Early SEC 23-24 season predictions

[Fowlball]

I thought Kamila’s performance was a wake up call to the rest of the SEC. The full range of her skills was on display. The only question concerns the team Dawn can put around her. I think this is Raven’s year, but 3 pt shooting is not her best thing, and this will be a weakness all season. But the team actually looks like an upgrade to me defensively — still bigger and quicker than every other team in the SEC. Can Kitts or Tessa make a contribution? That’s the same question we should ask about Mikayla Williams or del Rosario. But we know Hall and PaoPao can contribute.

LSU has a lot of offense, and some of their new pieces from last season showed they can play serious D, like Poole and Flau’jae. Whether the team can mesh is an open question, but this is Kim’s super power.

Tennessee without Horston may be stronger with Powell and Walker at the top, Rickea at the wing they look to be pretty strong. And Rickea has shown she’s ready to play D with her defensive rebounding. If Key is ready to play she’ll be tough with Hollinshead next to her. They lose a lot of offense and that puts the pressure on Rickea. Can she handle it? I can’t wait to see.

This looks to be the best season for the SEC in recent memory.

We got some shooters now...

 

[baggerbob]

You really can’t judge players on the basis of all star teams, the players do not know one another well and do not function optimally as a team. Any team that has players that have functioNed together on a regular basis should have the advantage over a group of very good players who are learning to play as a team. I suspect LSU will be better next season than they were last season. LSU will be, in my opinion, the leading candidate for the SEC champions and I believe they will be in the mix for the NC.

Stewie and Moriah lost to Canada in 2015. The Pan American games, the USA sent college kids and the other teams sent a combination of college and National team players.
We don't do well in these situations playing against players some who are late 20's early 30's.

 

[GamecockFam]

You really can’t judge players on the basis of all star teams, the players do not know one another well and do not function optimally as a team. Any team that has players that have functioNed together on a regular basis should have the advantage over a group of very good players who are learning to play as a team. I suspect LSU will be better next season than they were last season. LSU will be, in my opinion, the leading candidate for the SEC champions and I believe they will be in the mix for the NC.

I literally talked about her free throws as my example which has nothing to do with team chemistry. I understand there wasn't enough time to develop good chemistry between players ... this isn't my first rodeo.

I honestly don't understand your criticism of my statement when it had nothing to do with player chemistry. Whatever you read between the lines of my statements were not the intentions I was trying to portray. I was only trying to highlight the fact that the Angel Reece we saw in the Americup probably will not be the same Angel Reece we see come SEC play... literally corroborating with your point.

 

[Coler]

After watching AmeriCup, I think you have to slide LSU in the 3 to 5 spot in the SEC (with Ole Miss and Miss St). Yes LSU may finish as low as 5 with this roster. Reese just isn’t going to carry lsu vs better teams. She has regressed under Mulkey so far. Morrow wasn’t even good enough to make the team so doubtful she will elevate anything but will get her points. Hailey Van Lith is a volume shooter who is mostly inefficient and doesn’t play defense. Williams is an unknown if she can play at a high level. Kim has gotten by so far by mostly out talenting SEC teams but the conference continues to get stronger so she won’t be able to get away with it this year

The path to the SEC title runs through Knoxville or Columbia. Both teams have elite caliber players and a pro ready stud ready to lead their perspective teams and the coaching is superior IMO Xs and Os to the rest of the conference if you are honest with yourself

 

[triaddukefan]

We got some shooters now...

If i had a quarter for every time i've read this, i'd have enough to pay for a big double burger (Carolina style) tray at Cookout... With the peanut butter, fudge, oreo milkshake upgrade.

 

[Jmsdawg]

I literally talked about her free throws as my example which has nothing to do with team chemistry. I understand there wasn't enough time to develop good chemistry between players ... this isn't my first rodeo.

I honestly don't understand your criticism of my statement when it had nothing to do with player chemistry. Whatever you read between the lines of my statements were not the intentions I was trying to portray. I was only trying to highlight the fact that the Angel Reece we saw in the Americup probably will not be the same Angel Reece we see come SEC play... literally corroborating with your point.

No criticism meant. I was trying to convey my thoughts with regards to all star type teams vs established teams. I definitely want our USA teams to win every game they play but I believe it is a tough match up for a group of talented players to go against an established team even if the all star team has more talented players. I agree with you , I expect Angel Reece as well as the other players in the Americacup to perform much better in their usual team environment. I am looking forward to seeing LSU and South Carolina go up against one another, it should be a great game!

 

[baggerbob]

No criticism meant. I was trying to convey my thoughts with regards to all star type teams vs established teams. I definitely want our USA teams to win every game they play but I believe it is a tough match up for a group of talented players to go against an established team even if the all star team has more talented players. I agree with you , I expect Angel Reece as well as the other players in the Americacup to perform much better in their usual team environment. I am looking forward to seeing LSU and South Carolina go up against one another, it should be a great game!

Tournament's like the Americup and Pan American games we send college kids.
The rest of the America's send most of the players from their national teams.
We lose most of the time in these competitions.
In 2015 Stewie and Moriah lost to Canada in the Pan American games.

 

[cancontent]

No criticism meant. I was trying to convey my thoughts with regards to all star type teams vs established teams. I definitely want our USA teams to win every game they play but I believe it is a tough match up for a group of talented players to go against an established team even if the all star team has more talented players. I agree with you , I expect Angel Reece as well as the other players in the Americacup to perform much better in their usual team environment. I am looking forward to seeing LSU and South Carolina go up against one another, it should be a great game!

Tournament's like the Americup and Pan American games we send college kids.
The rest of the America's send most of the players from their national teams.
We lose most of the time in these competitions.
In 2015 Stewie and Moriah lost to Canada in the Pan American games.

I really wish I had made a screen shot of the post I saw on Twitter that talked about this. In their opinion, there's an untapped pool of players the US could consider instead of college players. Players that aren't in the WNBA and playing pro overseas, unsigned WNBA players, etc. They mused that there could be at least 50 players that could have been considered over who was invited to training camp.

These players would be more familiar with international play and/or the physicality of the game. It's a good idea that USA Basketball should consider, plus it gives these players a chance to show off what they could do and enhance their playing resume.

 

[GamecockFam]

I really wish I had made a screen shot of the post I saw on Twitter that talked about this. In their opinion, there's an untapped pool of players the US could consider instead of college players. Players that aren't in the WNBA and playing pro overseas, unsigned WNBA players, etc. They mused that there could be at least 50 players that could have been considered over who was invited to training camp.

These players would be more familiar with international play and/or the physicality of the game. It's a good idea that USA Basketball should consider, plus it gives these players a chance to show off what they could do and enhance their playing resume.

I love this idea. I always wonder what the waived player are doing -- especially those that are not playing overseas. Like, I've wondered what Brea Beal has been up to ever since she was waived from the Lynx. I think she would be the perfect type of player for this kind of event. The WNBA could utilize FIBA as a pseudo developmental league.

 

[cancontent]

I love this idea. I always wonder what the waived player are doing -- especially those that are not playing overseas. Like, I've wondered what Brea Beal has been up to ever since she was waived from the Lynx. I think she would be the perfect type of player for this kind of event. The WNBA could utilize FIBA as a pseudo developmental league.

Bingo. Beal is a GREAT example of who could have been considered.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

The whole point of these tournaments is to get younger players experience in international l play, playing for team USA. Why would they give the opportunity to a player they will never send to the Olympics or any other big international competition?

 

[GamecockFam]

The whole point of these tournaments is to get younger players experience in international l play, playing for team USA. Why would they give the opportunity to a player they will never send to the Olympics or any other big international competition?

IMO FIBA should add a U21 tournament like they did with 3x3. In that way, the US can leave tournaments like the Americup to the semi-pros/professionals.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

IMO FIBA should add a U21 tournament like they did with 3x3. In that way, the US can leave tournaments like the Americup to the semi-pros/professionals.

But why? Why would USA want to do that is my point? The pros that will be on Olympic and World Cup teams are playing in the WNBA. They got younger players experience against grown teams which will only help USA basketball in the future. Even if there was a U21 tournament they would still send this level of player because getting older players that will never compete or an Olylmpic team experience doesn't help them in any way shape or form. JMO though.

 

[cancontent]

IMO FIBA should add a U21 tournament like they did with 3x3. In that way, the US can leave tournaments like the Americup to the semi-pros/professionals.

But why? Why would USA want to do that is my point? The pros that will be on Olympic and World Cup teams are playing in the WNBA. They got younger players experience against grown teams which will only help USA basketball in the future. Even if there was a U21 tournament they would still send this level of player because getting older players that will never compete or an Olylmpic team experience doesn't help them in any way shape or form. JMO though.

FIBA has U20 and U23 age groups that compete in Europe. It's definitely possible. Canada Basketball took advantage and created an event for the U23 category so they could continue to develop their pool of players beyond the U19 age group.

There are benefits to this approach in several areas:

1). Continues development of players beyond U19. Yes, there's NCAA but it's not FIBA and players need to adjust which was evident with this tournament.

2). Opening it to players who have graduated and are playing overseas, helps USA basketball keep an eye on sleepers who may not come across their path otherwise. It's not fair to assume these players aren't capable. And they already do this with their 3x3 teams based on the rosters I've seen.

3). There are some who don't believe NCAA players should be involved in these tournaments for various reasons. Going in this direction eliminates those concerns about potential injuries, team bonding, skill development, etc.

4). These same NCAA players will eventually graduate and may need opportunities to compete at a higher level. With how the FIBA calendar works this could be an option that helps them remain sharp and get exposure to play pro somewhere else.

 

[ucbart]

1. South Carolina (Kings until proven otherwise)
2. Tennessee (Harper has program rolling)
3. LSU (Kim is never going to beat Dawn while at LSU)
4. Ole Miss (Coach Yo doing work)
5. Miss St
6. Alabama
7. A&M
8. Arkansas
9. Vanderbilt
10. Georgia
11. Missouri
12. Auburn
13. Florida
14. Kentucky (Elzy is a sinking ship right now)

I am just seeing this. I actually think that with equal talent, Kim is a better coach. Although, I think SC will be much better than people think and I wouldn't be shocked if they beat LSU. Cardoso is that good and SC has one thing LSU does not have, a PG. Raven Johnson will be the best PG in the SEC and I think Cardoso will be the most dominant player.

 

[BlueDevils]

Any list that has Tennessee over LSU is a complete joke.

 

[Coler]

Any list that has Tennessee over LSU is a complete joke.

 

[visitingcock]

Any list that has Tennessee over LSU is a complete joke.

I tend to agree but UT did handle them In Their last meeting. With Key back . . . ????

Of course, “ with Horston gone” . . . Applies as well.

 

[TC22]

I think SC is going to be really, really good.

 

[jdote33]

Any list that has Tennessee over LSU is a complete joke.

I pretty much agree. I'm high on Tennessee but LSU is the defending champs with the accomplished coach. I do think Rickea Jackson may be the best player between the two teams but I think LSU has the edge in terms of potential starting units

Ten	lsu
T.Key	A Reese
Jackson	A Morrow
Sarah Pucket	Poole
J.Spear	Flau'Jae
Wells	Hailey Van Lith

 

[BlueDevils]

I pretty much agree. I'm high on Tennessee but LSU is the defending champs with the accomplished coach. I do think Rickea Jackson may be the best player between the two teams but I think LSU has the edge in terms of potential starting units

Ten	lsu
T.Key	A Reese
Jackson	A Morrow
Sarah Pucket	Poole
J.Spear	Flau'Jae
Wells	Hailey Van Lith

Sa'Myah Smith (who I see being a starter), Poa, and Mikayla Williams (starter come tournament time). Mulkey>Harper which is not even close. Again, a JOKE!

 

[Coler]

LSU has already pretty much announced their starting lineup with the flyers they put in Morrow's hotel room.

Reese
Morrow
M. Williams
Johnson
Hailey Van Lith

 

[GamecockFam]

What is everyone's prediction for SEC player of the year? Who do you think will be in the running?

I've got a feeling it will be a battle between Angel Reece, Kamilla Cardoso and Rikea Jackson.

 

[Coler]

What is everyone's prediction for SEC player of the year? Who do you think will be in the running?

I've got a feeling it will be a battle between Angel Reece, Kamilla Cardoso and Rikea Jackson.

Well, considering last years results it's probably will go to a player on the best team, not who has the best season overall.

 

[GamecockFam]

Well, considering last years results it's probably will go to a player on the best team, not who has the best season overall.

Then I guess I should take Angel off my list for next year.

 

[Cockygirl]

I think it will be Rickea.

 

[Panthers]

I am just seeing this. I actually think that with equal talent, Kim is a better coach. Although, I think SC will be much better than people think and I wouldn't be shocked if they beat LSU. Cardoso is that good and SC has one thing LSU does not have, a PG. Raven Johnson will be the best PG in the SEC and I think Cardoso will be the most dominant player.

Agree, SC will be better think. They lost a lot from last year, but by no means are they a sinking ship!

 

[Bone Dog]

I think it will be Rickea.

Rickea is ready and the offense will probably all pass through her now that Jordan has moved on.

 

[militarydog]

What is everyone's prediction for SEC player of the year? Who do you think will be in the running?

I've got a feeling it will be a battle between Angel Reece, Kamilla Cardoso and Rikea Jackson.

Right now I think A Reese likely has the lead. If the starting lineup (and majority leading minutes group) is A Reese, A Morrow, M Williams, F Johnson and H Van Lith then Reese is going to have a ton of rebounds and offensive put backs.

 

[SECbbfan24]

Right now I think A Reese likely has the lead. If the starting lineup (and majority leading minutes group) is A Reese, A Morrow, M Williams, F Johnson and H Van Lith then Reese is going to have a ton of rebounds and offensive put backs.

Honestly all of Reese, Morrow, and Hailey Van Lith's stats are all likely to go down if we are being realistic here.. When you add more talent and depth around you, naturally its going to happen.

Reese has been in the gym with a basketball maybe for a total of 2 weeks since April 2 for USABB. I'm not fully convinced she actually elevates her game this season beyond where it was already. As evidenced by her play in that tournament she is incredibly out of shape and half the free throws hitting the side of the backboard not in the same zip code as the rim tells me she hasn't done anything all summer with a basketball in her hand. Its been 99% traveling, partying and everything else.

It will end up being between Rickea and Cardoso. Reese may have had a strong shot at it if she worked on elevating her game this summer but she will be very behind going into the fall just to catch back up. Frankly, I will boldly predict Reese won't be LSU's best player next season.