Three Man Weave Twitter Preview Thread - #8

[CL82]

I mean it is literally impossible to turn out better than a national championship.

Particularly one that won every NCAA tournament game by double digits and all but one by 20 points or more.

 

[Psolo12]

Donovan replaces Sanogo. So that means we just need to replace last year's version of Donovan. Samson/Singare should be enough to do that.

I'd have to disagree. Samson/Singare might be serviceable/good as backups, but in no way will they rise to the level of Donovan last year. He had first round buzz as a backup center.

 

[navery12]

I'd have to disagree. Samson/Singare might be serviceable/good as backups, but in no way will they rise to the level of Donovan last year. He had first round buzz as a backup center.

I agree in terms of buzz and NBA potential, but getting 7 points and 5 rebounds a game from Samson and Singare also doesn't seem that crazy to have happen. Granted it's only 2 games and not against good competition (Grambling and Stonehill), but the only 2 games Samson got 15+ minutes in he went for 5 points and 6 rebounds and then 7 and 3 respectively. So I could see us getting similar production from the backup 5's, just quieter production

 

[CL82]

I'd have to disagree. Samson/Singare might be serviceable/good as backups, but in no way will they rise to the level of Donovan last year. He had first round buzz as a backup center.

True. I was thinking more than the two of them combined replace his level of minutes (10 to 15 minutes a game) and production , which is admittedly more of a reach.

 

[Palatine]

It doesn't matter how good we are in the early season (to a point) or even in the BE (to a point).

It matters if the team figures out how to play together over the season and is a beast in March.

 

[auror]

It doesn't matter how good we are in the early season (to a point) or even in the BE (to a point).

It matters if the team figures out how to play together over the season and is a beast in March.

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I'd like to play well in Jan/Feb too and win a conference regular season title for the first time in 17 years.

 

[CL82]

It doesn't matter how good we are in the early season (to a point) or even in the BE (to a point).

It matters if the team figures out how to play together over the season and is a beast in March.

"Lucky championships" are our specialty.

 

[InTheRed]

When we ask whether this team is better than last year, i need to know if we are comparing it to last January's team or last March's team. Yes to the first and no to the second. The best thing is that this team doesnt have to play last year's team, just the other teams on our schedule.

 

[CL82]

When we ask whether this team is better than last year, i need to know if we are comparing it to last January's team or last March's team. Yes to the first and no to the second. The best thing is that this team doesnt have to play last year's team, just the other teams on our schedule.

We have no idea if this year's team is going to be better in January or March. All we can do is look at the pieces and see how they fit Hurley's preferred style of play. I think the answer is pretty well.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I agree with the point that our big ??? is the center position. 1-4 we have a couple of bodies at each position that we know have talent, basically.

When Clingan sits, what happens? Can Johnson or Singare hold down the fort? Or is it going to be a guaranteed 10-point run when our starter sits like a few years ago?

We aren't going to have a 1-2 punch like last year--that was an anomaly. But we need servicable. And we really know if servicable is sitting on the bench or not right now.

It was a big question last year. One that was answered quite clearly. I'm not worried about it. Johnson has the talent and athleticism to be not just serviceable, but way better than that. It's finally time.

I'm much more worried about the wing play and what we get from the freshmen there.

 

[Tenspro2002]

40 minutes of Sanogo/Clingan was without a doubt a massive advantage. But I’m not so sure 28-30 minutes of Clingan won’t make up most of that ground. Being 80% of what we had at the position last year should be more than enough.

Clingan will be closer to 26 mpg than 30.

Another question I have -- which I haven't seen discussed many places -- is about Clingan's effectiveness being dependent on chemistry and rapport with guards feeding him for lobs. My recollection is that Clingan got the lion's share of his alley-oop dunks off of feeds from Jackson or Calcaterra. In the latter's case, that may be because they both came off the bench and their minutes often coincided.

But I would not take for granted that Clingan is going to have that same connection with Castle or Spencer. I'll be eager to see how that looks early on.

 

[husky429]

It was a big question last year. One that was answered quite clearly. I'm not worried about it. Johnson has the talent and athleticism to be not just serviceable, but way better than that. It's finally time.

I'm much more worried about the wing play and what we get from the freshmen there.

Athleticism, sure. He hasn't proven he has the talent. Literally just hasn't played enough to know. Certainly hope he does, though.

 

[HuskyHawk]

Athleticism, sure. He hasn't proven he has the talent. Literally just hasn't played enough to know. Certainly hope he does, though.

Sure, and Clingan hadn't played even a minute. There are always question marks in college basketball because there is so much turnover. We're relying on Castle and Ball and others who haven't played at all. A Junior backup 4-5 isn't the biggest question mark we have. Not even close.

 

[auror]

I played around with some pre-season rankings and returning minutes/used possessions.

Over the last 2 seasons, there were 4 teams that finished in KenPom's top 3 the year before, returned similar-to-us less than 50% of their usage, and yet were still ranked in the top 10 pre-season by AP going into the next year. All 4 got 1-seeds the next year.

 

[husky429]

A Junior backup 4-5 isn't the biggest question mark we have.

Who is coming off of a lingering injury, hasn't played competitive basketball in years, and was a raw prospect to begin with. He's definitely one of our biggest question marks.

You've been riding his jock for years now, and the fact remains that he has yet to play meaningful minutes of college basketball.

 

[boog204]

It will be interesting... While on paper we may have more talent, we need to replace two elite scorers at their position. Guys who were arguably the best shooter and big in the country. Then you add in Andre and the various things he does... While we have guys here to "replace" those three, I'm not sure any of them can replicate their production or the type of offense they brought to the table.

 

[bendm]

Maybe I'm asking for too much, but I'd like to play well in Jan/Feb too and win a conference regular season title for the first time in 17 years.

my wishes for this team, in order of priority, are to:
1) win the BET and/or BE regular season
3) make it to the elite 8

 

[Iluvsuebird]

Clingan/Johnson/Castle/Spencer/Ball/Ross/Stewart

I'm not saying this team will turn out better than last year's, it wont, but it dont need to be to make another final 4 run.

there isnt a single team out there that should scare us. KU, Duke, and Purdue are the 3 favorites and they all got worse.

Can I say this year's team is better? Yes. Castle is an upgrade over AJ offensively and is a great athlete himself. Our overall TEAM shooting is better because we no longer have 4 capable shooters at a given time. This year we will have 5. We have a clutch PG and I believe Samson will be the surprise here. And then there are 3 freshmen I believe will make an immediate impact aside from Castle. Am I calling a Natty? no. You have to get lucky too, with injuries, etc. Too early for that. But talent for talent, I love this year's team better.

 

[auror]

Can I say this year's team is better? Yes. Castle is an upgrade over AJ offensively and is a great athlete himself. Our overall TEAM shooting is better because we no longer have 4 capable shooters at a given time. This year we will have 5. We have a clutch PG and I believe Samson will be the surprise here. And then there are 3 freshmen I believe will make an immediate impact aside from Castle. Am I calling a Natty? no. You have to get lucky too, with injuries, etc. Too early for that. But talent for talent, I love this year's team better.

I think on paper this team is better offensively, which is a bit blasphemous considering last year's team finished #3 in offensive efficiency, and the adjusted figure was the best mark in our KenPom-era team history (since '97). And it was the best by far (like 3 points per 100 pos over '04 and '06, which is generally the difference between an okay offense and a good offense like 2013 to 2014).

So everything is telling me 1) regression, especially shooting and 2) I'm underrating last season.

But man. The more I look at this team, the more I love it on paper.

The only thing that gives me pause is that while Castle is going to be awesome, he may process the game a little slower than Jackson. Jackson got himself in trouble at times by doing things too fast, but his immediate unselfish play set the tone for the team.

That and we have a bunch of scorers and shooters, but do we have the guys who will get the tough out-of-area rebound due to sheer hustle/will?

 

[Khal Drogo]

I think 5ish to 10ish is fair. Slightly because we will be easier to match up with when Clingan is out, and to a greater extent because other teams have reloaded pretty well. Johnson should have some movement advantages against other centers, but I worry when he has to play head to head vs Soriano, Dickinson, Kalkbrenner, etc if Clingan has foul trouble. Optimistically, maybe all the practice against Clingan already shows the staff he can do it. I did love the Europe rebounds he got out of his area with quickness.

I’m thinking 1ish

 

[Waquoit]

It's really hard to repeat and it appears to be impossible to repeat without having your top guys come back. So I'm going to take this season game by game, looking for a continuation of team ball. The rest will take care of itself.

 

[NJHusky]

Who is coming off of a lingering injury, hasn't played competitive basketball in years, and was a raw prospect to begin with. He's definitely one of our biggest question marks.

You've been riding his jock for years now, and the fact remains that he has yet to play meaningful minutes of college basketball.

Don’t have a dog in this debate but Wouldn’t you expect more from a third year player (with wall potential….), even with limited PT than u did from DC before last season.

 

[Captbluefin]

The biggest question is how many quality minutes from DC.

How durable he is?
How’s he going to deal with teams focusing on getting him in foul trouble?
Deal with double teams?
Teams are going to have most of their game plan revolving around stopping DC and let the others beat you

He is a sophomore who got in when the opponents were beat up by Sanago.

He will adjust but it’s going to be ups and downs

 

[husky429]

Don’t have a dog in this debate but Wouldn’t you expect more from a third year player (with wall potential….), even with limited PT than u did from DC before last season.

Wall potential was coach-speak. Didn't care about it at all. And I wouldn't say being a junior who hasn't played a meaningful minute is a good thing. It means he's rusty.

I expected Clingan to be our backup center from day 1. I was surprised by just how ready he was. The kid is a worker.

Johnson is a hell of an athlete, but the 6'10 200lb freak athletes are high ceiling and low LOW floor. Between injuries and no really playing for 2 years, it's hard to expect much IMO.

Believe me, I would love to be wrong, but I am not seeing it yet.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Who is coming off of a lingering injury, hasn't played competitive basketball in years, and was a raw prospect to begin with. He's definitely one of our biggest question marks.

You've been riding his jock for years now, and the fact remains that he has yet to play meaningful minutes of college basketball.

To be fair, the same way he loves to hype up Samson, you love to remind us you think he won’t cut it.

Just based on the fact Hurley begged him to stay, instead of pursuing a solid/high floor option in the portal, I think we can raise our expectations for Samson to at least solid backup level.

 

[Deleted at users request]

The biggest question is how many quality minutes from DC.

How durable he is?
How’s he going to deal with teams focusing on getting him in foul trouble?
Deal with double teams?
Teams are going to have most of their game plan revolving around stopping DC and let the others beat you

He is a sophomore who got in when the opponents were beat up by Sanago.

He will adjust but it’s going to be ups and downs

With DC’s passing ability I don’t think we should be worried about the double teams. He should feast on those.

Everything else is very valid though, especially the foul trouble.

 

[Deleted at users request]

I think on paper this team is better offensively, which is a bit blasphemous considering last year's team finished #3 in offensive efficiency, and the adjusted figure was the best mark in our KenPom-era team history (since '97). And it was the best by far (like 3 points per 100 pos over '04 and '06, which is generally the difference between an okay offense and a good offense like 2013 to 2014).

So everything is telling me 1) regression, especially shooting and 2) I'm underrating last season.

But man. The more I look at this team, the more I love it on paper.

The only thing that gives me pause is that while Castle is going to be awesome, he may process the game a little slower than Jackson. Jackson got himself in trouble at times by doing things too fast, but his immediate unselfish play set the tone for the team.

That and we have a bunch of scorers and shooters, but do we have the guys who will get the tough out-of-area rebound due to sheer hustle/will?

The biggest thing that’ll be missed with Andre is his motor, leadership, and athleticism.

It’s a great point that he was unselfish, to a fault, which was contagious with everyone else too. We’ve seen the opposite effect in the past.

I don’t think there’s any replacing Andre’s motor but from the summer games I think his athleticism and passing ability can be made up for by a combination of Castle and Ball. Ball especially looked like a much better passer than the board seemed to give him credit for overseas.

If there’s one thing that seems to need to be addressed is the rebounding part for sure. Overall, I agree the team looks a lot better and well rounded on paper. Which is a scary thought.

 

[mauconnfan]

I agree with the point that our big ??? is the center position. 1-4 we have a couple of bodies at each position that we know have talent, basically.

When Clingan sits, what happens? Can Johnson or Singare hold down the fort? Or is it going to be a guaranteed 10-point run when our starter sits like a few years ago?

We aren't going to have a 1-2 punch like last year--that was an anomaly. But we need servicable. And we really know if servicable is sitting on the bench or not right now.

Yeah the point on Sanogo/Clingan for 40 jumped out to me as well versus Clingan???. The thing in last years 40 there were arguably times and matchups that Clingans minutes were better. That won’t happen this season. Major question mark there especially if foul trouble occurs.

 

[husky429]

Yeah the point on Sanogo/Clingan for 40 jumped out to me as well versus Clingan???. The thing in last years 40 there were arguably times and matchups that Clingans minutes were better. That won’t happen this season. Major question mark there especially if foul trouble occurs.

If Clingan can play 30mpg without getting winded (and the subsequent foul trouble), I'd think we are an exceptionally dangerous team. A lot of our success will be on how much work he has put into his conditioning this summer.

A Singare/Johnson at their best is going to be a fraction of Clingan's impact. He's just too big to not be a factor in every play. He needs to be on the floor.

 

[dennismenace]

I actually think Clingan can turn out better than Sanogo, Cam can be more consistent than Hawkins, and there’s a lot of things Castle can do that Andre couldn’t.

And that’s no shade to them either as they were all obviously amazing players. Which makes this team so interesting because we may have a more well rounded and talented group of players this year coming off how talented last year was.

I like this analysis. Having both Samson and Singare as backups to Clingan gives Danny a lot of options. Samson has the capacity to be inside/outside and he has great athleticism. Singare just needs to hold down the defensive end with shot blocking and rebounds and an occasional put back.
I have confidence in the staff and Danny to put together the right options to get wins and instill confidence in these guys. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at what the rest of that team can do; especially Cam and Castle. Man do we have talent although some of the bench is young. Can't wait! It should be a banner year for Boneyard posting too!