My Small Reason for Optimism

[lvhiker]

Next year, will be the first year in a while that the rebels will have a core of returning players with actual game experience. The following returnees averaged minutes in parentheses.

Juiston (30), Beck (15), Clyburn (22), Hardy (19), Diong (9), and Dembele (7).

Plus two experienced players were red-shirting.

The test for me will be to see if having experienced players will improve our defense next year. The offense chugged along but the defense ranged from bad to awful to pitiful.

I am also assuming that the guys listed above actually are still here next year

 

[MonsterJam]

Well, there has always got to be a little optimism, regardless of who is coming in otherwise it would be pointless to watch, right? Of the players you list, Juiston is clearly the best of the bunch, assuming he stays. I'd put Beck next as he is very wily for a sophomore. Then maybe I put Diong and Clyburn tied next...Diong has a fairly high ceiling while Clyburn has great games and forgettable games. Dembele - I just don't see enough of him to know where he is at.

In all, mediocre where talent is concerned, but hey, other teams have succeeded with less because of great teamwork, hard-nose play, great defense and great coaching.

We shall see.

 

[West coast authority]

The practice reports I’ve been hearing are that we need more shooters

 

[JTthe2nd]

Without a massive improvement in our defense I have trouble seeing us be successful against the better half of the MWC. Our offense just isn't loaded with a lot of shooters or go to guys. Can't rely on Bryce Hamilton and Trey Woodward being huge contributors as freshmen. Defense is going to have to win the day. Defense and pushing the ball for easy buckets because when we go halfcourt it's going to be ugly especially without McCoy around.

 

[Rebel1986]

Funny! At first I thought I accidentally opened a football thread. It looks like both teams need to get a lot better on defense!