Thank you Judy for this article and the many others you have written and shared with us over the years.
The last few years both Tara and Kate have been effusive in praising each new incoming class of freshmen. This changed a while back--they have definitely moved from downplaying entering classes to featuring them. So the praise by itself is mildly positive--they would just say nothing if there were problems--but it doesn't give much of a clue as to how much playing time these kids will achieve.
Thank you bl82 for the video clips. It does seem to me as if all three incomers have serious basketball skills. Whether they are up to competing directly with the best in the Pac 12 remains to be seen, but at the very least these three will provide important depth. Obviously, I would love to see one or more develop into starters, but we can't know that yet.
Yes, the fact that we are down to 12 does mean more playing time, and that should be a healthy thing--particularly when there are no players among the 12 who are clearly unable to compete for time. We will be a stronger team with 12 than we were with 15--provided we do not suffer a rash of injuries. Injuries would be more disastrous this year than last.
I think the coaching changes are perhaps the very best news of the off season. Getting Tempie back, and Bird, with three incoming Black players, gives a very different and more wholesome and diverse atmosphere to the team. I think this will do a world of good in recruiting--which may not show up immediately but bodes well for the future.
I am also keenly interested in how the experiences of our two Greek players may help them over the summer. It would be superb if they both developed into more regular contributors. Bosgana in particular could be a starter and who knows if Papadaki might surprise us by becoming the next Jump.
In short, not all these changes/possibilities will pan out, but if only a few of them do we could be a superior team next year. The players who have graduated were wonderful and each made key contributions, but the truth is that Jones was not fitting our scheme--whatever it was--and there were not enough minutes for Belibi and Prechtel. I expect the team to be happier, have higher morale, and have a more competitive spirit as the freshmen and returners from overseas compete for minutes. I'm not ready to predict a natty or even a Pac 12 Championship, but I think this team will do well and may be a joy to watch. Certainly less frustrating than last year.
I am REALLY curious to see what offense Tara decides to run this year. If the freshmen are to be integrated quickly, that would imply a simpler offense like the Flow. If the goal is to feature Brink inside in the way we featured Nneka and Chiney, it might be a return to the Triangle. If the goal is to use this year to build for next, then a more sophisticated offense and some growing pains might be expected. So many decisions, so many ignorant fans wanting to know....
The last few years both Tara and Kate have been effusive in praising each new incoming class of freshmen. This changed a while back--they have definitely moved from downplaying entering classes to featuring them. So the praise by itself is mildly positive--they would just say nothing if there were problems--but it doesn't give much of a clue as to how much playing time these kids will achieve.
Thank you bl82 for the video clips. It does seem to me as if all three incomers have serious basketball skills. Whether they are up to competing directly with the best in the Pac 12 remains to be seen, but at the very least these three will provide important depth. Obviously, I would love to see one or more develop into starters, but we can't know that yet.
Yes, the fact that we are down to 12 does mean more playing time, and that should be a healthy thing--particularly when there are no players among the 12 who are clearly unable to compete for time. We will be a stronger team with 12 than we were with 15--provided we do not suffer a rash of injuries. Injuries would be more disastrous this year than last.
I think the coaching changes are perhaps the very best news of the off season. Getting Tempie back, and Bird, with three incoming Black players, gives a very different and more wholesome and diverse atmosphere to the team. I think this will do a world of good in recruiting--which may not show up immediately but bodes well for the future.
I am also keenly interested in how the experiences of our two Greek players may help them over the summer. It would be superb if they both developed into more regular contributors. Bosgana in particular could be a starter and who knows if Papadaki might surprise us by becoming the next Jump.
In short, not all these changes/possibilities will pan out, but if only a few of them do we could be a superior team next year. The players who have graduated were wonderful and each made key contributions, but the truth is that Jones was not fitting our scheme--whatever it was--and there were not enough minutes for Belibi and Prechtel. I expect the team to be happier, have higher morale, and have a more competitive spirit as the freshmen and returners from overseas compete for minutes. I'm not ready to predict a natty or even a Pac 12 Championship, but I think this team will do well and may be a joy to watch. Certainly less frustrating than last year.
I am REALLY curious to see what offense Tara decides to run this year. If the freshmen are to be integrated quickly, that would imply a simpler offense like the Flow. If the goal is to feature Brink inside in the way we featured Nneka and Chiney, it might be a return to the Triangle. If the goal is to use this year to build for next, then a more sophisticated offense and some growing pains might be expected. So many decisions, so many ignorant fans wanting to know....