First; Ahron Ulis. This young man has a tremendous opportunity for next year. IF he wants that starting PG job (which I'm sure he does) he is currently in the driver's seat....in order to stay there I think he has to do a few things. FIRST and foremost, it is to develop a three point shot that he can hit at least a 34/35% on. That by itself (in my opinion) makes him a at least a solid B10 lead guard when considering his other abilities/past performance. He has shown good FT shooting ability with very good form on his shot which leads me to believe he can have a decent 3 pt shot. He hit FTs down the stretch in a home win against Indiana....#2 get stronger in the off season and #3, work with Connor in the off season to be in command of how the coach wants the offensive and defensive schemes run. I think these few things put him in the starting spot, at least to start the season, because he will be ahead of the incoming freshman AND hopefully be performing the way the coach wants......I always felt Joe T just didn't make the offense flow, often times picking up his dribble in bad spots, and I loved the kid but it just was what it was.
Next year.....I just saw Andy Katz and his way to early B10 power rankings for next year. He had Iowa at 6th. Michigan first, MSU 2nd, and Purdue 3rd.....So it's REALLY difficult to get a feel for things right now with the transfer portal and all the fluctuation and changes that have and will take place over the next months....that said, here are some thoughts that I would like some feed back on:
Most important factors for next year:?
1) How many B10 teams will have a better set of forwards (assuming) Kris, Patrick, and Payton?
2) How good will Tony Perkins be? The way he finished the season.....the confidence and energy/momentum he should have going into next year....should propel him to be better..how much better?
3) Who do we land in the transfer portal?
4) With a presumably bigger and more athletic backcourt for next year (6'3" PGs--6'4/5" 2Gs) how much better can the defense be?
Less likely or less significant factors:?
1) How good will Bowen be? Can he be a major contributor or just a limited minutes backup?
2) This is the first year, apparently in his entire career, that Connor will be devoting his entire off season to b-ball preparation & having no injuries detracting from those efforts.
3) Post play....a weak spot this last year & it's possible that Kofi and Hunter D will be back....Zack E at Purdue WILL be back for sure....How much do Rebraca & Mulvey improve?
4) Will Dix be able to play/contribute, and if so, at what point in the season and at what level?
My general impression is that with growth in our current post players and hopefully an addition there that will help this team will be pretty good. My best guess is that Bowen and Connor will actually play pretty well and be fairly significant contributors.
IF we get above average play in the post and my prediction of Bowen/Connor success comes true, I think this is a team that will compete at the top (2-3-4) in the league and provide some fun come tournament time.
IF we lose Kris to the NBA and don't add post help......we could be in trouble and may struggle to get to 20 wins with a tougher pre-conference schedule.
I wish I knew more about what these other teams have coming back....
Next year.....I just saw Andy Katz and his way to early B10 power rankings for next year. He had Iowa at 6th. Michigan first, MSU 2nd, and Purdue 3rd.....So it's REALLY difficult to get a feel for things right now with the transfer portal and all the fluctuation and changes that have and will take place over the next months....that said, here are some thoughts that I would like some feed back on:
Most important factors for next year:?
1) How many B10 teams will have a better set of forwards (assuming) Kris, Patrick, and Payton?
2) How good will Tony Perkins be? The way he finished the season.....the confidence and energy/momentum he should have going into next year....should propel him to be better..how much better?
3) Who do we land in the transfer portal?
4) With a presumably bigger and more athletic backcourt for next year (6'3" PGs--6'4/5" 2Gs) how much better can the defense be?
Less likely or less significant factors:?
1) How good will Bowen be? Can he be a major contributor or just a limited minutes backup?
2) This is the first year, apparently in his entire career, that Connor will be devoting his entire off season to b-ball preparation & having no injuries detracting from those efforts.
3) Post play....a weak spot this last year & it's possible that Kofi and Hunter D will be back....Zack E at Purdue WILL be back for sure....How much do Rebraca & Mulvey improve?
4) Will Dix be able to play/contribute, and if so, at what point in the season and at what level?
My general impression is that with growth in our current post players and hopefully an addition there that will help this team will be pretty good. My best guess is that Bowen and Connor will actually play pretty well and be fairly significant contributors.
IF we get above average play in the post and my prediction of Bowen/Connor success comes true, I think this is a team that will compete at the top (2-3-4) in the league and provide some fun come tournament time.
IF we lose Kris to the NBA and don't add post help......we could be in trouble and may struggle to get to 20 wins with a tougher pre-conference schedule.
I wish I knew more about what these other teams have coming back....
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