I think MSST has a great chance to win SEC this coming season. I also was pleasantly surprised with MSST World University Games performance, I did not expect our freshmen to play so well. Agree we will miss Jazz and Big T but MSST has depth like we have never had before. PG play will, IMO, determine how well MSST does this next season.
They do return two players who shot >42% from three in Bibby and Espinoza-Hunter, both are the best returning three point shooters in the SEC. From what I understand, Rickea Jackson shoots the three well too. Potentially three starters who shoot the three really well, and AEH gets it off really quick and Bibby has a high release, so both can shoot without much time or space.
SEC is going to be interesting next year. Home court is big and I agree SC does have that advantage against both MSST and A&M, however A&M has the more experienced team. Before Italy I thought both SC and A&M had the edge over MSST, now after see how well MSST is playing I think theses games will be a tossup.
Most improved: tempting to go with Vandy, Florida, or Ole Miss because it would be hard for them to do worse than last year.
I'm not sure lack of depth per se is really the issue. None of last year's Final Four teams went substantively deeper than 6 except when forced by foul trouble or injury.
This could be be a great race. By HG rankings, the SEC is getting 7 of the top 11 freshmen:
Yes I agree.
I felt like the top 3 teams in the SEC were 1. A&M, 2. SC, and 3. MSST. Still believe that is the most likely ranking as of today but having seen MSST play, IMHO, we are better than I thought. I saw A&M last year and they are bringing everybody back so as of today I believe they have the inside track for SEC. My opinion of SC is based upon the freshmen class they have coming in for next season, however, unlike MSST, I have not seen then in action yet. I believe the talent level for all 3 teams is fairly equal and that is why I said, IMO, those games will be a tossup.
I wasn't equating their level of play. My point was only that a team with more depth doesn't necessarily have the advantage over a team with less depth.
If you are correct, freshmen not deciding factor, A&M will definitely have the inside track. Before Italy I would have agreed with you on the freshmen being vital factor for MSST but I now believe we may have 3 or 4 freshmen starters by the time SEC play begins. As of today, I think Jackson and Hemingway will be starters for MSST and Matahru and Young will be getting major minutes. If SC freshmen are not significant contributors I believe SC will number 3 at best in the SEC, however SC freshman class is loaded and I suspect they will be vital to SC success.
Your sleeper is Zia Cooke. I think she will be a major surprise for SC!
Do you know something about our nonconference schedule that I don't know?
I'm not sure Cooke will have a big enough impact with both Henderson and Harris presumably ahead of her. Post players aren't typically FOY type impact players early, but I do think Aliyah Boston could have a big impact for SC. I also wouldn't count out Aijha Blackwell for Mizzou. For them to have a pretty good season, she will have to be playing close to SEC FOY level.
I think either Hortson, Tiara Young, rickea or one of Mizzou players gonna win it. Based on the fact they'll be relied on and possibly starting day 1.
Fair enough. Our fans would like a stronger nonconference schedule. It doesn’t help that some of the logical opponents in Texas don’t want to play us. Last year, I believe our final rpi going into the NCAA tourney was actually better than I expected thanks to Rice making the tourney, USCw finishing stronger than expected, Syracuse having a good season, and of course beating Oregon State in Hawaii. Not close to playing Baylor and UConn.
