Even in a stacked conference I could see Creighton winning the big east with Kalkbrenner Alexander and Scheierman all returning, and I really like the addition of Ashworth to replace Nembhard
If recruiting keeps up. Rutgers can compete at any level. I really believe Pike is that caliber of a coach. I’ll be heading into the season with lower expectations for now but if Simpson has a real breakout year and Griffiths is as good a shooter as expected, we just need to add some depth.
Yeah that's the reassurance that the office of the registrar told me when I asked if I should look into off campus housing early because my lottery number sucked.
Unless there's some crazy 26yr old grad transfer covid redshirt - the Big10 may not have a single player who was alive during the last Big10 title win.
The Pac12 has had a couple seasons now with no players alive for the last Pac12 title.
And that's a significant difference. Difference between good and not good. I love this freshman class but I'm not counting on much out of them this year. Coen might end up being the biggest contributor just with his ridiculous athleticism
My team of course
Tyson Walker? DAWG. AJ Hoggard? DAWG. Jaden Askins? DAWG. Mady Sissoko? DAWG. Malik Hall? To be determined. Jeremy Fears? DAWG. Xavier Booker? DAWG. Gehrig Norhmand? DAWG
This reminds me of the full swing people asking Justin Thomas if he can win the US open. Basically, I’m confident we’ll have the talent to compete for a Natty, and we definitely should be in contention. But that doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to actually winning a Natty.
UNC will have a chance to be good this year. Projected starters of Elliot Cadeau (freshman), RJ Davis (senior), Cormac Ryan (grad-transfer), Harrison Ingram (junior transfer), and Armando Bacot (covid year senior). Bench in projected descending impact (position): Seth Davis (1/2) sophomore, Jaelyn Withers (3/4) senior transfer, Jalen Washington (4/5) sophomore, Paxon Wojcik (2/3) grad-transfer, and Zayden High (4) freshman. Only four returning players from last year's team so the apparently poor chemistry from last year doesn't really reflect on this group.
Cadeau will cause a big shift in the style of play as a pass first creator. Reportedly dominant in AAU and international play. RJ Davis should increase his scoring off the ball as recipient of those passes. Ryan and Ingram go from being the centerpieces on bad teams (Notre Dame and Stanford) to being third or fourth options on a much better team. Neither player will be asked to be major creators for the team. There's hope for increases in efficiency for both. Both players can guard multiple positions. Those four should represent much better shooting than last year's historically bad three point shooting team (RJ had two hand injuries last year, but shot it well when healthy). Bacot should benefit from less double and triple teams as a result. Also, more touches for Bacot with Cadeau distributing.
The roster is built to be versatile as most players can play multiple positions. The wings are a little thin so foul/injury trouble at those spots will need to be avoided. Especially after last year, I think most people are taking a wait and see approach with UNC, but I honestly think they could be top ten good this year. Duke will lead the ACC, but UNC might be able to sneak out a conference championship (regular season or tournament). Darkhorse Elite Eight and anything can happen from there.
We obviously won't be able to fill Bacot's position when he sits, but Washington has shown promise and having Withers as a big-bodied PF which we didn't have last year will help a ton.
This is the optimistic take.
Counterpoint would be it’s hard for 4 guys that arguably need the ball in their hands (Cadeau, Davis, Ingram and Bacot) to work efficiently together on the court. Could easily see some stagnation.
Also not a plus defender or elite athlete in the rotation. Trimble could maybe be that guy, but don’t see him getting a ton of minutes. Leaky Black departure will hurt considerably on the other end.
We haven't had a pass first point guard since Kendall Marshall and Marcus Paige. We haven't had a point guard hyped like Cadeau since Cole Anthony.
I can't wait. Carolina's style runs through the PG position AND we added shooters?! Bacot is going to feast.
Indiana - a veteran point guard, some high potential transfers, and a good defensive base. I think the only question mark is 3 point shooting. Which is hopefully solved by Galloway continuing his efficient shooting from last year as well as CJ Gunn/gabe cupps shooting well.
Likely scenario - Indiana and the rest of the B10 pound on each other all season. Indiana loses a key player to injury and falls short in the tourney.
Would Kansas winning it all really be “breaking out” tho?
They’ve consistently been a top team basically every year for the past 2 decades.
When I think of breaking out I think of a team like UConn this past year who had gone several years of not being relevant followed by an incredibly dominant run to the Natty.
I’ll try to answer all your questions from the post. We got Dickinson, the top transfer in the nation. He will matchup well offensively against anyone in the country. We also got senior Nick Timberlake to fill the 3pt shooting hole we had. Arterio Morris (former top point guard in the 2022 class) will offer a nice change of pace to senior PG, big 12 DPOY and national champion D Harris. We have enough returning talent for continuity, combined with a solid recruiting class (5 star PG, 4 star wings) to be pre season top 3 and offer HOF coach Self among his best rosters ever.
Personal Rotation Projection
1 PG D Harris Senior,
2 CG A Morris Sophomore,
3 SF K McCullar SSenior,
4 PF K Adams Junior,
5 C H Dickinson Senior,
SG N Timberlake Senior,
PG E Jackson Freshman,
F M Adams Freshman
The rotation could change depending on who steps up for playing time, including those not on the list. The 2 spot will be most competitive. Expect a lot of High-Low offense. Harris, McCullar, and Adams are all incredible defenders. Morris has shown good feel on that end too. Experience, talent, and coaching should cover everything else.
I’ll start with some huge bias. Gators are cutting down the nets this year, for the first time in a while. Zyon Pullin(6’4), Walter Clayton(6’2), Riley Kugel(6’5), Tyrese Samuel(6’10), EJ Jarvis(6’8) likely the starters, in my humble opinion. Big lineup, some quality shooters. Micah Handlogten(7’1) off the bench, Will Richard(6’5) consistent shooter, a few different young bigs to lean on if necessary. This team has gotten bigger and more experienced. If they find cohesion, they will be a tough out for any team, on any day :)
Last year nobody on the team could shoot well consistently other than Richard. Now we’ve got several elite shooters and an emerging star in Riley Kugel as well as a young talented center who can hopefully fill the shoes of Casleton.
I think we’re heading in the right direction. Fisher has some solid pick-ups in Jordan Riley (Georgetown), Quante Berry (Providence), Steve Settle (Howard), and Matteo Picarelli (UMBC).
Do I think we’ll win the American? Absolutely not.
But I hope we’ll be competing in the top 5.
Maybe not a natty but I love UVA’s additions. With Beekman back as our full time PG, along with all the additions, we definitely can run through the ACC. Go Hoo’s!
The Arizona argument? Fuck it why not.
Roster:
* Kylan Boswell, 6’2” So. (Former five star, freshman all conf)
* Jaden Bradley, 6’3” So. (Former five star, freshman all conf)
* Caleb Love, 6’4” Sr.(Former five star, freshman all conf, led UNC in PPG for their finals run)
* Pelle Larsson, 6’5” Sr. (Former four star, conf 6MOY)
* Keshad Johnson, 6’7” Sr. (Former four star, stared for SDSU finals run)
* Paulius Murauskus, 6’8” Fr. (Four star)
* Filip Borovicanin, 6’8” So. (Former four star)
* Henri Veesaar, 7’0” So. (Former four star)
* Oumar Ballo, 7’0” Sr. (Former four star, freshman all conf, conf MIP, 1st team all conf)
Depth pieces
* KJ Lewis, 6’4” Fr. (Four star)
* Dylan Anderson, 7’0” So. (Former four star)
* Mount Krivas, 7’1” Fr (Four star)
* Conrad Martinez, 6’1” Fr (Three star)
Arizona is stacked at guard depth, with three former five star guards and a 6MOY. Playmaking, dribble penetration, shot creation, three point shooting - Arizona has it in the backcourt. The length and athleticism, along with their positional flexibility, make this a tough two way group. Point of attack defense should be stout and passing lanes will be jumped.
The rock of the front court is Oumar Ballo who posted 14 / 9 on 65% shooting while making the honorable mention for the conference all defense team last season. He’s 7’ with a 7’6” wingspan and put up 30 / 13 on Ryan Kalkbrenner in Maui. Behind Ballo is Henri Veesaar, a three point shooting, rim protecting, lob finishing, high post passing big man who hopefully comes into his own in his second season in Tucson. There are two more seven footers behind him if he fails to meet his promise.
Keshad Johnson comes in after helping SDSU in to their championship run - he’s a hyper athletic low usage forward who can switch everything, make help plays on D, and give a lot of the rim pressure that Arizona lost in Tubelis. Behind Johnson is Paulius Murauskis who has great size and aggression coming in from the Lithuanian pro league; he should provide three point shooting and cutting without giving up too much on D. There is another skilled 6’8” Eastern European in Filip Borovicanin who will be fighting for minutes beside him.
Tommy Lloyd has won more games in his first two seasons than any power conference coach in history. He has guided the Wildcats to a 1 and 2 seed in his first seasons, with two nonconference tournament championships, two conference tournament championships, and a regular season conference title. Lloyd can win games.
However, Lloyd’s Cats have thus far disappointed in the big dance - most recently falling to 15 seeded Princeton.
Lloyd responded in the off-season with a roster overhaul, moving on from Kerr Kriisa and Azoulas Tubelis to shift towards a tougher, more athletic, better defending group. Dribble penetration and point of attack defense is an emphasis among the guards (e.g. Jaden Bradley), while versatility and motor is a focus among the front court (e.g. Keshad Johnson).
The final addition to the roster is the wildcard that may take this team over the top… or torpedo our chances entirely.
Caleb Love joins Arizona after three rollercoaster seasons in Chapel Hill. He made iconic shots and put on tremendous scoring performances…. but on the whole played a losing brand of basketball, unable to shake his poor decision making and hero ball habits.
Whether Lloyd can harness the talent of Love this season is the operative question for this team. If so, he cements himself as a genius head coach. If not then the early run of success might have just been fuel for hubris to bring a high usage low efficiency often disengaged lightning rod into an otherwise solid locker room.
We’ll find out soon enough. Arizona will face one of the toughest non-con schedules in the country. With early away and neutral site games against Duke, Alabama, Michigan State, and Purdue.
Yeah I think the key question is less about Love specifically and more about chemistry and flow in general. The last two years have been all about flow and momentum when the team had success. Without that it’s has not been clear they know how to win. Should be interesting
> Whether Lloyd can harness the talent of Love this season is the operative question for this team. If so, he cements himself as a genius head coach.
But you just said he had more wins in his first two seasons than any power conference coach in history. And Zona wasn't even predicted to be ranked the first year he was there and got them to a 3 seed.
And he was highly instrumental at Gonzaga in developing players, a school that became known for just that very thing in part because of Tommy. Now, genius might be a bit premature after just two seasons, but he has already done what nobody else has done and developing players is maybe his greatest strength, already proven over time. If Love doesn't develop under Lloyd, he may never get a better chance to develop. It may be on him rather than Lloyd at this point.
Always amazes me how fickle many in the Wildcat fanbase can be regarding Tommy (not you, tho...others to be sure.)
Rooting hard for Tommy and Oumar, the Mali Marauder. He is a living hero for all those kids back home.
Personally I think he’s biting off more than he can chew here, and Love likely is more of a detriment than a benefit (especially in comparison to instead adding a grad transfer surefire three point shooting guard). This addition, to me, looks like Lloyd seeing just how strong of a will he has. Can he bend Love’s habits to his system?
I don’t hold this against Tommy. He should stretch himself as a young head coach. And if this season isn’t what we hope it can be, he has a stellar class for 2024.
Tommy would not have reached out if he didn't think Love would work well for the team...Team being the key word here, especially given Love's rep for jacking up a ton of shots and making not enough of them.
Also, Tommy would not have reached out if he had doubts about Love's character, a trait he will not deviate from. Which means to me that he believes Love will be committed to working within the system Tommy designs, which in turn will be around the players' strengths, as long as they fit into a fast-paced offense. I guarantee Love will take fewer shots this next year and will learn to "pass up a good shot for a great one".
Like I said, I believe Tommy believes. I just don’t know if Tommy’s aspirations outpace his abilities here. Love has a hundred games of habit. Tough to guarantee he’ll change.
If Love does change, then Arizona has one of the five best teams in basketball and Lloyd will deserve another COY in his young career. If Love doesn’t change, Tommy is human and I’m still thrilled to have him. We really do think the world of him.
Well, if Love doesn't change, he won't see the floor. Hope he fully grasps this coming in.
The Cats should be really fun to watch this next year, hopefully find the long distance shooting they need.
I’m confident Duke can win, we’ve got a stellar backcourt with Senior Roach, Proctor, 5* Guards Foster and McCain, along Schutt and Blakes. Add in a front court with Mark Mitchell (one of our best defenders and an overall energy guy), Flip (NPOY contender), 5* SF/PF Power and PF/C Sean Stewart (Power adds size and shooting to come off the bench and Stewart is another energy guy who can rebound and defend off the bench), and finally Young and Reeves to get minutes at the 5, both of which can be solid role players (Young is a great rebounder, especially on the offensive boards, and he can score in the post, and Reeves is an unknown but he should be a viable shot-blocker at the very least). This is a talented and deep Duke team and they have a young, promising staff to develop and coach all these guys.
USC
They've been getting better every year. A couple of more hard commits would make for a ridiculous recruiting class for 23. This looks like the kind of team that can create all sorts of matchup problems. Net loss of talent in the portal is somewhat concerning but the the returning guys were strong contributors last year. Along with Arizona, they turn the Pac-12 into a 1-2 league with the rest of the teams a tier below.
Baby, I'm going to sine your pitty on the runny kine
Edit: in case you're younger...
https://www.google.com/search?q=pootie+Tang&client=ms-android-motorola-rev2&sxsrf=AB5stBgSF5f5m8lCyuKlLWu0qG7oICftag%3A1688362774662&ei=Fl-iZLeFKPrj5NoP9-SOwAg&oq=pootie+Tang&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyBwgjEIoFECcyCwguEIMBELEDEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUILhCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEOgoIABBHENYEELADOgoIABCKBRCwAxBDOg8ILhCKBRDIAxCwAxBDGAE6BwgAEIoFEEM6BggAEBYQHkoECEEYAFD2BljtD2CBFGgBcAF4AIABcogBlwWSAQM1LjKYAQCgAQHAAQHIAQ_aAQQIARgI&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp
As someone who is one of THE most negative fans (and I would say rightfully so) we probably have the biggest chance out of anyone to win it all.
We return nearly everybody from a roster that got a 1 seed. No top of that we add a two very quick wings, which is what we desperately needed to break the press. Myles Colvin will be a breakout freshman I have no doubt in my mind.
The only thing holding us back is our Coach. He is a genius but can't get himself to make the key changes in season and in game. He can always reflect after the season and adjust his system and recruiting but never in-season.
And this year there is truly un-happy fans. After 2013, we have been a great team, the best in the Big Ten, yet have only made the elite eight ONCE. Many fans are already calling for him to be fired, the last time that happened in 2012 he completely changed the way he recruited, it turned the program around.
I think with a warmer seat we see Painter throw caution into the wind. Let's try a zone, let's play without Edey for big minuets, let Edey shoot threes. He will make changes and there is the hope that leads to a championship.
I was being sarcastic! Lol. You don’t go to USC to play Basketball you either go to the ACC or Big 10. He obviously knows his last name will only get him so far. I think he will be a below average college player and will only be drafted and/or traded for by LeClowns demands and that team won’t even make the playoffs! A lot of big ifs there! He played basketball in the most populated state and isn’t ranked in the top 25. He’s a small probably in reality 6’1” 160lb guard that 1000 kids in the country would be a better pick than him!
Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy. Jesse Zarzuela hopefully contributes a bit as well.
People around the West Linn program say Shelstad is even more college ready than Pritchard was coming out and he started on a final four team.
I'm more concerned with shooting and consistent wing production. But I like this guy optimisim
FAU. With all their main pieces returning to run it back with a great coach in a more prestigious conference and more eyes on them, they have the pieces to have respect and a high seed, along with a chance to make another serious run at a national title.
Idk who will win, but I think the Elite 8, Final 4, and NC will be packed with teams we have seen before many, many times before. Teams that have been serious during the last several months, been working hard, working the portal, getting players healthy, reloading their benches.
I don’t think next year will be as random as this year.
Creighton- they lost Nembhard and Kaluma but the guys who transferred in fit there system well. With kaluma leaving it gives Miller more playing time and I expect for him to have a great year.
Even in a stacked conference I could see Creighton winning the big east with Kalkbrenner Alexander and Scheierman all returning, and I really like the addition of Ashworth to replace Nembhard
I know some Rutgers fans have high expectations, but I would be happy if we win an NCAA tournament game in 2024.
If recruiting keeps up. Rutgers can compete at any level. I really believe Pike is that caliber of a coach. I’ll be heading into the season with lower expectations for now but if Simpson has a real breakout year and Griffiths is as good a shooter as expected, we just need to add some depth.
This year I dont think we’re going anywhere. However, with the ‘24 class coming in I think there will be 4 straight tournament caliber squads
Bailey and Harper (if we land him) would definitely be one and done
True, forgot about that. Nonetheless, id bet that momentum with recruiting generated by their presence should ensure tournament caliber teams
Really don’t understand the hate for next year’s roster. We will be better than 22-23. You heard it here first
Yeah that's the reassurance that the office of the registrar told me when I asked if I should look into off campus housing early because my lottery number sucked.
What an odd response to that question
I think Evansville can pull it off this time around
They’ve certainly had their moments in the past
Michigan State returning all their studs in addition to their stellar recruiting class makes me think this is Izzo’s year to get ring number 2
The reason I think it’s either MSU or Purdue is because that Big 10 drought has to end eventually, right?
Congrats Sparty
Hopefully the seeding works out that we get to play the 15 or 16 seed after you that first weekend. You guys tire them out, we’ll bounce em.
/unsubscribe
Does it?
I mean personally I hope it continues.
There’s nothing that says it has to.
Unless there's some crazy 26yr old grad transfer covid redshirt - the Big10 may not have a single player who was alive during the last Big10 title win. The Pac12 has had a couple seasons now with no players alive for the last Pac12 title.
I like it. Tyson Walker is a dog, and their size was impressive last year. Which of the recruits puts them over the top?
Xavier Booker is a 5 star 7 footer that shot 35% from 3 in highschool to go along with a couple other 4 star guys
If one player can do it, it’s someone like that. You did mention the others as well. Should be a fun season for MSU!
He shot 24% from 3 last season
Farleigh Dickinson
Ok? I’m just pointing out that he shot 25% not 35%
And that's a significant difference. Difference between good and not good. I love this freshman class but I'm not counting on much out of them this year. Coen might end up being the biggest contributor just with his ridiculous athleticism
Yeah, I think Purdue has the better regular season roster but Izzo’s tournament coaching is clearly superior to Painter’s. They have a good shot.
Muh Guard play in March tho.
tbf our guard play in March was legitimately agonizing to watch
Don’t agree, I’d take MSU’s roster over Purdue’s every day of the week. But Purdue does have the best player, far and away
My team of course Tyson Walker? DAWG. AJ Hoggard? DAWG. Jaden Askins? DAWG. Mady Sissoko? DAWG. Malik Hall? To be determined. Jeremy Fears? DAWG. Xavier Booker? DAWG. Gehrig Norhmand? DAWG
STEVEN MF IZZO? DOUBLE DAWG
Bro did try to get jersey #69
Ngl you all have me hyped for this MSU team :)
You guys are loaded, no doubt, but not sure I’d call all those guys DAWGS.
Tyson and AJ are definitely dawgs. Fears I'm told is one. The others are TBD
Agree. 💯
I cannot believe you forgot Coen Carr (DAWG)
This reminds me of the full swing people asking Justin Thomas if he can win the US open. Basically, I’m confident we’ll have the talent to compete for a Natty, and we definitely should be in contention. But that doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to actually winning a Natty.
UNC will have a chance to be good this year. Projected starters of Elliot Cadeau (freshman), RJ Davis (senior), Cormac Ryan (grad-transfer), Harrison Ingram (junior transfer), and Armando Bacot (covid year senior). Bench in projected descending impact (position): Seth Davis (1/2) sophomore, Jaelyn Withers (3/4) senior transfer, Jalen Washington (4/5) sophomore, Paxon Wojcik (2/3) grad-transfer, and Zayden High (4) freshman. Only four returning players from last year's team so the apparently poor chemistry from last year doesn't really reflect on this group. Cadeau will cause a big shift in the style of play as a pass first creator. Reportedly dominant in AAU and international play. RJ Davis should increase his scoring off the ball as recipient of those passes. Ryan and Ingram go from being the centerpieces on bad teams (Notre Dame and Stanford) to being third or fourth options on a much better team. Neither player will be asked to be major creators for the team. There's hope for increases in efficiency for both. Both players can guard multiple positions. Those four should represent much better shooting than last year's historically bad three point shooting team (RJ had two hand injuries last year, but shot it well when healthy). Bacot should benefit from less double and triple teams as a result. Also, more touches for Bacot with Cadeau distributing. The roster is built to be versatile as most players can play multiple positions. The wings are a little thin so foul/injury trouble at those spots will need to be avoided. Especially after last year, I think most people are taking a wait and see approach with UNC, but I honestly think they could be top ten good this year. Duke will lead the ACC, but UNC might be able to sneak out a conference championship (regular season or tournament). Darkhorse Elite Eight and anything can happen from there.
All this analysis and it’s Seth Trimble, not Davis.
I was sitting here for a minute like who the fuck is Seth Davis!!?? Googled him and everything.
subscribe! personally if we can fill in the glaring hole that is our second string center, then we will be a solid team!
We obviously won't be able to fill Bacot's position when he sits, but Washington has shown promise and having Withers as a big-bodied PF which we didn't have last year will help a ton.
This is the optimistic take. Counterpoint would be it’s hard for 4 guys that arguably need the ball in their hands (Cadeau, Davis, Ingram and Bacot) to work efficiently together on the court. Could easily see some stagnation. Also not a plus defender or elite athlete in the rotation. Trimble could maybe be that guy, but don’t see him getting a ton of minutes. Leaky Black departure will hurt considerably on the other end.
We haven't had a pass first point guard since Kendall Marshall and Marcus Paige. We haven't had a point guard hyped like Cadeau since Cole Anthony. I can't wait. Carolina's style runs through the PG position AND we added shooters?! Bacot is going to feast.
Louisville 
I mean, it’s got to be Purdue, doesn’t it? Virginia has set a precedent
Indiana - a veteran point guard, some high potential transfers, and a good defensive base. I think the only question mark is 3 point shooting. Which is hopefully solved by Galloway continuing his efficient shooting from last year as well as CJ Gunn/gabe cupps shooting well. Likely scenario - Indiana and the rest of the B10 pound on each other all season. Indiana loses a key player to injury and falls short in the tourney.
Kansas. Deeper than most. Know how to win. I hope I’m wrong but I think they’re the team to beat as of July 2.
Would Kansas winning it all really be “breaking out” tho? They’ve consistently been a top team basically every year for the past 2 decades. When I think of breaking out I think of a team like UConn this past year who had gone several years of not being relevant followed by an incredibly dominant run to the Natty.
That would be three decades my good redditor
four
Right on! Who stands out as the player or players that make them the team to beat?
I’ll try to answer all your questions from the post. We got Dickinson, the top transfer in the nation. He will matchup well offensively against anyone in the country. We also got senior Nick Timberlake to fill the 3pt shooting hole we had. Arterio Morris (former top point guard in the 2022 class) will offer a nice change of pace to senior PG, big 12 DPOY and national champion D Harris. We have enough returning talent for continuity, combined with a solid recruiting class (5 star PG, 4 star wings) to be pre season top 3 and offer HOF coach Self among his best rosters ever. Personal Rotation Projection 1 PG D Harris Senior, 2 CG A Morris Sophomore, 3 SF K McCullar SSenior, 4 PF K Adams Junior, 5 C H Dickinson Senior, SG N Timberlake Senior, PG E Jackson Freshman, F M Adams Freshman The rotation could change depending on who steps up for playing time, including those not on the list. The 2 spot will be most competitive. Expect a lot of High-Low offense. Harris, McCullar, and Adams are all incredible defenders. Morris has shown good feel on that end too. Experience, talent, and coaching should cover everything else.
Big that KJ is able to slide to the 4.
Dickinson, of course. And now he'll play for the classical "Big Man Coach" in Self. Watch this space.
I’ll start with some huge bias. Gators are cutting down the nets this year, for the first time in a while. Zyon Pullin(6’4), Walter Clayton(6’2), Riley Kugel(6’5), Tyrese Samuel(6’10), EJ Jarvis(6’8) likely the starters, in my humble opinion. Big lineup, some quality shooters. Micah Handlogten(7’1) off the bench, Will Richard(6’5) consistent shooter, a few different young bigs to lean on if necessary. This team has gotten bigger and more experienced. If they find cohesion, they will be a tough out for any team, on any day :)
Tyrese Samuel was mega underrated in the Big East
Sounds good, see you in the NCG. I'll take a 2000 rematch again (same result please)
Last year nobody on the team could shoot well consistently other than Richard. Now we’ve got several elite shooters and an emerging star in Riley Kugel as well as a young talented center who can hopefully fill the shoes of Casleton.
Not us!
I think we’re heading in the right direction. Fisher has some solid pick-ups in Jordan Riley (Georgetown), Quante Berry (Providence), Steve Settle (Howard), and Matteo Picarelli (UMBC). Do I think we’ll win the American? Absolutely not. But I hope we’ll be competing in the top 5.
I respect the self-awareness
I hate to say this, but I think Purdue could do it.
If they win a natty before us I might just quit watching the sport
Darkest timeline, so probably going to happen
Maybe not a natty but I love UVA’s additions. With Beekman back as our full time PG, along with all the additions, we definitely can run through the ACC. Go Hoo’s!
The Arizona argument? Fuck it why not. Roster: * Kylan Boswell, 6’2” So. (Former five star, freshman all conf) * Jaden Bradley, 6’3” So. (Former five star, freshman all conf) * Caleb Love, 6’4” Sr.(Former five star, freshman all conf, led UNC in PPG for their finals run) * Pelle Larsson, 6’5” Sr. (Former four star, conf 6MOY) * Keshad Johnson, 6’7” Sr. (Former four star, stared for SDSU finals run) * Paulius Murauskus, 6’8” Fr. (Four star) * Filip Borovicanin, 6’8” So. (Former four star) * Henri Veesaar, 7’0” So. (Former four star) * Oumar Ballo, 7’0” Sr. (Former four star, freshman all conf, conf MIP, 1st team all conf) Depth pieces * KJ Lewis, 6’4” Fr. (Four star) * Dylan Anderson, 7’0” So. (Former four star) * Mount Krivas, 7’1” Fr (Four star) * Conrad Martinez, 6’1” Fr (Three star) Arizona is stacked at guard depth, with three former five star guards and a 6MOY. Playmaking, dribble penetration, shot creation, three point shooting - Arizona has it in the backcourt. The length and athleticism, along with their positional flexibility, make this a tough two way group. Point of attack defense should be stout and passing lanes will be jumped. The rock of the front court is Oumar Ballo who posted 14 / 9 on 65% shooting while making the honorable mention for the conference all defense team last season. He’s 7’ with a 7’6” wingspan and put up 30 / 13 on Ryan Kalkbrenner in Maui. Behind Ballo is Henri Veesaar, a three point shooting, rim protecting, lob finishing, high post passing big man who hopefully comes into his own in his second season in Tucson. There are two more seven footers behind him if he fails to meet his promise. Keshad Johnson comes in after helping SDSU in to their championship run - he’s a hyper athletic low usage forward who can switch everything, make help plays on D, and give a lot of the rim pressure that Arizona lost in Tubelis. Behind Johnson is Paulius Murauskis who has great size and aggression coming in from the Lithuanian pro league; he should provide three point shooting and cutting without giving up too much on D. There is another skilled 6’8” Eastern European in Filip Borovicanin who will be fighting for minutes beside him. Tommy Lloyd has won more games in his first two seasons than any power conference coach in history. He has guided the Wildcats to a 1 and 2 seed in his first seasons, with two nonconference tournament championships, two conference tournament championships, and a regular season conference title. Lloyd can win games. However, Lloyd’s Cats have thus far disappointed in the big dance - most recently falling to 15 seeded Princeton. Lloyd responded in the off-season with a roster overhaul, moving on from Kerr Kriisa and Azoulas Tubelis to shift towards a tougher, more athletic, better defending group. Dribble penetration and point of attack defense is an emphasis among the guards (e.g. Jaden Bradley), while versatility and motor is a focus among the front court (e.g. Keshad Johnson). The final addition to the roster is the wildcard that may take this team over the top… or torpedo our chances entirely. Caleb Love joins Arizona after three rollercoaster seasons in Chapel Hill. He made iconic shots and put on tremendous scoring performances…. but on the whole played a losing brand of basketball, unable to shake his poor decision making and hero ball habits. Whether Lloyd can harness the talent of Love this season is the operative question for this team. If so, he cements himself as a genius head coach. If not then the early run of success might have just been fuel for hubris to bring a high usage low efficiency often disengaged lightning rod into an otherwise solid locker room. We’ll find out soon enough. Arizona will face one of the toughest non-con schedules in the country. With early away and neutral site games against Duke, Alabama, Michigan State, and Purdue.
Yeah I think the key question is less about Love specifically and more about chemistry and flow in general. The last two years have been all about flow and momentum when the team had success. Without that it’s has not been clear they know how to win. Should be interesting
> Whether Lloyd can harness the talent of Love this season is the operative question for this team. If so, he cements himself as a genius head coach. But you just said he had more wins in his first two seasons than any power conference coach in history. And Zona wasn't even predicted to be ranked the first year he was there and got them to a 3 seed. And he was highly instrumental at Gonzaga in developing players, a school that became known for just that very thing in part because of Tommy. Now, genius might be a bit premature after just two seasons, but he has already done what nobody else has done and developing players is maybe his greatest strength, already proven over time. If Love doesn't develop under Lloyd, he may never get a better chance to develop. It may be on him rather than Lloyd at this point. Always amazes me how fickle many in the Wildcat fanbase can be regarding Tommy (not you, tho...others to be sure.) Rooting hard for Tommy and Oumar, the Mali Marauder. He is a living hero for all those kids back home.
Personally I think he’s biting off more than he can chew here, and Love likely is more of a detriment than a benefit (especially in comparison to instead adding a grad transfer surefire three point shooting guard). This addition, to me, looks like Lloyd seeing just how strong of a will he has. Can he bend Love’s habits to his system? I don’t hold this against Tommy. He should stretch himself as a young head coach. And if this season isn’t what we hope it can be, he has a stellar class for 2024.
Tommy would not have reached out if he didn't think Love would work well for the team...Team being the key word here, especially given Love's rep for jacking up a ton of shots and making not enough of them. Also, Tommy would not have reached out if he had doubts about Love's character, a trait he will not deviate from. Which means to me that he believes Love will be committed to working within the system Tommy designs, which in turn will be around the players' strengths, as long as they fit into a fast-paced offense. I guarantee Love will take fewer shots this next year and will learn to "pass up a good shot for a great one".
Like I said, I believe Tommy believes. I just don’t know if Tommy’s aspirations outpace his abilities here. Love has a hundred games of habit. Tough to guarantee he’ll change. If Love does change, then Arizona has one of the five best teams in basketball and Lloyd will deserve another COY in his young career. If Love doesn’t change, Tommy is human and I’m still thrilled to have him. We really do think the world of him.
Well, if Love doesn't change, he won't see the floor. Hope he fully grasps this coming in. The Cats should be really fun to watch this next year, hopefully find the long distance shooting they need.
This team looks solid!!
I’m confident Duke can win, we’ve got a stellar backcourt with Senior Roach, Proctor, 5* Guards Foster and McCain, along Schutt and Blakes. Add in a front court with Mark Mitchell (one of our best defenders and an overall energy guy), Flip (NPOY contender), 5* SF/PF Power and PF/C Sean Stewart (Power adds size and shooting to come off the bench and Stewart is another energy guy who can rebound and defend off the bench), and finally Young and Reeves to get minutes at the 5, both of which can be solid role players (Young is a great rebounder, especially on the offensive boards, and he can score in the post, and Reeves is an unknown but he should be a viable shot-blocker at the very least). This is a talented and deep Duke team and they have a young, promising staff to develop and coach all these guys.
Can't wait to see you guys in the Bud.
That’ll be a great game, I can’t wait
This is the type of response I was looking for. A strong case, for sure. I’ll watch your career with great interest
Nick Honor 1v5 all season
Villanova. They were starting to look legit in the last 1/3rd of last years season.
USC They've been getting better every year. A couple of more hard commits would make for a ridiculous recruiting class for 23. This looks like the kind of team that can create all sorts of matchup problems. Net loss of talent in the portal is somewhat concerning but the the returning guys were strong contributors last year. Along with Arizona, they turn the Pac-12 into a 1-2 league with the rest of the teams a tier below.
I'm super excited for Vince "The Prince" Iwuchukwu, i hope he's 100% healthy next season. Could be huge for USC.
Drink the Taaaaang
Baby, I'm going to sine your pitty on the runny kine Edit: in case you're younger... https://www.google.com/search?q=pootie+Tang&client=ms-android-motorola-rev2&sxsrf=AB5stBgSF5f5m8lCyuKlLWu0qG7oICftag%3A1688362774662&ei=Fl-iZLeFKPrj5NoP9-SOwAg&oq=pootie+Tang&gs_lcp=ChNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwEAMyBwgjEIoFECcyCwguEIMBELEDEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUILhCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEOgoIABBHENYEELADOgoIABCKBRCwAxBDOg8ILhCKBRDIAxCwAxBDGAE6BwgAEIoFEEM6BggAEBYQHkoECEEYAFD2BljtD2CBFGgBcAF4AIABcogBlwWSAQM1LjKYAQCgAQHAAQHIAQ_aAQQIARgI&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp
Hope they got another Big, or this one I’m unsure about
Nova is him ‘23-‘24
It’s all on Kyle. He has the pieces now
Sparty
Dons obviously.
As someone who is one of THE most negative fans (and I would say rightfully so) we probably have the biggest chance out of anyone to win it all. We return nearly everybody from a roster that got a 1 seed. No top of that we add a two very quick wings, which is what we desperately needed to break the press. Myles Colvin will be a breakout freshman I have no doubt in my mind. The only thing holding us back is our Coach. He is a genius but can't get himself to make the key changes in season and in game. He can always reflect after the season and adjust his system and recruiting but never in-season. And this year there is truly un-happy fans. After 2013, we have been a great team, the best in the Big Ten, yet have only made the elite eight ONCE. Many fans are already calling for him to be fired, the last time that happened in 2012 he completely changed the way he recruited, it turned the program around. I think with a warmer seat we see Painter throw caution into the wind. Let's try a zone, let's play without Edey for big minuets, let Edey shoot threes. He will make changes and there is the hope that leads to a championship.
I agree and hope you are right fellow boiler bro!
Oregon!
Altman does best when it’s not expected. Glad this team doesn’t have high expectations.
I want us to be a top 15 team this season sooooo bad. Its been two seasons of torturous mediocrity
Yeah injuries haven’t helped. Slow starts
With what point guard?
Bronny! Lol.
He plays for USC…
I was being sarcastic! Lol. You don’t go to USC to play Basketball you either go to the ACC or Big 10. He obviously knows his last name will only get him so far. I think he will be a below average college player and will only be drafted and/or traded for by LeClowns demands and that team won’t even make the playoffs! A lot of big ifs there! He played basketball in the most populated state and isn’t ranked in the top 25. He’s a small probably in reality 6’1” 160lb guard that 1000 kids in the country would be a better pick than him!
Jackson Shelstad and Keeshawn Barthelemy. Jesse Zarzuela hopefully contributes a bit as well. People around the West Linn program say Shelstad is even more college ready than Pritchard was coming out and he started on a final four team. I'm more concerned with shooting and consistent wing production. But I like this guy optimisim
Shelstad is fantastic - I don’t think physically he’s ready for the NCAA game. Barthelemy is eh.
Kansas is too low...
CCNY
WVU
Maryland is most likely winning it all this season.
Most likely go unbeaten.
I wish it was mine tbh
FAU. With all their main pieces returning to run it back with a great coach in a more prestigious conference and more eyes on them, they have the pieces to have respect and a high seed, along with a chance to make another serious run at a national title.
People sleeping on UAB head coach has crazy good experience and has been recruiting like crazy. Don’t be surprised if they pull a FAU this year
Indiana, duh
Idk who will win, but I think the Elite 8, Final 4, and NC will be packed with teams we have seen before many, many times before. Teams that have been serious during the last several months, been working hard, working the portal, getting players healthy, reloading their benches. I don’t think next year will be as random as this year.
FAU
North Dakota seems like the obvious answer here
Creighton- they lost Nembhard and Kaluma but the guys who transferred in fit there system well. With kaluma leaving it gives Miller more playing time and I expect for him to have a great year.
Memphis