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Post by fjs64 on Apr 5, 2009 16:26:32 GMT -5
At the start of this season we were concerned how Schmidt would integrate all the new players (up to 9).
For next year he will have to integrate up to 7
(Conger/House/Simmons/Leonard + up to 3 others).
The key difference was that for the past season we were returning only 3 (Benson/Carter/Eleby), this coming season we have a nucleus of 6 (Eleby/Matthews/Davenport/Hall/Nicholson and Cook). A nice base to work from, but 7 new comers is a coaching challenge, but most are Schmidt's recruits where he has done an excellent job.
Based on the returning six and add House/Conger/Simmons and Leonard we are still lacking two key positional people, another point guard/combo guard and a tough big body. We do not have a proven "4" and no proven "5" backup. Of course we need another "1", (a back-up to Eleby who can play up to 20 minutes/per game------a good HS combo could be best who can shoot the 3).
I think we need to get a tough and large bigman, that can spell Andrew, and also play the "4". Will a HS person help or do we need a stopgap JC person?
It will be interesting to see who coach brings in.
Another thought, what about Hall at the 4, we certainly have enough people that can play the 3. Simmons/Conger/Davenport and Leonard. I also believe that this team will consist of multiple interchangeable parts where you could play, Hall, Eleby, Matthews and Davenport at the same time for more minutes than in the past....
I'm intrigued about how good can Simmons be (any thoughts on this). Hopefully we can discuss this as we ready for the signing period.
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Post by OleanSBU on Apr 5, 2009 18:50:11 GMT -5
Interesting topic. Haven't really thought about the fact that we've got potentially seven more newcomers for next year.
Obviously, I'm intrigued with the nucleus that we have returning. We're solid at the 5 with Nicholson, and have a lot of depth at the 3. We should be OK at the 2 - with Matthews, Davenport and Leonard. (Note that I consider Leonard and Davenport better at the 2 than at 3. I think Hall/Conger/Simmons will see time at 3, but not Leonard or Davenport).
My biggest concerns are at PG and PF. Thomas' departure leaves a huge void talent wise at the 4 spot. We need a wide-body type that can command attention away from Andrew. Having a solid big man alongside of him would do WONDERS for Nicholson's continued development.
At point, as you stated, we need someone who can split time with Malcolm. Hopefully this someone is a quicker, shooting-oriented PG for a change of pace. Somebody like Blackburn, but more disciplined and less of a streaky shooter.
Either way, I'm excited about our prospects for next year. Let's hope the three players that we bring in are solid, 4 year contributors that can make a major mark for the long-term development of the program.
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Post by b4life on Apr 5, 2009 19:01:14 GMT -5
My gut feeling is that we pick up a juco PF. Schmidt did a good job snagging some quaility talent in Hall and Lewis Lenard last year, hopefully we can find an effective PF.
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Post by Sipowicz on Apr 5, 2009 19:21:12 GMT -5
Good topic, I understand why people feel we need a wide body but I have a feeling the staff is after a 6-8ish seriously athletic type. I agree with MATTHEWS, DAVENPORT, & LEWIS at the 2 but MATTHEWS was inconsistant, DAVENPORT was streaky and may still need more time to develop his consistency outside and LEWIS is unproven in D1 play, so I would not mind another 2 coming in. As far as PG, what are you other posters feelings? Do you want a JUCO PG, or a 4 year PG, OR a transfer and use the final ship on a combo PG-SG?
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Post by mrrowdy999 on Apr 5, 2009 21:03:39 GMT -5
My bet would be a JUCO big and a 4 year PG. I feel like coach has probably been targetting a PG all season knowing he needed to beef up there and won't come home empty handed. Letting Thomas go wouldn't happen unless he knew he could replace him with another big in recruiting.
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Post by jh on Apr 5, 2009 21:20:45 GMT -5
Good topic, I understand why people feel we need a wide body but I have a feeling the staff is after a 6-8ish seriously athletic type. I agree with MATTHEWS, DAVENPORT, & LEWIS at the 2 but MATTHEWS was inconsistant, DAVENPORT was streaky and may still need more time to develop his consistency outside and LEWIS is unproven in D1 play, so I would not mind another 2 coming in. As far as PG, what are you other posters feelings? Do you want a JUCO PG, or a 4 year PG, OR a transfer and use the final ship on a combo PG-SG? Whichever brings immediate impact....last years class had 3 frosh (nicholson davenport & cook)...this years already will have 3 (Conger Jake & Simmons) before we add the 3 spring rides......post season is a possibility if we get impact at the PG & F position...and its very possible.... |
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Post by sneakers on Apr 6, 2009 7:09:30 GMT -5
My wish list:
1. One fully developed and ready to go JUCO power forward that can also play center to spell Nicholson at times.
2. One high school PG with great speed and a nice three point shot, who can spell Eleby next year and develop into the PG of the future.
3. One big, strong, athletic four-year PF who can step in when necessary next year, but concentrating on developing into a solid starter down the road.
Add those to Conger (getting some time at the 3 and 4) , Simmons (getting time at the 3 (and the 4 when we want to go smaller and faster)), House (spelling Nicholson at times at the 5) and Leonard (getting a lot of time at the 2) and we have a team that should do very well.
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Post by wgt on Apr 6, 2009 10:06:33 GMT -5
Excellent insight & opinions in this thread. Loss of Thomas is huge & staff is working hard to address it. He was 5th in mins played, yet one of our most effective players. He took care of the ball (a major issue with most of our starters), was 2nd only to Andy in FG% & got to the stripe often converting on 78%. His second most team steals in conference play, 10ppg & 6.1 rpg will be hard to replace. His absence in AC, against a team he dominated in season play, highlights the magnitude of his loss.
Of course, Schmidt knows best the potential contributions of Conger, Simmons & LL & will recruit to address our deficiencies. Agree that a 4 & PGs (4yr & JUCO) may be at the top of his list. Needless to say, the many variables that go into recruiting presents a challenge to attracting & signing 3 players that you need & want. Schmidt has an eye for talent & he & his staff are working real hard to acquire what we need.
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Post by tirish33 on Apr 6, 2009 14:08:44 GMT -5
Is it me or am I the only one who doesn't see Nicholson as true center. I think Andrew could dominate some of the PFs in our league, but I think he easily gets muscled by bigger players. That is why I believe we need another big man. When I mean big man, I talking 6'9 to 6'11 at least 230lbs to 250lbs. There are to many big men in our league. I know people want a true pg, but many teams get by without one. Duke and Nova played all year without a true pg, but had 3 guys on the floor that could handle the ball and take advantage of a mis-matches when a bigger man had to match up against them. If we do not bring in another big man to complement Nicholson, we could be in trouble.
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Post by bartmitchell on Apr 6, 2009 14:39:08 GMT -5
tirish - while just about everybody would like to see 25 lbs of muscle on Andrew, I believe he is a Mark Schmidt -- type center: long, lean, quick and mobile. Andrew plays taller than 6'9" because of his long arms and because he gets off the ground so quick. Yes, he will get pushed around some, but hopefully his quickness, ability to get up and down the floor, etc., make up for it. Andrew + 25 lbs + another year of hard work and experience = (@) Ahmad Nivins.
I don't think Andrew is a power forward. I do think he can be an All-A10 center in his junior and senior years (with the caveat that there are some good centers in this league who will give him competition)
I do agree that we need a big- body center to push back against the likes of Kenny Frease. We also need an impact power forward and a point guard.
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Post by bonnies123 on Apr 6, 2009 15:00:40 GMT -5
I see your point tirish...he is not the typical big bodied center most are used to and looks more like a power forward. If we could go out and grab a big guy who can actually do something helpful, I think Andrew would be fine at power forward but I think his position is center. Remember Varnado of Miss. State had the same body type as Andrew except he had a tiny bit more muscle. I think with an off-season to add some muscle...even if its only 10-15 pounds, he'll be fine.
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Post by wgt on Apr 6, 2009 16:22:22 GMT -5
By all accounts, Andrew is a voracious eater & is committed to doing hard work in the weight room. That said, if he returns in the fall having gained 8-10 pounds I’d be delighted. He will never be a bulky center but he demonstrated this year how amazingly effective he can be at center without the weight, muscle & Div I experience. Going from a virtual unknown, under recruited player in Canada to A10 ROY is quite amazing and confirms he is well positioned playing the post..
Since he will be out muscled by bigger centers it is critical that we have a point guard that gets him the ball when he is in good position in the paint. His window of opportunity to receive the ball will be shorter than bulkier post players.
In the final 9-10 games of the season, The Professor showed a very effective 15-17 foot J which he increasingly put up. No stats on his conversion rate but it seemed to me that he rarely missed them hitting on a dozen or more. I expect this outside shot to become a more consistent part of his offensive game next season which will draw opposing centers out from the basket. I see the rationale behind playing him at the 4 but feel he is in the right place,
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Post by bigdobber on Apr 6, 2009 16:46:39 GMT -5
I was told that Andrew may still be growing. Seems like he could be like a Marcus Camby type player. I have to believe that Schmidt has a blueprint for next year and the release of Thomas and Blackwell opens up roster spots for Phase 2. The improvement and quantum leap from where we were 2 years ago is impressive and goes to show how quickly programs can turn around. The news on X regarding Miller makes the league more wide open in my opinion. You really don't have that perennial powerhouse and everyone else. Maybe X will reach out to Sol to carry the torch. I expect the Brown Indians will establish themselves as a top five A10 program over the next 3 years due to Andrew. You can't teach size and we have seen glimpses of how good he can be. If Schmidt plays his cards right he can be a hot coach in year 2012 as the Brown Indians make the Sweet 16. That would be my blue print for a secure retirement. X and Siena have both been springboards for coaches and have continued to field high caliber programs. For the record I predict Michigan State in an upset.
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Post by MuttMantle on Apr 6, 2009 18:18:04 GMT -5
Back to the topic started - I don't think it will be 7 - more like 4 or maybe 5. Remember House & Lewis got to practice all year, didn't they? And what about Simmons?? - did he get to practice from January on?
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Post by bricksmyth on Apr 6, 2009 18:24:06 GMT -5
Back to the topic started - I don't think it will be 7 - more like 4 or maybe 5. Remember House & Lewis got to practice all year, didn't they? And what about Simmons?? - did he get to practice from January on?  |
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