We’ll be a little different this year, but I expected very good things. I’ll be disappointed if we don’t repeat.Not a lot to say. Other than Diarra they're unknown. Season will be made or broken in the second unit IMO.
I keep saying I think people are really sleeping on himStewart will make noise
Not sure how to take this - can you clarify pls?My favorite public Hurley quote on Jaylin was about how they are really going to need him this season; he then added that it was unfortunate that he was hurt and missing time and also that Seattle schools did them no favors by ending so late. And, then he had to clarify that he actually wasn’t mad at teachers because he knows some people just do not know how to act right.
Sums it up perfectly.A lot of talent, very little experience. Could be a strength by the end of the season
Hopefully it will be similar to 95-96 season when Rash and Ricky as Frosh would spell the guards and still play relentless D.A lot of talent, very little experience. Could be a strength by the end of the season
I agree with most of your analysis. However, Hurley seemed to indicate on Saturday that Johnson will in fact play the 4 a bit, presumably alongside Clingan.Sums it up perfectly.
My guesses, in order of minutes-per-game:
The easier to guess:
- Ball: Will mostly soak up Alleyne's minutes (18 mpg) and possibly play more. I picture Ball as the backup 2 for Spencer and will play quite a bit alongside Spencer whenever Spencer plays the 3 when Castle is on the bench.
- Diarra: Similar role to last season (13 mpg). Almost all minutes will be backing up Newton. Maybe we see Diarra and Newton share the floor, but I think it's doubtful.
- Johnson: Similar role to Clingan last season (13 mpg). I'd expect Clingan to get close to Sanogo's 27 mpg last season, with Johnson playing all other minutes at the 5. I'm trying to imagine a "two big" lineup with Johnson at the 4, but I don't think it's happening.
- Singare: The Richie Springs Role. Maybe some garbage time, but this will be a bench riding, development season for Singare. I think he only plays meaningful minutes if there's an injury
The Much Harder to Guess
When all is said and done, the rotation won't be more than 9, meaning my guess of pieces six-through-nine are Ball, Johnson, Diarra, Stewart, respectively.
- Stewart: I love his versatility long-term. Mature offensive weapon a la Karaban, but I think he will need time to grow defensively. My best guess is that he soaks up Karaban's backup 4 minutes, but it'll be curious to see how Stewart can defend Big East PFs, even though that position is weaker w/ Prosper, Kaluma, Whitmore, Jones out, but Hopkins/Freemantle still loom.
- Ross: I love his upside as a deadly floor spacer with underrated athleticism, however, I see Castle and Spencer playing almost every minute at the 3. Doubt we'll see Ross much in Big East play.
- Roumoglou: Is he just a great practice piece or does he have potential in the rotation? He's grown to 6'8 215, shot 38% from three in the FIBA U19 back in the Summer of 2022.
That would be wonderful. A whole tidal wave of relentless guards pressuring and running down opponents and leading fast breaks. Running up quick leads at breathtaking speeds. Making opponents feel helpless at stopping them.Hopefully it will be similar to 95-96 season when Rash and Ricky as Frosh would spell the guards and still play relentless D.
Diarra is what he is. Bulldog defensively, can handle the ball, but during the practice he was forcing bad shots all over the place. My guess is he reprises his role from last season.Surprisingly didn’t hear a lot about Diarra from yesterdays scrimmage.
I think by the thick of Big East it’ll be:
Castle Newton Spencer Karaban Clingan
Ball Stewart Samson
Ross if it goes nine. Early reports indicate Stewart has more talent but also hearing from practice yesterday that Ross brings Jackson like heart and hustle on the defensive end. May be his way to buying early playing time.
I’d also be shocked if we weren’t trying to groom Ball to play PG. That’s what he’ll need to be to succeed at the next level and that’s what he played in HS.
Going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out. A lot of talent and skill to choose from and work with!
Sums it up perfectly.
My guesses, in order of minutes-per-game:
The easier to guess:
- Ball: Will mostly soak up Alleyne's minutes (18 mpg) and possibly play more. I picture Ball as the backup 2 for Spencer and will play quite a bit alongside Spencer whenever Spencer plays the 3 when Castle is on the bench.
- Diarra: Similar role to last season (13 mpg). Almost all minutes will be backing up Newton. Maybe we see Diarra and Newton share the floor, but I think it's doubtful.
- Johnson: Similar role to Clingan last season (13 mpg). I'd expect Clingan to get close to Sanogo's 27 mpg last season, with Johnson playing all other minutes at the 5. I'm trying to imagine a "two big" lineup with Johnson at the 4, but I don't think it's happening.
- Singare: The Richie Springs Role. Maybe some garbage time, but this will be a bench riding, development season for Singare. I think he only plays meaningful minutes if there's an injury
The Much Harder to Guess
When all is said and done, the rotation won't be more than 9, meaning my guess of pieces six-through-nine are Ball, Johnson, Diarra, Stewart, respectively.
- Stewart: I love his versatility long-term. Mature offensive weapon a la Karaban, but I think he will need time to grow defensively. My best guess is that he soaks up Karaban's backup 4 minutes, but it'll be curious to see how Stewart can defend Big East PFs, even though that position is weaker w/ Prosper, Kaluma, Whitmore, Jones out, but Hopkins/Freemantle still loom.
- Ross: I love his upside as a deadly floor spacer with underrated athleticism, however, I see Castle and Spencer playing almost every minute at the 3. Doubt we'll see Ross much in Big East play.
- Roumoglou: Is he just a great practice piece or does he have potential in the rotation? He's grown to 6'8 215, shot 38% from three in the FIBA U19 back in the Summer of 2022.
If all goes as planned this team should be ascending by March. The team will need to go through a number of tests and build their chemistry. The culture is set and there are a number of other teams that bring back a lot more experience in some regards. Samson is going to be the key this year if we are going to be a legit contender for another title. Worse case scenario is that we will be very good barring any injuries. I will be curious to see what our Physicality will be in the aggregate. Marquette is still the team to beat in the Big East. It would be nice to win the Big East Conference and Tournament. We have a shot at both. That mid-year slump last year killed our changes.Samson spelling Big Don like Don did for Adama. Diarra first guard off the bench. After that, I would bet that Ball is the second guard off the bench. We are going to be a nightmare again with our depth. Just coming at teams with waves…no relenting.
A lot of talent, very little experience. Could be a strength by the end of the season