[From the class of 09]

So now that we are in the off-season Where do you want to see improvement? Here's mine for JB.

1) I think everyone will agree, free throws, don't really need to say more but I will...while obviously we'd like everyone to shoot better from the line JB's game of slashing puts him at the line.

2) Work on finishing with the right hand. This one would really make JB a unanimous 1st team BS. I love the way he played but he was noticeable better going left. His right hand isn't horrible but if he would work on moves that finish with his right next year no one in the league will be able to stop his penetration (which is already good).

3) I put this one last not because it couldn't/shouldn't be improved but I don't think it is as likely. But if JB developed a consistent jump shot that would obviously improve his game. I just don't see JB ever being a real constant threat with the jumper it's just not his game.

[jcmanson]

I would love for JB to develop more of a jump shot and improve his ball handling. I want him to be our 3 and play Antwan, Sommy, JVP at the 4/5. I want to play big.

Put Jesse at the 1 with Evan/JCS/DM at the 2.

[jbock13]

Let's talk about the team as a whole and not JB...

[From the class of 09]

Let's talk about the team as a whole and not JB...

JB is part of the team, I just started with him cause he came to mind when I thought of a player who with a few minor improvements could really dominate. I kinda wanted everyone's view on everyone...also I was avoiding evan cause I know he will get some love on here.

So on that note...Sommy the thing I want him to do is just play ball all off-season. However I want one of those coaches to be watching so he doesn't form bad habbits. He is still so raw but his talent is just bursting out of him. It sounds simple but the more games Sommy can get in the better. He already is miles ahead of where he was at the begining of the year. And I think he will experiance similar growth if he just plays games even if they were just pick-up games. Obviously similar to JB free throw improvement wouldn't hurt.

[jcmanson]

Let's wait and see who is definitely on our roster in about 2 or 3 months.

[olldflame]

Don't forget that we will have 3 new options on the front line next year with Smith, Baird and Geilo, all of whom seem to have the versitility to shoot from the perimiter and handle some despite being 6'8-9". In our current offense, the 3 needs to be able to shoot from outside. We can always hope, but I don't see that ever being something JB does well. That shot of his is just too funky to fix in one off season. I am hoping he will improve his handle and develop some different finishing moves inside.

As far as free throws are concerned, we ended up with a .686 team average, which is not good, but we were over 70% going into this last 5 game slump. We have a few players who really need to work on it. JB is pretty bad. Sommy is just plain awful, and as his overall game improves and he gets more touches in the post, opponents are going to play hack-a shaq if he doesn't start to make some FTs.

[From the class of 09]

Let's wait and see who is definitely on our roster in about 2 or 3 months.

you really think we'll have many leave? The only one I thought would leave was carter, possibly???

[olldflame]

Let's wait and see who is definitely on our roster in about 2 or 3 months.

you really think we'll have many leave? The only one I thought would leave was carter, possibly???

Carter is on schedule to graduate this Spring at last report, and I don't see him coming back as a grad student to play what will no doubt be a very limited roll. There is another scholarship player who rode the pine who I don't expect to be renewed, and one more who played a good bit, who should be graduating, and IMHO would make an OUTSTANDING graduate assistant. There will be players who are not back. At least one for sure, just to free up the schollie for Smith, who is already signed, and another for Geilo if he follows through with what is reported to be a pretty strong verbal.

[From the class of 09]

Let's wait and see who is definitely on our roster in about 2 or 3 months.

you really think we'll have many leave? The only one I thought would leave was carter, possibly???

Carter is on schedule to graduate this Spring at last report, and I don't see him coming back as a grad student to play what will no doubt be a very limited roll. There is another scholarship player who rode the pine who I don't expect to be renewed, and one more who played a good bit, who should be graduating, and IMHO would make an OUTSTANDING graduate assistant. There will be players who are not back. At least one for sure, just to free up the schollie for Smith, who is already signed, and another for Geilo if he follows through with what is reported to be a pretty strong verbal.

I'm comfortable with these... I thought manson was trying to say something about a major contributor

[jimflamesfan]

I know this is the off-season improvement thread...but is there any chance we get invited to a Collegehoops.com tourney or something like that?

Two years ago we finished 3rd in the Big South with a similar RPI and it was fun being in that tournament...this year we finished 2nd...but we lost our last 5 games.

Just a thought.

[ballah09]

it's always fun playing coach

I think Carter, Woods, and JA are gone. Just my opinion

anyway as I said in the HP.

recruiting Needs.

Sharp Shooter---someone who can nail threes on a daily basis

Slashing Juco 2 Guard---need someone who can drive and get to the freethrow line like Buggs, Holloway, Shine, etc really like their game...Juco body would be ready to do that a freshman would by timid.


If a scholly is a available maybe a big, somewhere in juco because he would be ready to contribute.

[olldflame]

Attrition has been the rule, not the exception. I see no problem with what Manson is saying. I'm still not counting on Baird to do much either. I hope I'm wrong.

Other than the fact that he is coming off an ACL, I see no reason to be pessimistic about Baird's ability to contribute. Some people who saw him play before he got hurt say he looked as good as anyone on the team and likely would have started. Next year it may actually be harder for him with a couple of additional players that appear to have similar skill sets coming in, but he will have the advantage of knowing the system.

[From the class of 09]

I know this is the off-season improvement thread...but is there any chance we get invited to a Collegehoops.com tourney or something like that?

Two years ago we finished 3rd in the Big South with a similar RPI and it was fun being in that tournament...this year we finished 2nd...but we lost our last 5 games.

Just a thought.

I might be in the minority but I don't want to watch another Lib game right now...

[jcmanson]

you really think we'll have many leave? The only one I thought would leave was carter, possibly???

Carter is on schedule to graduate this Spring at last report, and I don't see him coming back as a grad student to play what will no doubt be a very limited roll. There is another scholarship player who rode the pine who I don't expect to be renewed, and one more who played a good bit, who should be graduating, and IMHO would make an OUTSTANDING graduate assistant. There will be players who are not back. At least one for sure, just to free up the schollie for Smith, who is already signed, and another for Geilo if he follows through with what is reported to be a pretty strong verbal.

I'm comfortable with these... I thought manson was trying to say something about a major contributor

Wouldn't be surprised if we lost 1 or 2

[olldflame]

it's always fun playing coach

I think Carter, Woods, and JA are gone. Just my opinion

anyway as I said in the HP.

recruiting Needs.

Sharp Shooter---someone who can nail threes on a daily basis

Slashing Juco 2 Guard---need someone who can drive and get to the freethrow line like Buggs, Holloway, Shine, etc really like their game...Juco body would be ready to do that a freshman would by timid.


If a scholly is a available maybe a big, somewhere in juco because he would be ready to contribute.

Sharp shooters don't have to be guards. We have some bigger guys in the pipeline who (reportedly) can shoot, and that can be even better. As far as the slashing guard is concerned, what you described is Evan Gordan when his attitude is straight and he plays like he is capable of. I don't like the way he has played and his attitude in the last few games any more than the next guy, but there is a reason he was 2nd team all conference as a Sophomore. I think if we have the schollie, a higher priority would be to get a PG to be Jesse's heir apparent. Chene has shown flashes, but I'm not sure he is that guy.

[jcmanson]

it's always fun playing coach

I think Carter, Woods, and JA are gone. Just my opinion

anyway as I said in the HP.

recruiting Needs.

Sharp Shooter---someone who can nail threes on a daily basis

Slashing Juco 2 Guard---need someone who can drive and get to the freethrow line like Buggs, Holloway, Shine, etc really like their game...Juco body would be ready to do that a freshman would by timid.


If a scholly is a available maybe a big, somewhere in juco because he would be ready to contribute.

Sharp shooters don't have to be guards. We have some bigger guys in the pipeline who (reportedly) can shoot, and that can be even better. As far as the slashing guard is concerned, what you described is Evan Gordan when his attitude is straight and he plays like he is capable of. I don't like the way he has played and his attitude in the last few games any more than the next guy, but there is a reason he was 2nd team all conference as a Sophomore. I think if we have the schollie, a higher priority would be to get a PG to be Jesse's heir apparent. Chene has shown flashes, but I'm not sure he is that guy.

We already have (supposedly) Jesse's replacement: http://www.flamefans.com/forums/viewtop ... or#p340504

[ballah09]

Evan likes to camp at the 3 and it’s more his style . He can be an effective, slashing, getting to the line, if he wants to but I think his game is more Shooting. I just think Layer needs a 2 Guard whose first look is to get to the freethrow line and is good at it.

I agree about the sharp shooter being anyone, i should clarify and say another guard/wing who is deadly from outside...ala Bo Barnes. From the reports Gielo and Smith are good shooters.

[From the class of 09]

Evan likes to camp at the 3 and it’s more his style . He can be an effective, slashing, getting to the line, if he wants to but I think his game is more Shooting. I just think Layer needs a 2 Guard whose first look is to get to the freethrow line and is good at it.

Looking back that pretty much defined when Evan was successful. If he got in the lane successfully he had a decent game, as is natural it gave him more room to hit his 3's. When he decided not to establish his ability to penetrate you get last night.

[Purple Haize]

Don't you guys know that Bill Cosby says there "Is ALWAYS room for GELLO" oh wait Gielo..my bad.

Improved ball handling will go along way to "helping" Gordon driving to the hoop. Some may see that as a non sequitor....but they are all idiots.
Based on who is projected to come in, I have a sneaking suspicion that this same system lots are complaining about will make DL look like a genius. Ok, maybe that's an exageration. BUT, after 2 years of recruiting he is now becoming more able to put "square pegs in square holes" with regards to the system insted of "Jerry" Rigging people to fit positions. That is what makes college different, you can get players to fit your system rather than fitting your system to your players. Sure you tweek it, but you dont over haul it.
I am a big fan of having a "big nasty" or "medium sized" nasty on the team. Just some guy who may be limited offensively, but can bang bodies, set screens, grab rebounds and be an enforcer. Certainly we can find a football player who wants to be a two sport athlete.

But again, I am optimistic about what the future holds for LUBB. (I LUV LUBB, maybe a new marketing campaign)?

[olldflame]

Asa Chapman was an all-conference basketball player in HS. I think he might be able to set a pretty mean pick. (And he can dunk too.)

[Kolzilla41]

I think Layer should hire a FT coach and have Sommy, JB, JVP and David shoot ft's until their eyes cross. Hitting 70% alone would have won at least two of the last 5 games.

[Chippy]

I think Baird is the wild card. I wonder where he will fit into the scheme of things. If he becomes a major contributor then the offensive and defensive scheme may be different from what we've seen this year. We are in need of a post presence. This is one position the size of your heart may not come into play. We really need a 6'8" or better in the post to avert drives and slashes to the hoop and to provide some cover for our slow guards who get beat off the dribble.

We also nee a "no conscience' type of shooter. What I noticed in the last handful of games it seemed we passed on some open looks. We became timid and reluctant at times since our shooting was poor during those last 5 games.

Let's hope the finish to the season will be motivations for improvement. Looking forward to next year.

[flamesfilmguy]

Asa Chapman was an all-conference basketball player in HS. I think he might be able to set a pretty mean pick. (And he can dunk too.)

THIS. I played a game in intramural basketball my senior year against him, mike brown, kyle dearmon, and 2 other FB players. lets just say for as big as he is Asa is one MEAN and limber bball player.

[SuperJon]

Jesse - he just needs to keep doing what he's been doing. If his three point shot continues to improve he could be an even more dangerous player next year.

Evan - the first thing he needs to do is play hard all of the time. Regardless of if things are going his way or not, he needs to play hard. Second, and this is something that even Anthony Smith had to learn, he has to learn that his entire game revolves around his ability to penetrate. When he slashes, he gets better looks from outside and hits outside shots at a higher rate.

David - He just needs to become consistent. He has proven that he can score and be a very good offensive player. He has also disappeared for long stretches without taking a shot or doing much of significance. If he can be our 3-4 scorer next year and consistently be good for 8-10 every night, we will have a very good player.

Brown - He's gotta learn to keep his composure a little better. Any time that he would get in a situation that was out of the norm, or not what he expected, he would shuffle his feet or something and get called for traveling. Hopefully he gets more comfortable and the game slows down for him a bit and that stops happening. Other than that, a typical off-season of improvement that adds another two points or so to his average next year would be great.

Joel - just needs to keep getting better. He's had great improvement over this year. Most people make their biggest improvement from their sophomore to junior year and this is where he's at right now physically (remember, he redshirted a year). If he continues to track like a typical big man (and it seems he has been) then he'll be in good shape for next year.

Antwan - As crazy as it may sound, I think he might have gotten too big in the offseason. He was already ridiculous big for a guy his size and he added 15 pounds of muscle last offseason. He definitely wasn't the same player this year as he was his freshman year. If he can get back to playing like he did as a freshman (except making the layups) to go along with the added experience and maturity then he'll be that enforcer guy that has the ability to score, rebound, set picks, or do whatever we need.

Caleb - He's learned what Division I basketball looks like now. He's seen how fast it is and how physical it is. He needs to keep improving on defense (and he has improved a lot from the beginning of the year). If he does that and has the typical freshman to sophomore growth then I think we can see a player that can average 8-10 points next year with the ability to score 20 on any given night. I'm a big Caleb Sanders fan.

Sommy - Just needs to keep learning the game. He's crazy athletic and now needs the basketball smarts to catch up. He's got some great people to teach him this offseason. He's got the potential to be a very good player before it's all said and done.

I think those will be our eight biggest contributors from the group of people returning for next year. Chene will get minutes and will be a solid guy to fill gaps when guys need a rest or get in foul trouble.

Next year we need to finish in the top 3 and make the championship game of the tournament. Anything less than that will be a disappointment in my opinion.

[jcmanson]

While we may think that Jesse improved on his 3 pt shooting he actually didn’t. Last year he made 13 3’s on 32% shooting whereas this year he made 15 on 27% shooting. If he can get back to that 32% clip, but make around 25-30 then he will be that much better. He averaged 11.3 ppg this year; I’d like to see him improve that number to about 13-14 ppg. A great line for him would 14 ppg, 7.5 apg, 6 rpg. He will join the 1,000 point scoring club during his senior season. He currently sits in 5th place on our all-time assist list. He will need to average approximately 5.8 apg to become our all-time assist leader.

I agree on Evan. He needs to get to the rim early and often. Don’t rely on your 3pt shot. Get to the foul line. Play with energy every minute you’re on the floor. If he does all that he should be 1st all league his final 2 years averaging 16+ ppg.

Minaya averaged just over 10 ppg this year. He needs to keep that level, but on a more consistent basis. Although I think his role may diminish if Baird, Smith, or Gielo provide us anything.

I love JB. He obviously needs to work on his FT shooting. If he can shoot 60-65% we’ll be ok. I agree with everything you said about his turnovers. He’s got to cut that out.

Joel/Antwan/Sommy give us a very good 3 headed monster at the 5. Collectively these 3 averaged 39.5 mpg. I’d love for that number to increase to over 50. This year they averaged 11.6 ppg and 9.4 rpg. I think they could double these numbers with a little more time. Not to mention how solid these 3 are on defense.

JCS should see an increased role next season. He provides a scoring punch we desperately need.

Evan and JB each averaged over 32 mpg. We need to go to our bench more and knock their numbers down to 27-28.

I agree with the top 3 finish and championship game, but I will be pulling for a #1 finish and championship.