[olldflame]

Everyone seems to be writing off McMasters and Smith as an inside presence just because they can also shoot from the perimeter. Carter is 6'11 and averaged 5 blocks a game as a junior, and Austen Smith is an athletic 6'9. We will miss Alex, but if TB is healthy, next year we will have 3 players 6'9 or taller as opposed to none this year (sorry, but sadly Russ doesn't count). Also, don't discount the Barkley-like physical presence Sammy Jackson will bring.

Having said that, I'm not fooling myself into thinking we will not be more perimeter oriented. Think about it. We will be able to put legitimate lineups on the floor where all 5 players are big-time 3-point threats. It's gunna be fun to watch!

[jcmanson]

I don't think anyone's writing Carter and Smith off. It will still be hard to replace Ace, no matter how good your perimeter players are, you still need a back to the basket threat. I think we will have that from a combo of players: Anthony Smith, Austin Smith, and Carter.

[SuperJon]

Next year is gonna be European basketball. Everyone on the floor can drain a shot from anywhere and the bigs can post up when needed.



Did someone mention Curry redshirting? There's no chance that happens unless you want him to leave and go to Tech. That was one of the reasons he chose us over them.

[jcmanson]

No one mentioned Curry redshirting. I mentioned that Mike Lewis might redshirt. Tech only offered Curry a "preferred" walk-on, no scholly.

[SuperJon]

Ok, I misread what you were saying then.

[LUconn]

Everyone seems to be writing off McMasters and Smith as an inside presence just because they can also shoot from the perimeter. Carter is 6'11 and averaged 5 blocks a game as a junior,

I'm not saying he can't learn how to post up, but I've never read anything that suggests he can coming in as a freshman. In fact, quite the opposite:

At first glance, and if you go by height, you would tend to think: inside player. However, that's not what McMasters does. The big fella is a 3-pointer shooter with size. More like a European forward than a banger.

I've never seen him play. But someone who has says, "that's not what he does". Hopefully he can learn but doubt he'll be too effective at it next year.

[kel varson]

Next year is gonna be European basketball. Everyone on the floor can drain a shot from anywhere and the bigs can post up when needed.



Did someone mention Curry redshirting? There's no chance that happens unless you want him to leave and go to Tech. That was one of the reasons he chose us over them.

Yeah, I think this is what we will see too. Euro ball. I was concerned about post play w/out Ace but I think we will have some depth to make up for it. How bout pt. guard next year? Who is going to step into that role? TJ has been awesome.

[jcmanson]

I think BJ will be our starting PG next year. He's been TJ's back up. I'm sure Curry will also get some time there, but probably not much. If this kid Mike Lewis is good enough he will get some PT there as well. But count on BJ being our main PG.

[LUFlamer09]

Does anyone actually think this guy will contribute next year? I personally don't and wouldn't mind seeing him redshirted. Give him a year to get adjusted to college play. The physical play at the D-1 level will be something he'll need to adjust to given his lack of size. Freshmen PG's usually are like fish out of water, unless they're some ridiculously high rated prospect which he is not.

[jmdickens]

Does anyone actually think this guy will contribute next year? I personally don't and wouldn't mind seeing him redshirted. Give him a year to get adjusted to college play. The physical play at the D-1 level will be something he'll need to adjust to given his lack of size. Freshmen PG's usually are like fish out of water, unless they're some ridiculously high rated prospect which he is not.

but he played for a school that plays a very difficult schedule against some of the best high school basketball competition....he should be fine

[jcmanson]

He may be fine, but I still wouldn't be surprised if he was red shirted.

[olldflame]

Anyone else notice the "returning" player whose name is not being mentioned at all in the discussion of PT at the guard position next year?

[jcmanson]

If he's not playing this year, why would he play next year?

[LUconn]

Anyone else notice the "returning" player whose name is not being mentioned at all in the discussion of PT at the guard position next year?

That's why I mentioned a few months ago that I don't think he'll be returning.

[olldflame]

That's a tough call for a coach to make, pulling the scholarship of a rising senior, but the bottom line is he (OK, let's say it, we're talking about J. Holland) does not project as making any significant contribution on the floor next year. There is no way we have a scholly for both him and Stephene, and frankly I don't see Stephene as a player we will be building around for the future either.

You have to think Justin would probably like to get his degree from LU, and let's face it, playing for pay is not in his future, so it would seem the best case scenario is a financial aid package which will allow him to continue w/o an athletic scholarship. The other option is to transfer and play at a D2 or NAIA school, which is perfectly cool if that's what he wants to do. He could only play 1 year at D2, but unless I'm mistaken he may be able to play 2 or more in an NAIA program.

Stephene may be better than I think, but if not, it would seem now is the time to transfer out while he has at least 3 years of eligibility. With the contributions Jeremy and Kyle made this year along with BJ and Smitty back, and with Curry, Lewis and Floyd coming in, it seems that PT at either guard would be hard to come by.

[jcmanson]

There CAN be room for schollys for both Stephene AND Justin. I don't know if that's what will happen but it can work:

You are allowed 13 schollys:
Returners
Holland
Jenkins
Smith
Anderson
Baker
Campbell

Newcomers
Curry
McMasters
Austin Smith
Mike Lewis
Floyd
Stephene
Sammy Jackson

That's 13 right there, with Armon and Ozren not coming back next year (speculation), and without Kyle getting a scholly.

[LUconn]

What if we lose one? We haven't exactly been pumping out degrees over the last few years.

[jcmanson]

We could lose one, and then it'd be up to Coach to decide who wouldn't get a scholly. Probably either Stephene or Holland, I guess Stephene.

[olldflame]

There CAN be room for schollys for both Stephene AND Justin. I don't know if that's what will happen but it can work:

You are allowed 13 schollys:
Returners
Holland
Jenkins
Smith
Anderson
Baker
Campbell

Newcomers
Curry
McMasters
Austin Smith
Mike Lewis
Floyd
Stephene
Sammy Jackson

That's 13 right there, with Armon and Ozren not coming back next year (speculation), and without Kyle getting a scholly.

Anyone else see another name on this list that does not seem destined to play many minutes next year? Hint: It's great with a grilled cheese sandwich.

[ToTheLeft]

Doesn't mean he won't be on the team. He is a good player from a good school, and will stay on the team until we totally push him out with recruits, which might not happen.

[Fumblerooskies]

What if we lose one? We haven't exactly been pumping out degrees over the last few years.

[jcmanson]

There CAN be room for schollys for both Stephene AND Justin. I don't know if that's what will happen but it can work:

You are allowed 13 schollys:
Returners
Holland
Jenkins
Smith
Anderson
Baker
Campbell

Newcomers
Curry
McMasters
Austin Smith
Mike Lewis
Floyd
Stephene
Sammy Jackson

That's 13 right there, with Armon and Ozren not coming back next year (speculation), and without Kyle getting a scholly.

Anyone else see another name on this list that does not seem destined to play many minutes next year? Hint: It's great with a grilled cheese sandwich.

I don't know what the point of this post is. Just because someone doesn't play doesn't mean they don't deserve a scholly. Most DI teams only play 8-9 guys on any given night. That means there is 3-4 on scholly who don't play.

[ToTheLeft]

I know we go over this all the time, but it's just cause we are a bunch of crazy fans excited about these recruits...

Next Years Starters...

1- BJ
2- Curry
3- Smitty
4- Baker
5- McMasters

Or does Curry run point and BJ stay at the 2?

Does Baker Ever Start?

Does Sammy Jackson or Austin Smith come in and start?

So much to think about.

[TylerBakersGonnaBGreat]

I know we go over this all the time, but it's just cause we are a bunch of crazy fans excited about these recruits...

Next Years Starters...

1- BJ
2- Curry
3- Smitty
4- Baker
5- McMasters

Or does Curry run point and BJ stay at the 2?

Does Baker Ever Start?

Does Sammy Jackson or Austin Smith come in and start?

So much to think about.

Of course Baker Starts, How dare you!

[TDDance234]

Can we redshirt TB this year?