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Message: [QUOTE="Powellfan, post: 4622805, member: 4819"] I am finding it really hard to asses this team in terms of how much progress they've made since last year. Yes, they have two more wins already than they did last season. But if the 2023 team fails to win another game this year (I really hope not, but it is a possibility), they'll have basically only improved by beating Albany (at home), switching out a loss against Army for a win over Vermont, and throwing in an extra win over St Bonaventure (which last years team would have won easily as well). Plus last year's team did actually beat Duke. Dig a little deeper and last year's team lost by four to a much better Maryland team (this year it was three but the score was a lot closer than the actual game). Last years Duke team was not as good as this years so give this years team some credit for that. Last year's team came close to beating Hopkins (on the road) and lost by the same margin. Yes, bigger wins over Hobart and Albany, but it's all in all a little underwhelming. SU still isn't in the Top 20 and their RPI is in the 30s, far away from tournament contention and the same spot it was in last year. Watching this team with my own eyes its clear they have improved. This team is much more fun to watch than last years. The offense has gone from a two man show to a full blown modern offense, with everyone sharing the ball. The freshmen have exceeded expectations. The defense clearly has some issues but it's also clear they've made improvements and Will Mark has been outstanding. But right now the results are not matching up which is disappointing. Part of me wants to give the staff a mulligan for last year, mostly because this team is almost completely brand new from this year to last. So maybe judging this year to last isn't entirely fair. I really want this team to do well. I guess I can't help feeling frustrated that they have some really good pieces, but they still seem so far away from a Final Four. I do think no matter what, expectations for next season should be the playoffs and I would even say a first round win. I know it's silly to prognosticate about next year when this year isn't over, but there really can't be any more excuses. Players like Mark don't come around often, it's really time to capitalize. Figure out the face-offs and groundballs and lets win some games. [/QUOTE]

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