Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="reedny, post: 1277955, member: 1423"] Comparisons to 05-06 are fun, but with this year's downward trajectory the thread question is more provocative: will we be competitive in the ACC next year without Rak's 18 ppg and 9 rpg? I think the likely answer is "yes", if we get good answers to these 4 (pretty obvious) questions: [B]1-[/B] [B]Will we be better at guard and SF?[/B] PG improves as KJ gets more experience and Frank Howard brings depth to the spot -- along with size and quickness on defense. SG improves b/c the starter (and leader of the team) returns with a better surrounding cast. And SF improves because we have 2 quality guys returning to their natural position - G and TR, both of whom can contribute in different ways. G can come off the bench and play either guard spot, or spell TR as a third shooter. In the later case, TC would slide over to the point (for KJ) and Richardson would come in and dazzle at SG. Pretty hard not to get excited about the prospect of having TC, Richardson and G on the perimeter. So I think we're in better shape at all three spots. [B]2- Does TB come in?[/B] If we get him, plan on great size and instant energy at the 5 spot. No he won't have Rak's polished panoply of post moves. But he does have offensive skills, along with tenacity and knowledge of the game. Francis and Tee will know more about his potential, but I'd put him in the CM category .. maybe even more game-ready. Realistically, he's probably a 6-8 ppg, 5 rb guy. [B]3- Does DC2 finally play to his potential?[/B] Most posters are forgetting how good he can be ... I don't think Kennedy Meeks is a silly comparison. He's got that kind of size and ability .. if he's physically ready. He had a long rehab.. the staff gave him lots of time. And all he's doing is lifting and reloading for his return to the court. If his body is ready, which it should be, I can see him being an effective scorer inside. Lots of variables here.. but even in a backup role, he could give us 6 ppg and 4-5 rbpg playing 15 minutes behind TB. If he's the starting center, CM can still slide over and, unlike this year, we won't become smaller and more vulnerable to teams with big front lines because Diagne can back up the 4. He has PF size and can score the ball. So .. will we be better at the post next year? No, but we'll be deeper and less vulnerable to fouls, and we'll get more scoring out of the PF position .. which is next. [B]4-[/B] [B]Does CM come back?[/B] Huge hole at PF without him right now.. we miss his size, shot-blocking and offense. Next year -- if he doesn't enter the draft -- he'll start at PF with Diagne and Lydon backing up. That makes us deeper and better than this year. I like Diagne's game .. the kid can shoot it and moves very well. He should be able to contribute backing up PF .. allowing CM to slide over to the middle if we don't get TB or DC2 is not producing. So PF will be an upgrade from the present team ... deeper and better. [/QUOTE]

Verification: What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?