tore up his knee. When healthy, he “has a good feel for the game and attacks the rim”.
Justin Pierce (6-7 210) averaged 14.9p/8.9r for William and Mary last year. He “handled the ball in pick and roll situations”. He shot .416 from three two years ago but slumped to .324 last year. He “shoots it well, rebounds with authority and set up teammates” and “should provide some stability in a youthful backcourt”.
Christian Keeling (6-4 175) averaged 18.7p/6.9r for Charleston Southern. He “gives UNC a good three point shooter, a solid rebounder from the guard position and a wing who can handle.”
The one returning starter is Garrison Brooks (6-9 230, 7.9p/5.6r), who is “improving as a passer and finisher and is the team’s top interior defender. He and Bacot are capable high-low passers who can feed each other rather than relying solely on the guards.” But “he must cut back on foul trouble.” 6-11 250 Sterling Manley, (3.5p/2.9r) missed half the season with a knee injury and “still was not fully recovered during the summer, which is a concern.” He “can score close to the hoop (57.8%FG). Techon “Leaky” Black (6-8 195, 2.5p/2.1r) is “strong off the dribble”, (then why do they call him Leaky?), and has the “versatility to play three positions”. 6-5 205 Ryan McAdoo, Bob’s son, transferred in from Florida Atlantic, where he scored a total of 5 points as a freshman two years ago. He “should help at the three spot”.
Tuesday, March 3rd at BOSTON COLLEGE at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
See January 15. I don’t know if BC will be any better than they were then but they have played us tough at home in recent years.
Saturday, March 7th at MIAMI AT 2/4pm TV: ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
The Canes stumbled to a 14-18, (5-13), mark last year. Injuries dropped their rotation to 7 players. They will try to improve this year but it’s a tough league, especially when you best player is 5-7 157.
That would be Chris Lykes – and what’s not to like. “Lykes is quick, can run the team and defend.” Well, he hit only 32% from outside and his assist- to turnover ratio was 1-1. “For Miami to move forward, he needs to be more judicious with his shooting and decision making.” He also “will need to improve on the defensive end”. He led the team with 16.2p/3.2a. 6-3 184 Dejan Vasiljevic (11.8p/4.5r) “returns at one wing spot after a solid year of long range work” (36.7%). Oklahoma transfer Kameron McGusty (6-5 192), averaged 10.9p as a freshman there but fell off to 8.0 as a soph with Trae Young dominating the ball. (I guess he can shoot in the wind.) Jim Larranaga recruited two four star freshmen guards, Harlond Beverly (6-4 170) and Isaiah Wong (6-3 170). Beverly is a point man, (and 9 inches taller than Lykes), while Wong is a combo guy. Beverly is “a great athlete who is versatile but needs to add some pounds to his frame”. Wong is “A fine scorer who can handle, get to the rim and get some long shots”.
6-10 211 Deng Gak (7.5p/4.1r) was injured 8 games into last season. As the team’s best big man, his absence punched a hole in the team. “Gak, if healthy, gives Miami a long, athletic, skilled big forward who can guard multiple positons.” 6-8 253 Keith Stone is a grad transfer from Florida. Two years ago he averaged 8.8p/4.3r but “His production fell off last season and then he suffered a season-ending knee surgery in mid-January.” Larranaga is hoping he’ll be healthy, too. Gak and Stone would be a strong 1-2 punch inside. 7-0 255 Rodney Miller sat out the entire season due to injury. He’s a “skilled 7 footer”. (Being 7 foot is a skill in in itself in this game.) 6-10 216 Sam Waardenburg “was a bit of a disappointment” (5.3P/3.5R). 6-9 210 freshman Anthony Walker is “a lean stretch 4 who can shoot some.
November will be a tough month for an inexperienced team to go through. December seems like a soft spot and January doesn’t look too intimidating. But the rubber meets the road in February. Hopefully we’ll be at our peak by them. We can handle the two March games on the schedule but then it’s win or else time and anything could happen.
There’s no Zion Williamson, no R. J. Barrett and no Cam Reddish. Also no Marques Bolden. But Athlon and Street and Smiths both favor them to win the conference anyway and Lindy’s has them #2 behind Louisville. Once again, they have a highly recruited freshman class and as many as four of them could start.
The new names are:
Vernon Carey (6-10 275) “the big man uses his soft touch to score with his back to the basket. He’s surprisingly light on his feet and can face up from the high post and even knock down three pointers… A wide pivotman who is more skilled and mobile than one would expect for a big guy. He can score from 15 feet, has solid feet and great feel for the game.” (Solid feet are better than liquid feet.) “The big challenge Duke coaches will face is getting him to stay close to the hoop.” (Normally the defense wants to prevent a big man from getting to the hoop.)
Matthew Hurt (6-9 214) “A classic stretch 4, Hurt will help space the floor for a talented group of guards and has the handle to score in the lane…Very versatile and has a high basketball IQ. He works well within the flow of the offense and has a fluid game but isn’t overly athletic.”
Wendell Moore (6-6 215) “A crafted, big-bodied swingman…Expect Moore to be more advanced on the defensive end, at least at the beginning of the season. He’s excellent off the break and can get to the basket off the dribble but his shooting needs improving.”
Cassius Stanley (6-5 195) “A freak athlete…He’s an acrobatic dunker and a fearless driver to the hoop but he needs to be a more reliable shooter. His defensive potential is boundless.
The fifth starter will be Tre Jones (6-2 183 9.4p/5.3a), whose injury in the Syracuse game last year was a turning point in Dukies’ season. He came back but was never 100% and he was their point guard and leader. “When he is on, Jones is an outstanding distributor and defender who doesn’t turn it over too often. But this year he’ll have to score more often and that means improving his range and deep accuracy.” He had a 3.6-1 assist to turnover ratio.
Other veterans are:
Alex O’Connell (6-6 193), the team’s best three point shooter (37.5%) “His minutes will ultimately be determined by his defense.”
Jordan Goldwire (6-2 181), “a solid assist man who struggled with his shot last year”
Javin DeLaurier (6-10 234) “a finisher close to the bucket and a strong rebounder, particularly at the offensive end. He can also block shots well.” Where else can you ‘finish’ except close to the bucket?
Jack White (6-7 222) “another fine rebounder who can also block shots and, while his offensive game has the potential to be diverse, his shooting eye must sharpen.”
I get the impression that this team might be vulnerable to a zone. They also might be a better defensive team than recent Duke teams.
Saturday, February 8th in the Dome vs. WAKE FOREST at 8PM TV: ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
Danny Manning’s attempt to rebuild this once-proud basketball program has been spinning its wheels. In five years he’s had one winning record and last season wasn’t it. The Deacons went 11-20, 4-14 in the conference. And his best player, Jaylen Hoard, jumped early to the NBA so more of the same seems likely.
The best remaining player is Brandon Childress, (6-0 190, 14.7p/3.8r/4.0a). “Childress did just about everything last year scoring well, handing out assists, playing good defense and hitting from long range…He cut back significantly on the turnovers and over-dribbling but the expectations and heavy minutes (36.4 MPG) wore on him. Through 14 games he was one of the nation’s top three point shooters at 46.8%. He shot 30.3% the rest of the way.” Their other double-figure scorer is Chaundee Brown, (6-5 215 11.9p/5.0r). “A former Top 35 recruit, Brown has been solid but unspectacular. He closed last season strong scoring 18 points or more in four of the last ten games and averaging 8.1 rebounds in the last seven….he’s good at finishing in the lane and helps out on the backboards…but he isn’t a great shooter, (career 33% on three pointers), doesn’t get to the line much and turns the ball over a lot. Defensively, he’s the lone bright spot.”
7-0 235 Oliver Sarr, (6.2p/5.5r will be their big man inside. “Sarr is an athletic seven footer with a decent shot but that hasn’t translated into results”. Isaiah Mucius (6-8 190), “had a solid debut but struggled with his shooitng…looked intimidated as a freshman”. Sharone Wright (6-5 180 7.1p/2.4r) is “a plus defender…but his shooting eye must sharpen”. Charlotte transfer Andrien White (6-3 190) “shot 38% in three seasons there…he scored 15.0 in 2017-18”. The best freshman is 6-8 200 Ismael Massoud, “a skinny 6-8 but an excellent shooter”.
Tuesday, February 11th in the Dome vs. NORTH CAROLINA STATE at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU RADIO: TK 99/105
The Wolfpack, unlike so many ACC teams, is not rebuilding. They think that this could be their year. Last year they were 24-12, (9-9). What they need is consistency.
Their star player, Markell Johnson, (6-1 170, 12.6p/2.6r/4.2a) is back. He averaged 17.3 over the last nine games. he averaged 42% from three. His off-court troubles and back injury should be behind him and maybe his defensive lapses as well. Coach Kevin Keats, a defense oriented guy hopes so. CJ Bryce, (6-5 210, 11.6p/4.6r) is “a solid complimentary scorer”. Braxton Beverley (6-8 180, 9.4p/1.7r/2.5a), is a guard despite his size and “a threat from three point range(.347) but needs to figure out how to run more hot and cold”. “More was expected of Devon Daniels, (6-5 205, 9.3p/4.4r) last season, When he was good, he was really good. When he wasn’t, he wasn’t.” He is “a solid, off the dribble wing but must cut down on his turnovers.”
Keatts is not afraid to play four guards and one big man. That would be DJ Funderburk, (6-10 225 8.8p 4.2r), “a rim-runner who can protect the rim and rebound well”. Keatts: “For us to be a very good team, DJ has to be very good.” Funderburk “has a soft shooting touch, (.552), and a knack for blocking shots but he needs to rebound more consistently”. There’s that word again. He also tends to get into foul trouble. Keatts has more depth to play with at this spot. 6-11 230 Manny Bates redshirted with a shoulder injury last year. His “defense is ahead of his scoring skills” but he is “a solid rebounder”. . Danny Dixon, (6-10 230), is a grad transfer from Missouri-Kansas City. Pat Andree (6-8 220), is a grad transfer from Lehigh, where he averaged 12.9p and made 42% of his threes.
I think we have a team that could guard a four guard line-up this year.
Saturday, February 16th at FLORIDA STATE at Noon TV: ESPN/ESPN2 RADIO: TK 99/105
The Seminoles have become a perennial ACC power. Leonard Hamilton likes to use a lot of people, (11 different players averaged 10 minutes a game last year), and is able to recruit a lot of people, providing they are willing to share time with everyone else. Last year they were 29-8 and 13-5 in the conference. They lost 6 of those 11 players but have brought in 8 newcomers. The beat will go on.
Another Hamilton trait is over-sized big men. Sadly, the career of 7-4 268 Crist Khoumadje has come to an end. To replace him, Hamilton has brought in 7-4 230 Naheem Mcleod, 7-2 260 Dominik Otejnizak and 7-1 260 Blasa Koprivica, (I hope he’s not made of balsa wood). Olejniczak is a grad transfer from Ole Miss (5.3p/3.0r in 18 minutes a game). “He isn’t much of a scoring threat but is a proven inside presence who can provide help at both ends.” Koprivica can “provide some low-post scoring and rebounding”. McLeod “is a raw offensive player but can block shots and hit the boards”. At least their scrimmages should be fun.
None will be as good as 5 star freshman Pat Williams, (6-8 215), who “has a high basketball IQ and an effective mid-range game in the forward spot”. “Sophomore Malik Osborne, (6-9 250), is the best rebounder”. He’s a transfer from Rice where he averaged 9.0p/6.5r two years ago. RaiQuan Gray, (6-8 260) “is a versatile 4 man”. Hamilton said that Wyatt Wilkes (6-8 220) is “probably the best perimeter shooter on the team” even though he hit just 26.7% last year.
Trent Forrest (6-4 210 9.3p/3.7a) “is the ultimate leader. He’ll do whatever it takes to win a game, whether it’s a steal, free throw or create a bucket for something else. He’s such a winner and a coach on the floor.” 6-5 213 MJ Walker, (7.5p/2.2r), “must get better from the outside and cut back some on his turnovers” but, per Hamilton “is right on schedule in terms of his ability”. (Whatever that means.) Anthony Polite, (6-6 215), leads the team in good manners and “is a solid defender”, (an unusual combination), but “must sharpen his shooting eye”. Devin Vassell (6-6 180), doesn’t have to. He is “a dangerous outside weapon” (42% from three). JUCO transfer Nate Jack (6-5 195) is “one of those guys you expect to hit seven or eight threes during a game.” That always helps.
I cringe at the thought of our skinny ‘big’ men going up against those monsters in the middle. But FSU can beat you with the other guys, too.
Wednesday, February 19th at LOUISIVLLE 7PM TV: ESPN RADIO: TK 99/105
The Cardinals are coming back in a hurry under Chris Mack. The Cardinals were 20-14 and 10-8 in the conference last year and Mack has brought in a top recruiting class, (a half dozen 4 and 5 star guys), to go with four returning starters and 6 of its top 7 scorers. Lindy’s even has them winning the conference over Duke.
There’s also a transfer for St. Joseph’s, 6-0 185, Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble, (FSU will have Anthony Polite guarding him, no doubt), who will likely be the point guard. He averaged 15.6p/3.6r/2.8a for St. Joe’s. “He’s more of a combo, thanks to his scoring ability, but he should be able to initiate the offense and create for his teammates.” Two of the top recruits will compete for the “wing spot”: 6-7 190 Samuell Williamson and 6-4 195 John Nickelberry. Williamson “is a versatile player who can get to the basket and rebound. He won’t dazzle with his hooting but is athletic and passes well.” Nickelberry “is a scorer with a great mid-range game. He can also hit the long ball and drives aggressively. He may be a little streaky at times.” Senior Ryan McMahon, (6-0 185, 7.2p/1.8a) “is a solid ball-handler who can fill in at both guard spots”. 6-2 195 Darius Perry (5.4p) is “a good shooter who can also handle it.”
6-7 225 Jordan Nwora and 6-10 230 Steve Enoch decided not to jump the NBA. Nwora averaged 17.0p/7.6r and will again be one of the league’s best players. “He’s a versatile scorer and who can hit from the outside and finish quite effectively close to the hoop. He needs to cut back some on his turnovers. Enoch averaged (9.4p/5.2r) “is versatile, too” but “must improve his rebounding and ability to protect the rim”. Mack: “When Steve’s going well, he can score on anybody in the country.” 6-11 205 Malik Williams, (7.7p/6.1r) “is more of a traditional pivotman”.Mack: “Malik is one of the best defensive bigs in the country”. 6-5 220 Dwayne Sutton, (10.0p/6.9r), “can do a lot of things with the ball, including shoot with range and set up his teammates”. Then there’s freshmen Adian Iglebon, (6-10 230), who can “defend, rebound and finish”, Jae’Lyn Withers (6-8 219), who ”will provide early help on the boards and some buckets close to the hoop”. But will he provide late help on the boards?
Saturday, February 22nd in the Dome vs. GEORGIA TECH at 4PM TV: RSN RADIO: TK 99/105
See December 7th. The Yellow Jackets may have grown up – or at least older - by the time of this second match-up.
Wednesday, February 26th at. PITTSBURGH at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
See January 25th. The Panthers should be the same team but the Peterson Center has been a house of horrors for SU over the years.
Saturday, February 29th in the Dome vs. NORTH CAROLINA at 4/6/8PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2 RADIO: TK 99/105
The Tar Heels don’t make the big recurring splashes that Duke does but they just keep winning and occasionally winning it all. They were 29-7, (16-2) last year. All three magazines have them #3 behind Duke and Louisville- and not far behind. If you are good every year good things are more likely to happen. It will be more of a challenge than usual for Roy Williams this year: he lost his top five scorers: three to graduation, (can they speak Swahili?), and uncharacteristically, two to undergrad jumps to the NBA. He said “The biggest uncertainty is: Who’s going to come through? We know some guys will but I just don’t know who it’s going to be.” That’s UNC basketball.
Roy brought in four freshmen and two very productive grad transfers to make sure that the beat goes on in Chapel Hill. The new names are:
Cole Anthony (6-3 190) is replacing the exciting Coby White at the point. Anthony is an “explosive point guard…who has a great first step, can pass the ball and defend…he has a complete skill set. He is an accomplished scorer and passer and at 6-3 he is a good rebounder who can finish through contact. About the only thing he has to work on is becoming a team-first guy.” He was MVP of the McDonald’s All-American game. ”He may be the most complete point guard I’ve ever recruited” Williams says. “He may be as good a defensive-rebounding guards as I’ve ever seen.”
Armando Bacot (6-10 232) was also a five star recruit. He “is a strong rebounder who can score around the basket with either hand”. He “arrives with excellent hands and good power moves. He’s a fine defensive reboudner and brings good size defensively. He isn’t going to wow people with his perimeter moves but he’s a talent interior weapon.”
Anthony Harris (6-4 170) is “an athletic combo man” who tore his ACL in December and may not be ready to start the season.
Jeremiah Francis (6-0 210) is another point guard who committed before Cole Anthony finally made up his mind, then also tore up his knee. When healthy, he “has a good feel for the game and attacks the rim”.
Justin Pierce (6-7 210) averaged 14.9p/8.9r for William and Mary last year. He “handled the ball in pick and roll situations”. He shot .416 from three two years ago but slumped to .324 last year. He “shoots it well, rebounds with authority and set up teammates” and “should provide some stability in a youthful backcourt”.
Christian Keeling (6-4 175) averaged 18.7p/6.9r for Charleston Southern. He “gives UNC a good three point shooter, a solid rebounder from the guard position and a wing who can handle.”
The one returning starter is Garrison Brooks (6-9 230, 7.9p/5.6r), who is “improving as a passer and finisher and is the team’s top interior defender. He and Bacot are capable high-low passers who can feed each other rather than relying solely on the guards.” But “he must cut back on foul trouble.” 6-11 250 Sterling Manley, (3.5p/2.9r) missed half the season with a knee injury and “still was not fully recovered during the summer, which is a concern.” He “can score close to the hoop (57.8%FG). Techon “Leaky” Black (6-8 195, 2.5p/2.1r) is “strong off the dribble”, (then why do they call him Leaky?), and has the “versatility to play three positions”. 6-5 205 Ryan McAdoo, Bob’s son, transferred in from Florida Atlantic, where he scored a total of 5 points as a freshman two years ago. He “should help at the three spot”.
Tuesday, March 3rd at BOSTON COLLEGE at 7PM TV: ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU/ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
See January 15. I don’t know if BC will be any better than they were then but they have played us tough at home in recent years.
Saturday, March 7th at MIAMI AT 2/4pm TV: ACC NETWORK RADIO: TK 99/105
The Canes stumbled to a 14-18, (5-13), mark last year. Injuries dropped their rotation to 7 players. They will try to improve this year but it’s a tough league, especially when you best player is 5-7 157.
That would be Chris Lykes – and what’s not to like. “Lykes is quick, can run the team and defend.” Well, he hit only 32% from outside and his assist- to turnover ratio was 1-1. “For Miami to move forward, he needs to be more judicious with his shooting and decision making.” He also “will need to improve on the defensive end”. He led the team with 16.2p/3.2a. 6-3 184 Dejan Vasiljevic (11.8p/4.5r) “returns at one wing spot after a solid year of long range work” (36.7%). Oklahoma transfer Kameron McGusty (6-5 192), averaged 10.9p as a freshman there but fell off to 8.0 as a soph with Trae Young dominating the ball. (I guess he can shoot in the wind.) Jim Larranaga recruited two four star freshmen guards, Harlond Beverly (6-4 170) and Isaiah Wong (6-3 170). Beverly is a point man, (and 9 inches taller than Lykes), while Wong is a combo guy. Beverly is “a great athlete who is versatile but needs to add some pounds to his frame”. Wong is “A fine scorer who can handle, get to the rim and get some long shots”.
6-10 211 Deng Gak (7.5p/4.1r) was injured 8 games into last season. As the team’s best big man, his absence punched a hole in the team. “Gak, if healthy, gives Miami a long, athletic, skilled big forward who can guard multiple positons.” 6-8 253 Keith Stone is a grad transfer from Florida. Two years ago he averaged 8.8p/4.3r but “His production fell off last season and then he suffered a season-ending knee surgery in mid-January.” Larranaga is hoping he’ll be healthy, too. Gak and Stone would be a strong 1-2 punch inside. 7-0 255 Rodney Miller sat out the entire season due to injury. He’s a “skilled 7 footer”. (Being 7 foot is a skill in in itself in this game.) 6-10 216 Sam Waardenburg “was a bit of a disappointment” (5.3P/3.5R). 6-9 210 freshman Anthony Walker is “a lean stretch 4 who can shoot some.
November will be a tough month for an inexperienced team to go through. December seems like a soft spot and January doesn’t look too intimidating. But the rubber meets the road in February. Hopefully we’ll be at our peak by them. We can handle the two March games on the schedule but then it’s win or else time and anything could happen.
