A Sea Of Red

I've heard a lot of people talk about how great they think this class is, but I'm just having a hard time getting real excited about them. It may be that I've taken more of a show me on the court attitude with men's hoops after the continual disappointment and defections. But what are your expectations for them? Both individually and as a group.

PG Chene Phillips Fr.
G John Caleb Sanders Fr.
G John Brown Jr.
F Chris Johnson Jr.
F Sommy Ogukwe Fr.
PF Stephen Baird Fr.

I dont think we'll have a Seth Curry in this group (I know there are those who liken that name to that of Lord Voldemort on this board) but I think that we have guys who have a chance to be solid contributors (Ogukwe, JC Sanders, Phillips most notably)

BJWilliams wrote: (I know there are those who liken that name to that of Lord Voldemort on this board)

NO it is HE who must NOT be named. come on Beej! you're killin me smalls.

John Caleb has been said to have a college ready jumper for a year or two. I don't know how much his size and foot injury from last season will hamper that though. However, with that being said, his last name is Sanders and if he's anything like his other two brothers he'll be pushing for big time minutes in some capacity right away. He's definitely not a savior but he could be the shooter we need.

I would expect one of the two JC guys to come in and fill in where Pat Konan left off and possibly do it a little better since they're a year old.

Ogukwe has been called a physical freak by some players, even more than Antwan. How that translates other than rebounding and defense is a question but we know we need rebounding and defense.

Baird has the skillset. It's a matter of whether he can shake the rust off or not and if he's got his head in the right place.

I know nothing about the PG and we're pretty solid there so if we get production that's a bonus.

I've gotta think that the starting five will be something like Jesse, Evan, Brown/Johnson, Antwan, and Joel with Caleb pushing for time if we went small or Evan/Jesse got in foul trouble.

John Caleb is the one that i expect something from. He's been said to be Jesse with a jumpshot; well, that's an all-conference performer. Of course it may take him a year or two to adjust to the college level.

For all the others, I really have no expectations. I'm hoping someone will step out and surprise me.

It's really a team game. Defense and rebounding make you competitive. Hope Layer puts more defensive pressure on opposing teams this year. I'd like to see more pressing now that we have 6'5" wings and probably more speed than last year. A 1-3-1 half court with Jesse under the hoop since he's such a dynamic rebounder for his height, Evan at the point, Joel in the paint and the 6'5" wings would give the team a nice change of pace. It's a great defense to press half-court, as well. I think the team has the personal to show more defensive flexibility. This is where the offense has to be generated given their lack of high percentage shooters. MHO