[Cider Jim]

Does TJ Bannister get everyone's vote for who will be our best new player next year, or is that still up for discussion?

[SuperJon]

Waaaaaaay too early to crown anybody.


We saw how that worked with Brew.

[WinthropEagleFan]

For Liberty's sake, I would hope it would be Bannister (since he's played D-I college ball before and because of the importance of the point guard position)...

[thesportscritic]

I would say that the jury is out on this topic.

[thepostman]

what SJ said....

[SuperJon]

I always like reading that.

[Sly Fox]

It may be early but I will be severely disappointed if TJ doesn't make a very strong case. He is the key to our offense next season. We desperately need a playmaker to generate opportunities for Anthony & Ace.

That's not diminish the high school guys. But based on his time with UVa, you have to expect more out of TJ (and that is meant as an unabashed compliment).

[SuperJon]

Oh God, we're starting the built up of TJ in May. He's gonna be more hyped than Dwight.

[Sly Fox]

Its less a reflection of TJ's hype and more a practical analysis of our roster as we begin the RMc era. We need a number of folks to step up and TJ has the ability to be first in line.

[TIMSCAR20]

Well we hyped brew this time of year and to me he lived up to it. He hit 60% of his shots on the year. That is incredible for a perimeter player. He never even found his rythm shooting wise or else it would have been higher. The truth is no one in the big south could handle him. However, it was Blair's show and Brew had to play second fiddle. He didn't even start which tells you how much it was the LB show. I would probably have put either he, Blair or Smith on the bench as well since they are all 3 major scorers on the perimeter....As far as TJ is concerned, I would be stunned and amazed if TJ doesn't absolutely make a major impact on this team. Nothing to do with putting up big numbers or because he played in the ACC. The fact is that he is the closest thing to a really good point guard since Brian Woodson. People talk about Winthrop's Martin and Bradshaw and Jenkins but WU does not win without the terrific point guard play of Chris Gaynor. Truly the glue that held that team together and I expect TJ to have the same impact. I have watched TJ play a lot and he has an understanding of the game that is difficult to teach. His instincts and abilities are exceptional....The thread is the best NEW Player. If it was the Best Player? Then my vote would be for Anthony Smith hands down. He has a great chance to be 1st team all league next season.

[TylerBakersGonnaBGreat]

I vote Tyler Baker... He Isnt New, but easily the best player we have without a Doubt... You cant look beyond him to the new players, hes just too good

[thepostman]

I am sorry...Brew did not live up to the hype...he played well, yes...but he was not the game altering player many people on this board claimed he was going to bed....

I am not about to buy into any hype of any player until the season actually begins....

[PAmedic]

I am very interested in A. Smith's progress over the summer, and looking forward to seeing him on the court this fall.

that is all.

[WWJFD]

I truly believe if Brew had channelled in his emotions in a more positive way, the results would have been different. The way I look at it.... Brew had to think about keeping his academics in check, support his wife and child (ren), and play hoops, without no true income. Plus his hearing impairment. I am sure it was not easy for him. I will not dispute his talent and love for the game, but he was a constant head ache to the coaching staff. If the team had not gone into the funk when he came back and were winning some of those games over the Holidays, then the ending would have been different I believe. Just random thoughts.

Now on to TJ. Hype or not, TJ is a very good point guard. His experience alone will be evident. I think we need to stop thinking about individuals and hope that the "team" part of basketball comes together.

Best new player = THE WHOLE TEAM to play well together under new leadership.

[LUconn]

I saw a Brew who was pretty much unstoppable when he had the ball. He didn't start, he tried to be unselfish, and our team lost. It's easy to think he wasn't as good as he actually was.

[jcmanson]

I don't think Brew lived up to his hype in no way. Sure, he was a "solid" player, but we had crowned him as our 'savior." In no way was he even close to that. Alot of that has to be put on us, fans, for hyping him up WAY too much. Let's not do the same with TJ.

[PAmedic]

you guys are rough.

[paradox]

Something that was previously said rings true in that the new era promises to be more team-oriented. Having said that, Bannister's reputation fits the mold of a team player and floor leader. Therefore, he should be a major part of the equation next season, and at this early stage, our most valuable new component heading into '07-08.

[jmdickens]

I am sorry...Brew did not live up to the hype...he played well, yes...but he was not the game altering player many people on this board claimed he was going to bed....

I am not about to buy into any hype of any player until the season actually begins....

That is Dunton's fault.....Brew lived up to the hype

[paradox]

Dickens still talkin' bout Dunton. Man, this is some deep seated stuff.

[grm]

Scar said a lot, some a little, others - nothing.

Brew did everything asked of him, and did it very well. Nobody could stop him.....and TJ was tabbed last year as the link that could have made the difference between a very GOOD comeback season and a championship.

Losing Brew is too bad. It's quite a loss to the program, in my opinion. The staff did a great job in helping him fit in and contribute, and now he's gone.

[grm]

Just as a little "by the way" ..... who are RM's best new guys on board? Perhaps they should be brought into this conservation.

[jcmanson]

Johnny Stephene 6-0 combo guard from Boynton Beach, Fla
Jeremy Anderson 6-3 shooting guard from Bowling Green, Ky

Anderson is probably the most ready to make a solid contribution from day 1.
I see Stephene as more of a "project".

He also has a transfer, Derek Oestreicher(sp?), a 6-11 transfer from New Mexico, who won't be eligible this year, so he obviously doesn't weigh into this conversation.

[pbow]

In all seriousness i'm not trying to hate on Dunton, but I really don't think he took advantage of Brew's potential. I think he would have possibly been Big South POY if he would have stayed for next year, with Mckay now coaching the team.

[HenryGale]

In all seriousness i'm not trying to hate on Dunton, but I really don't think he took advantage of Brew's potential. I think he would have possibly been Big South POY if he would have stayed for next year, with Mckay now coaching the team.

I agree...as long as Brew was not playing the point, he was extremely talented and under-utilized. The dude could flat out score and rebound with anybody in the league.