Power 5 Conference predictions contest | Page 2 | The Boneyard

Power 5 Conference predictions contest

stwainfan said:
SEC will be hard to predict. I will give it a try.
Tennessee
South Carolina
LSU
Vanderbilt
Kentucky
Georgia
Florida
Texas A&M
Arkansas
Alabama
Ole Miss
Mississippi St
Missouri
Auburn
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comeonman.png



Tenn at 1?
 
SCspur said:
1. SC
2. LSU
3. UGA
4. FL
5. TN
6. MISS ST
7.ARK
8.TAMU
The teams above will make the tournament
9. KY
10. Ole Miss
11. ALA
12. Mizzou
13. Vandy
14. Auburn
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Rationale for TN at 5?? Just interested in your opinion.
 
1. SC
2. TN
3. LSU
4. GA
5. FL
6. AR
7. TAMU
8. Miss ST
9. KY
10. Ole Miss
11. Vandy
12. AL
13. Mizzou
14. Auburn
 
I don't mean to step on SCspur's toes by trying to think of some rationale, but here goes (I will preface by stating that I will have TN 2nd next week).

The LVs had some really bad losses after they lost Keyen and before they lost Horston -- Auburn, Alabama, Florida (moreso the margin of defeat), & the Paige-less Huskies (once again margin); therefore, getting Jordan back might not be the entire answer. Rickea certainly carried the Bulldogs to many victories, especially the latter part of her freshman year, but she often gets in black-hole mode after her initial footwork. Sometimes she is cold and sometimes the on-ball defense is excellent, which leads to a lot of shots with a low %. Curiously, on D her reactionary footwork isn't as good (and has issues with help D -- ask your old friend Annie), but she somewhat makes up for it with her long arms resulting in steals, deflections, & highlight reel blocks. They have added so many quality pieces, but sometimes it takes time for those to gel. I think that they will work out the kinks in non-conference play and be strong in SEC games. I just don't see anyone other than SC coming close to matching their talent and individual experience.
 
Tangential said:
I don't mean to step on SCspur's toes by trying to think of some rationale, but here goes (I will preface by stating that I will have TN 2nd next week).

The LVs had some really bad losses after they lost Keyen and before they lost Horston -- Auburn, Alabama, Florida (moreso the margin of defeat), & the Paige-less Huskies (once again margin); therefore, getting Jordan back might not be the entire answer. Rickea certainly carried the Bulldogs to many victories, especially the latter part of her freshman year, but she often gets in black-hole mode after her initial footwork. Sometimes she is cold and sometimes the on-ball defense is excellent, which leads to a lot of shots with a low %. Curiously, on D her reactionary footwork isn't as good (and has issues with help D -- ask your old friend Annie), but she somewhat makes up for it with her long arms resulting in steals, deflections, & highlight reel blocks. They have added so many quality pieces, but sometimes it takes time for those to gel. I think that they will work out the kinks in non-conference play and be strong in SEC games. I just don't see anyone other than SC coming close to matching their talent and individual experience.
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Agreed it may take time for some pieces to gel. But I also agree I just don’t see anyone other than SC and maybe LSU matching their talent level. It’s interesting to me that LSU also has a lot of new pieces that need to gel but more people seem to be overlooking that for them while that is the main criticism of the LVs. Also, I think Powell being able to handle the PG position and allowing Walker to play off the ball will pay dividends for us. We all know Walker isn’t a true PG and coughed up thr ball under any type of pressure many times. Same for Horston. Plus TK has help in the paint now with Franklin and Hollingshed so hoping she will be much more aggressive while she is in. I’m hoping by SEC time they will have worked out all the kinks. This is by far the most talented roster Coach Harper has had. Let’s see what she can do with it.
 
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VFLfan said:
Agreed it may take time for some pieces to gel. But I also agree I just don’t see anyone other than SC and maybe LSU matching their talent level. It’s interesting to me that LSU also has a lot of new pieces that need to gel but more people seem to be overlooking that for them while that is the main criticism of the LVs. Also, I think Powell being able to handle the PG position and allowing Walker to play off the ball will pay dividends for us. We all know Walker isn’t a true PG and coughed up thr ball under any type of pressure many times. Same for Horston. Plus TK has help in the paint now with Franklin and Hollingshed so hoping she will be much more aggressive while she is in. I’m hoping by SEC time they will have worked out all the kinks. This is by far the most talented roster Coach Harper has had. Let’s see what she can do with it.
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Completely concur with your in-depth analysis. I had only mentioned the top 2 players and it was already lengthy. IMO, how Powell runs the team will be best indicator of their success. Regardless of depth, Key still needs to work on not getting into foul trouble because she brings a unique skill set to the team. I'll reiterate my final comment that only SC can match (exceed) their talent and individual experience.
 
VFLfan said:
Agreed it may take time for some pieces to gel. But I also agree I just don’t see anyone other than SC and maybe LSU matching their talent level. It’s interesting to me that LSU also has a lot of new pieces that need to gel but more people seem to be overlooking that for them while that is the main criticism of the LVs. Also, I think Powell being able to handle the PG position and allowing Walker to play off the ball will pay dividends for us. We all know Walker isn’t a true PG and coughed up thr ball under any type of pressure many times. Same for Horston. Plus TK has help in the paint now with Franklin and Hollingshed so hoping she will be much more aggressive while she is in. I’m hoping by SEC time they will have worked out all the kinks. This is by far the most talented roster Coach Harper has had. Let’s see what she can do with it.
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The difference is Kim, until Coach Harper has shown for a number of years the ability to coach up her players, she won'get the same credit.
 
Biggest reason why Tennessee might not be an elite team: shooting

Stats from 21-22 season:

Jordan Horston* 38% FG 28% 3FG
Jordan Walker 34% FG 25% 3FG
Jasmine Powell* 32% FG 31% 3FG
Rickea Jackson* 41% FG 24% 3FG
Brooklyn Miles 39% FG 23% 3FG

*Horston (24 games), Powell (19 games), Jackson (15 games).
 
I'm sure had Jackson and Horston played a full season. Then the numbers would be a bit different. Should be fun seeing them play together. A BIG reason Tennessee can be elite. Key and Hollingshead on the court together. Who's going inside?
 
UConnCat said:
Biggest reason why Tennessee might not be an elite team: shooting

Stats from 21-22 season:

Jordan Horston* 38% FG 28% 3FG
Jordan Walker 34% FG 25% 3FG
Jasmine Powell* 32% FG 31% 3FG
Rickea Jackson* 41% FG 24% 3FG
Brooklyn Miles 39% FG 23% 3FG

*Horston (24 games), Powell (19 games), Jackson (15 games).
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Thanks for the stats. Wondering what the stats are for the rest of the sec teams. Are there any teams bringing back better returning player stats other than SC?
 
stwainfan said:
I'm sure had Jackson and Horston played a full season. Then the numbers would be a bit different. Should be fun seeing them play together. A BIG reason Tennessee can be elite. Key and Hollingshead on the court together. Who's going inside?
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Well, no they wouldn't.

Jackson's overall shooting percentage during the 20-21 season was better (41%) but she still shot 29% on 3-pointers. The more 3-point shots she's taken the lower her shooting % has been.

Horston has been an inefficient scorer since arriving at Tennessee. For the 20-21 season she shot 35%/28% and for the 19-20 season she shot 39%/30%.

I haven't even mentioned the turnovers.
 
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VFLfan said:
Thanks for the stats. Wondering what the stats are for the rest of the sec teams. Are there any teams bringing back better returning player stats other than SC?
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I'm not sure. I expect Tennessee to finish top 3 in the SEC.

I was really thinking about Tennessee as a Final Four/national championship contender. The shooting %s and turnovers by the guards have to improve.
 
VFLfan said:
Rationale for TN at 5?? Just interested in your opinion.
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I think FL and UGA has good talent and coaching that imo sets them equal to TN. They may well finish way higher but for right now that’s where I see them.
 
UConnCat said:
Well, no they wouldn't.

Jackson's overall shooting percentage during the 20-21 season was better (41%) but she still shot 29% on 3-pointers. The more 3-point shots she's taken the lower her shooting % has been.

Horston has been an inefficient scorer since arriving at Tennessee. For the 20-21 season she shot 35%/28% and for the 19-20 season she shot 39%/30%.

I haven't even mentioned the turnovers.
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Jackson made it clear. The reason for the transfer was due to culture. Yes having different coaches maybe part of that. Had Vic stayed she probably would still be there.
 
UConnCat said:
I'm not sure. I expect Tennessee to finish top 3 in the SEC.

I was really thinking about Tennessee as a Final Four/national championship contender. The shooting %s and turnovers by the guards have to improve.
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Agreed. Guard play has to be better for sure.
 
For anyone predicting the B1G - be advised. Rutgers is advertising for walk-ons. Looks like fewer than 10 scholarship players on their roster:

What a come down for this program.... Kinda sad. Hopefully temporary, though.

 
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SCspur said:
Big pickup for Florida. I would swap them and UGA now but I’m staying with my SEC picks.
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You can swap if you'd like. The Gators have 4 solid incoming transfers. She has definitely had her moments for Mississippi State and Texas (@ Stanford & tourney game vs. Utah come to mind)
 
LSU has a lot to figure out working in a bunch of new faces. Sure they are talented but even Kim was doing a interview this week and said talent doesn't mean much if they aren't on the same page. Hopefully Kim can fix LSU's defense this year. Ironically Kim's teams usually are known for their defenses but that was a disaster last year, granted it was year one and they didn't have players who could play man to man well (was zone essentially during the Nikki era). Only thing I know is Reese and Morris are starters with the rest wide open. I think post play will be dramatically different though when you compare Ladazhia and Reese to Newby/Aifuwa.
 
SECbbfan24 said:
LSU has a lot to figure out working in a bunch of new faces. Sure they are talented but even Kim was doing a interview this week and said talent doesn't mean much if they aren't on the same page. Hopefully Kim can fix LSU's defense this year. Ironically Kim's teams usually are known for their defenses but that was a disaster last year, granted it was year one and they didn't have players who could play man to man well (was zone essentially during the Nikki era). Only thing I know is Reese and Morris are starters with the rest wide open. I think post play will be dramatically different though when you compare Ladazhia and Reese to Newby/Aifuwa.
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Just a bit more quickness and range, huh?

Did you think that they would have had a realistic chance vs. Ohio State with a healthy Morris? It seemed as though her injury had a major impact in the games down the stretch that she missed or tried to gut it out.
 
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SCspur said:
Big pickup for Florida. I would swap them and UGA now but I’m staying with my SEC picks.
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Good p/u for them. Will she have to sit out this year since she’s already transferred once and transferred this late this time?
 
VFLfan said:
Good p/u for them. Will she have to sit out this year since she’s already transferred once and transferred this late this time?
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Great point. I would have thought that either of those would make her ineligible this year. Even if she entered the portal by the deadline, there is only a 1 time exemption for the immediate transfer and I don't think she had unusual circumstances either time. I would be surprised if she graduated in only 3 years using credits from 2 different schools to qualify as a grad-transfer.
 
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Jmsdawg said:
My take on SEc
South Carolina
LSU
UGA
MSST
Tenn
Florida
Ark
TA&M
Kentucky
Ole Miss
Vandy
Auburn
Alabama
Missouri
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Damn, you stole my boldest pick. Interesting with another TN #5. Last year the coaches poll had A&M 2nd (finished tied for next-to-last), LSU 8th (2nd), & FL 11th (tied for 4th), so it isn’t easy
 
Tangential said:
Just a bit more quickness and range, huh?

Did you think that they would have had a realistic chance vs. Ohio State with a healthy Morris? It seemed as though her injury had a major impact in the games down the stretch that she missed or tried to gut it out.
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Much more talented duo. I appreciated Newby/Aifuwa, they did really try so can't be mad at them. They did their best and its all you can ask for. Newby was just extremely limited, she could rebound well. Aifuwa had her moments but isn't consistent.

I think OSU was a bad matchup for LSU with or without Morris. LSU was one of the 10 worst teams in all of D1 defending the 3 ball but LSU would have had a way better shot had Morris been healthy. Thats 15-20 ppg out the window. LSU can't beat top teams without Morris/Pointer going off, they just don't have the players to play at that level. Which is all the more reason why last season was remarkable. That team had absolutely no business winning 26 games. Kim has had many disappointing early post season exits but truthfully last season may have been one of the most impressive coaching jobs of her career, even taking into account her natty years. Took a team from 9 wins to 26 wins, 2nd in the SEC (best finish in nearly 13-14 years), went from one of the worst offensive teams in the country to one of the best in the conference (2nd in scoring). The list goes on, we all knew Kim would improve them, that level of improvement though was not expected.
 
SECbbfan24 said:
Much more talented duo. I appreciated Newby/Aifuwa, they did really try so can't be mad at them. They did their best and its all you can ask for. Newby was just extremely limited, she could rebound well. Aifuwa had her moments but isn't consistent.

I think OSU was a bad matchup for LSU with or without Morris. LSU was one of the 10 worst teams in all of D1 defending the 3 ball but LSU would have had a way better shot had Morris been healthy. Thats 15-20 ppg out the window. LSU can't beat top teams without Morris/Pointer going off, they just don't have the players to play at that level. Which is all the more reason why last season was remarkable. That team had absolutely no business winning 26 games. Kim has had many disappointing early post season exits but truthfully last season may have been one of the most impressive coaching jobs of her career, even taking into account her natty years. Took a team from 9 wins to 26 wins, 2nd in the SEC (best finish in nearly 13-14 years), went from one of the worst offensive teams in the country to one of the best in the conference (2nd in scoring). The list goes on, we all knew Kim would improve them, that level of improvement though was not expected.
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I think one of the areas that Kim excels is game/time management. She really seemed to have her players preserve leads by milking the clock in the 4th quarter, while getting decent shots. Many of today's top coaches have had egregious errors in very important games (eg, not fouling Kentucky with fouls to give late in the SEC championship after a timeout -- btw, brilliant TO discussion by Kyra, taking a shot (if that could be classified as a shot) with ≈ 14 seconds with the shot clock off after a lengthy time out with 26.6 seconds in a tie game in the FF, completely stagnating the offense for the final minutes, including not even running a semblance of a play to give the other team possession in the front court with over 6 seconds remaining down 1 in the NC game). I've seen these mistakes in the W as well, but Kim seems to avoid them even in big games like the 19 title game. I know she gets lambasted for only winning once with BG, but I think game management is a big strength.
 
VFLfan said:
Good p/u for them. Will she have to sit out this year since she’s already transferred once and transferred this late this time?
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I think I recently read an article that stated a ruling would soon be passed for players to transfer to wherever whenever they want regardless of they’d transferred before.
 
SCspur said:
I think I recently read an article that stated a ruling would soon be passed for players to transfer to wherever whenever they want regardless of they’d transferred before.
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Interesting. Thanks for the info.
 
TerpWomenFan said:
Since the Big 10 hasn't been represented yet, let me give it a shot.

1. Iowa
2. Indiana
3. Ohio State
4. Maryland
5. Nebraska
6. Michigan
7. Northwestern
8. Purdue
9. Michigan State
10. Minnesota
11. Penn State
12. Rutgers
13. Illinois
14 Wisconsin

I'm pretty confident of the top 5 but rest is a crap shoot. I think I may have Minnesota too low.
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Pretty solid predictions for the Big 10. I was kind of thinking the same thing with a twist here and there. I got:

1). Indiana
2). Ohio State
3). Iowa
4). Maryland
5). Nebraska
6). Michigan
7). Purdue
8). Northwestern
9). Michigan State
10). Minnesota
11). Rutgers
12). Wisconsin
13). Penn State
14). Illinois
 
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