This is an odd team. We are missing an energy guy. We are also missing competent ball-handlers and guys who can make plays or at least quality decisions for themselves or others. We went from having at least 4-5 last year (Bazz, Boat, Daniels, Giff, Kromah) to two in Boat and DHam. Therefore, it becomes a one-on-one game in the half court (for Boat and DHam) and as good as Boat is, he is not Bazz or Kemba and we cannot get away with relying on Boat to carry us every game. He does not have the total skillset of Kemba or Bazz.
We are also missing toughness. Toughness doesn't necessarily mean girth, it means effort and a willingness to stick your nose into the fray. Guys like Giffey and Kromah were tough and could guard 1-5 and would mix it up. Bazz was tough as nails and DD grew in this regard over the course of the year. Boat is by far our toughest player and after that... I really love Facey, but he does not have that toughness yet.
I think we will shoot better. Cassell is at least a low 30s shooter from 3 as is Boat and Purvis. Hamilton is at least that and probably better. So I really think the shooting will come with confidence. If Omar is still here, he's a fifth guy who is at least a threat to stretch the defense a bit. We also have to at least consider dumping the ball inside from time to time and our post guys have to understand that it is okay to pass out of the post as well. Brimah is a black hole when he gets the ball and I cannot remember Facey getting one post up opportunity this year.
I still think this team can be a solid tourney team; sweet 16 ceiling predicated on matchups. But this is a major turning point for KO; the first time one of his teams has looked totally lost and apathetic. We had the bad TX trip last year where we just didn't play well. But the team didn't look lost as they have over two of the last three games. He has to figure out how to unite the team, get them to play together and trust one another, and understand that UConn does not lose to Yale, at home, while putting up 45 points. The press conference was very revealing that things aren't copacetic in Ollieworld. It will be very interesting to watch how this transpires.