Potential 2024 Roster

[MSOrange]

For those more knowledgable than myself, is the roster stacking up that getting back to the NCAA tournament should be the expectation? I know it "should" be the expectation, but is it realistic?

 

[bjred]

For those more knowledgable than myself, is the roster stacking up that getting back to the NCAA tournament should be the expectation? I know it "should" be the expectation, but is it realistic?

In my opinion, we were a face off unit away from making the tournament this past season. And I say unit because there were times that Richiusa and Fine won the draw but wing play didn't help them at all. Don't get me wrong, there were times the defensive play was horrid but I feel like if they had gone at least 50% then some of those losses are wins.

On paper right now, assuming we get guys back healthy and we don't lose anyone to injury or the portal then they should be a tournament team easily. I'm still not sold on Petros defensive scheme but we'll see how it works out if we can win some face offs and the team isn't playing 2/3s of the game on the defensive end.

 

[DMVCuseLax]

In my opinion, we were a face off unit away from making the tournament this past season. And I say unit because there were times that Richiusa and Fine won the draw but wing play didn't help them at all. Don't get me wrong, there were times the defensive play was horrid but I feel like if they had gone at least 50% then some of those losses are wins.

On paper right now, assuming we get guys back healthy and we don't lose anyone to injury or the portal then they should be a tournament team easily. I'm still not sold on Petros defensive scheme but we'll see how it works out if we can win some face offs and the team isn't playing 2/3s of the game on the defensive end.

A big piece to Petros defense is on track to be cleared in August. It’s not about scheme it’s about the players in my opinion. If it all plays out the way we all hope they will be VERY good defensively next year.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Powellfan]

A big piece to Petros defense is on track to be cleared in August. It’s not about scheme it’s about the players in my opinion. If it all plays out the way we all hope they will be VERY good defensively next year.

I feel pretty good about the longsticks. Between Olexo, Figurias, Wright, Caccamo, Dwan, Kol and Scott they should be in good hands. I’m still worried about the short sticks though.

I’m glad they brought in Titus but will he be better than Aviles was? Who are they counting on to replace Murphy? Trujillo looked a bit shaky last year filling in for Aviles. Can he make a jump? What’s up with Rosa? Are there freshmen coming in that can be counted on? Hunter is the only one with real size.

Jake Spallina looks promising, but again he’s not very big. I think you have to have at least one guy that has some real heft. I personally like the idea of Scott grabbing a short stick this year.

I do like the fact that Stevens and English can hold their own on defense. That should really help in transition. But how many shifts on defense can they be expected to take? In crunch time are they the ones that will be out their? I can’t imagine so.

As of now that’s really the only thing that makes me nervous about this team. Zach Goorno and Campbell Pozin, DIII all Americans are apparently in the portal. Curious if the coaches go after either or both?

 

[OttosDad]

Curious if people think we may look to move incoming freshmen offensive middies to defensive mids. Obviously jake Spallina is a do it all type, but looking at HLs a kid like Tyler McCarthy might be a good candidate to move. Even Kempney. We gotta get creative. IMO, need your best athletes on the field. Kempney and McCarthy will be amongst the best on the team next year.

 

[tech37]

Curious if people think we may look to move incoming freshmen offensive middies to defensive mids. Obviously jake Spallina is a do it all type, but looking at HLs a kid like Tyler McCarthy might be a good candidate to move. Even Kempney. We gotta get creative. IMO, need your best athletes on the field. Kempney and McCarthy will be amongst the best on the team next year.

Those two guys may well be great choices. Thing is, and I'm probably stating the obvious, but a middie has to want to play that position, arguably the toughest spot on field other than goalie and not much glory for an offensive-minded player.

Take Aviles, and this is pure speculation. That JHU grad year will look great on his resume but also I bet Milliman has promised to use him more creatively/offensively than SU did. He did show his stuff in the World Games from what I read.

It will be interesting to see how he handles JHU culture which I'm sure isn't for everyone. Hate to see him go (one of my personal favorite players), and as JeremyCuse subtlely implied, especially to that program. That said, wishing him the best.

 

[Laxfanshutt]

I feel pretty good about the longsticks. Between Olexo, Figurias, Wright, Caccamo, Dwan, Kol and Scott they should be in good hands. I’m still worried about the short sticks though.

I’m glad they brought in Titus but will he be better than Aviles was? Who are they counting on to replace Murphy? Trujillo looked a bit shaky last year filling in for Aviles. Can he make a jump? What’s up with Rosa? Are there freshmen coming in that can be counted on? Hunter is the only one with real size.

Jake Spallina looks promising, but again he’s not very big. I think you have to have at least one guy that has some real heft. I personally like the idea of Scott grabbing a short stick this year.

I do like the fact that Stevens and English can hold their own on defense. That should really help in transition. But how many shifts on defense can they be expected to take? In crunch time are they the ones that will be out their? I can’t imagine so.

As of now that’s really the only thing that makes me nervous about this team. Zach Goorno and Campbell Pozin, DIII all Americans are apparently in the portal. Curious if the coaches go after either or both?

What about Brett Spallina grabbing a short stick.. like his brother, he’s not tall but may be another option at SSDM
just a thought

 

[ks orange]

Those two guys may well be great choices. Thing is, and I'm probably stating the obvious, but a middie has to want to play that position, arguably the toughest spot on field other than goalie and not much glory for an offensive-minded player.

Take Aviles, and this is pure speculation. That JHU grad year will look great on his resume but also I bet Milliman has promised to use him more creatively/offensively than SU did. He did show his stuff in the World Games from what I read.

It will be interesting to see how he handles JHU culture which I'm sure isn't for everyone. Hate to see him go (one of my personal favorite players), and as JeremyCuse subtlely implied, especially to that program. That said, wishing him the best.

I watched several of his World Game matches. The competition wasn't always top-notch but, whoever it was, he was always the dominant offensive player on the field.

 

[Powellfan]

According to his Instagram bio, Harrison Thompson lists himself as a Cuse Lax Alum. I am guessing that he is moving on. That still leaves the Orange with 5 goalies on the roster (Mark, McCool, Rolley, Duffy and Ippoliti).

 

[JeremyCuse]

According to his Instagram bio, Harrison Thompson lists himself as a Cuse Lax Alum. I am guessing that he is moving on. That still leaves the Orange with 5 goalies on the roster (Mark, McCool, Rolley, Duffy and Ippoliti).

Makes sense, probably has his degree and ready to move on with life.

 

[MSOrange]

 

[ClvrUsrnm]

For those more knowledgable than myself, is the roster stacking up that getting back to the NCAA tournament should be the expectation? I know it "should" be the expectation, but is it realistic?

They’ll be losing in the quarterfinals before you know it, don’t you worry about a thing.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

 

[Powellfan]

Hobart fan on Fanlax is saying Max Rosa will be back for '24. Not sure how reliable it is but they post on the site a lot, and Rosa family obviously has lots of Hobart connections. I got frustrated with his play last year, but he's a returning captain so from a leadership standpoint this is a good development. I assume he'll take one of the SSDM positions. That means one open spot after Rice, Titus and Rosa.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Hobart fan on Fanlax is saying Max Rosa will be back for '24. Not sure how reliable it is but they post on the site a lot, and Rosa family obviously has lots of Hobart connections. I got frustrated with his play last year, but he's a returning captain so from a leadership standpoint this is a good development. I assume he'll take one of the SSDM positions. That means one open spot after Rice, Titus and Rosa.

Since we are losing Murphy and Aviles we will take what we can get. There is a lot to like about his game. Super strong and physical on defense. Effort is always 110%. Does not seem especially prone to team defense errors. Killer shot in transition. Only issue is he needs too many slides against a faster/shiftier guy offense. That's kind of a big one obviously, but he makes up for it in other ways. We desperately need depth there and I really hope we use English and Stevens as two way guys at least somewhat.

 

[nyclax]

English and more so Stevens can hold their own on the defensive end in a pinch but ideally you do not want them playing much on that end of the field. They're serviceable there but neither are all-americans because of their defensive prowess. And the more they play defense the less effective they'll be on offense. Rosa returning is good but they need to develop a 4th and 5th full time option at d-middie whether that be converting Kempney or something else. It is a tough position for freshmen to play so i would not count on jake spallina being ready to go in that spot day one. Mount sinai plays a good schedule but covering Billy Buckets on shoreham wading river aint the same as guarding griffin schutz or matt collison i'll tell you that right now. he will be a good player but it's a lot to ask of a first-year. they might be better off developing someone who's been in the system a year or two and has some d1 weight room experience and training

 

[cuselaxss26]

well he will be freshman but do have chrisshawn hunter who believe is a defensive middie guy. Not saying can be solid right out gate but believe can be able to hold his own in a sub or breather kind of guy. Also have trullio or however spell it who didn’t get ton of time but seemed alright. Honestly yes dmid is def something needed to improve on. But i’m more concerned overall bout poles then dmids. Cause if our poles can’t take big step then don’t matter much if our dmids do. Our poles have to be solid enough on their own before they can support our dmids. Grant i def think we have the talent at poles to be improved (well as long as they play the right guys). Either way wish the new season started next week as super excited and can’t wait to see what this team can do.

 

[sholokov2]

Since we are losing Murphy and Aviles we will take what we can get. There is a lot to like about his game. Super strong and physical on defense. Effort is always 110%. Does not seem especially prone to team defense errors. Killer shot in transition. Only issue is he needs too many slides against a faster/shiftier guy offense. That's kind of a big one obviously, but he makes up for it in other ways. We desperately need depth there and I really hope we use English and Stevens as two way guys at least somewhat.

Rosa works as hard as anyone on the team. When he can keep up he pushes his man away from good shooting spots well. The problem is opponents have found him whenever he is on the field. The whole defense has to edge towards his man. Many times the breakdown is automatic. I don't like demeaning anyone, but SU has to replace him among the top three or the defense will be very vulnerable again next season.

 

[Powellfan]

English and more so Stevens can hold their own on the defensive end in a pinch but ideally you do not want them playing much on that end of the field. They're serviceable there but neither are all-americans because of their defensive prowess. And the more they play defense the less effective they'll be on offense. Rosa returning is good but they need to develop a 4th and 5th full time option at d-middie whether that be converting Kempney or something else. It is a tough position for freshmen to play so i would not count on jake spallina being ready to go in that spot day one. Mount sinai plays a good schedule but covering Billy Buckets on shoreham wading river aint the same as guarding griffin schutz or matt collison i'll tell you that right now. he will be a good player but it's a lot to ask of a first-year. they might be better off developing someone who's been in the system a year or two and has some d1 weight room experience and training

I'm wondering, given that the top nine on offense are pretty much set at this point, younger players might be more willing to throw their hat into the SSDM ring this season. With so many new freshmen last year it seemed like things were influx as to who was playing where. It sounded like in the fall ball scrimmage against Loyola, players like Max Rosa were playing on offense and guys like Caelin Lewis were seeing a fair amount of time on offense.

Carter Kempney was platooning with Luke Rhoa for the last spot on the second line at the start of last year, but eventually the coaches stuck with Rhoa full time. With playing time on offense looking pretty hard to come by perhaps Kempney sees the best route to playing time coming on defense. He's got good size at 6' 185 and is clearly athletic. If it's your best path the field why wouldn't you want to make the transition?

I'd push back a little against starting true freshmen at SSDM. Both Aviles and Carter Rice started their careers as freshmen as SSDMs, and while they haven't been world beaters they have done okay. I think Aviles was at his best his freshman year. Duke used Aidan McGuire, a freshman as their starting SSDM and he had a very good season. McGuire does have much better size than Spallina at 6'3 205 but I wouldn't count him out just because he's a freshman.

 

[DoctahLexus]

I'm wondering, given that the top nine on offense are pretty much set at this point, younger players might be more willing to throw their hat into the SSDM ring this season. With so many new freshmen last year it seemed like things were influx as to who was playing where. It sounded like in the fall ball scrimmage against Loyola, players like Max Rosa were playing on offense and guys like Caelin Lewis were seeing a fair amount of time on offense.

Carter Kempney was platooning with Luke Rhoa for the last spot on the second line at the start of last year, but eventually the coaches stuck with Rhoa full time. With playing time on offense looking pretty hard to come by perhaps Kempney sees the best route to playing time coming on defense. He's got good size at 6' 185 and is clearly athletic. If it's your best path the field why wouldn't you want to make the transition?

I'd push back a little against starting true freshmen at SSDM. Both Aviles and Carter Rice started their careers as freshmen as SSDMs, and while they haven't been world beaters they have done okay. I think Aviles was at his best his freshman year. Duke used Aidan McGuire, a freshman as their starting SSDM and he had a very good season. McGuire does have much better size than Spallina at 6'3 205 but I wouldn't count him out just because he's a freshman.

We have the depth on O where we can afford to have Stevens and English playing a little less of it. We have zero depth on ssdm even if Rosa returns, and that is a guy many of us clearly do not trust. It is just about where the need is. I would rather have guys like Kempney Cohen Deere etc seeing some occasional time on O than I would a guy like Rosa on the field for every other defensive run and getting worse with fatigue as the season goes on, which will be the reality next season unless we get creative or have a couple guys take big leaps at ssdm.

Elite teams made it work with guys like Mcmahon and Tevlin at ND and Connor at UVA. Their motor never stopped even deep into the playoffs. Stevens and English have the foot speed and have some experience. They are more likely to pick it up faster than a guy like Kempney. It's not like they would be taking the spot of an elite cover guy here. We do not have that aside from Rice being reliable. And not saying I would want them constantly on D, just occasional runs to spell our short bench at ssdm. Then of course you have an advantage in transition as well. They will have a chance to get the ball going the other way and take a weaker offensive player off the dodge.

I just don't want to have five star recruits sitting on the bench on O while Rosa and only a couple others are running themselves into the ground on D/wing over the course of the season. We lost several games last season due to our lack of athletes in the middle of the field. We have to use more of our elite athletes there next season or we will keep on losing.

 

[AD31]

I'm wondering, given that the top nine on offense are pretty much set at this point, younger players might be more willing to throw their hat into the SSDM ring this season. With so many new freshmen last year it seemed like things were influx as to who was playing where. It sounded like in the fall ball scrimmage against Loyola, players like Max Rosa were playing on offense and guys like Caelin Lewis were seeing a fair amount of time on offense.

Carter Kempney was platooning with Luke Rhoa for the last spot on the second line at the start of last year, but eventually the coaches stuck with Rhoa full time. With playing time on offense looking pretty hard to come by perhaps Kempney sees the best route to playing time coming on defense. He's got good size at 6' 185 and is clearly athletic. If it's your best path the field why wouldn't you want to make the transition?

I'd push back a little against starting true freshmen at SSDM. Both Aviles and Carter Rice started their careers as freshmen as SSDMs, and while they haven't been world beaters they have done okay. I think Aviles was at his best his freshman year. Duke used Aidan McGuire, a freshman as their starting SSDM and he had a very good season. McGuire does have much better size than Spallina at 6'3 205 but I wouldn't count him out just because he's a freshman.

If u have a freshmen who played football in HS and was a tough kid then he has a chance to play SSDM right away. He's most likely not gonna be intimidated. That's the issue with freshman shortys there a little intimidated and lack confidence due to being picked on a lot. I have seen freshman shortys who played defense on there HS football team and were able to hold there own. Just depends on the kid really. I do believe Spallina played HS football so he might be ok as a freshman shorty. Wont know tho til he does it. I'm hoping English and Stevens are willing to play some two way like Tevlin did for ND. I mean they might be if they want a shot to play in the PLL. Would definitely help them if they show there a solid two way middie. Hopefully the coaches are looking to add one more shortstick thru the portal being two are gone and they have to know Rosa is tough but he cant physically keep up with faster players. Best would be just letting Rosa play mad down.

 

[sholokov2]

I'm wondering, given that the top nine on offense are pretty much set at this point, younger players might be more willing to throw their hat into the SSDM ring this season. With so many new freshmen last year it seemed like things were influx as to who was playing where. It sounded like in the fall ball scrimmage against Loyola, players like Max Rosa were playing on offense and guys like Caelin Lewis were seeing a fair amount of time on offense.

Carter Kempney was platooning with Luke Rhoa for the last spot on the second line at the start of last year, but eventually the coaches stuck with Rhoa full time. With playing time on offense looking pretty hard to come by perhaps Kempney sees the best route to playing time coming on defense. He's got good size at 6' 185 and is clearly athletic. If it's your best path the field why wouldn't you want to make the transition?

I'd push back a little against starting true freshmen at SSDM. Both Aviles and Carter Rice started their careers as freshmen as SSDMs, and while they haven't been world beaters they have done okay. I think Aviles was at his best his freshman year. Duke used Aidan McGuire, a freshman as their starting SSDM and he had a very good season. McGuire does have much better size than Spallina at 6'3 205 but I wouldn't count him out just because he's a freshman.

well put. I think athleticism is the key to ssdms including: speed, agility, strength, quickness, pugnacity. I remember guys like Conrad and White who were great hs athletes in many sports, could play equally well on offense or defense, owned lightning quick hands. All that's to say that recruiting should aim for multisport athletes with size, maybe even more than the terrific offensive lacrosse players who have played nothing but lacrosse since they were little, when searching for ssdm candidates.

 

[AD31]

well put. I think athleticism is the key to ssdms including: speed, agility, strength, quickness, pugnacity. I remember guys like Conrad and White who were great hs athletes in many sports, could play equally well on offense or defense, owned lightning quick hands. All that's to say that recruiting should aim for multisport athletes with size, maybe even more than the terrific offensive lacrosse players who have played nothing but lacrosse since they were little, when searching for ssdm candidates.

Yeah I agree and also kids that played football in HS defensively. If u can play solid defense then u can play solid D in any sport. So take a kid who's a good lacrosse player and good LB or DB in HS then switch him to SSDM. Bet he becomes a solid SSDM in college. Short sticks play a lot of man to man on an island so if u have the athletic ability, foot speed, hips and toughness u will be a solid shorty.

 

[AD31]

Look at Marylands Donte Trader. He was highly recruited in lacrosse but they moved him to short stick this yr due to not playing in a few yrs and he's a safety who played at a high level in college. Kid was one of the best one on one shortys in the country. Put him on a basketball court and I bet he can D up anyone. Just knows how to play defense.