I know I am jumping the gun for next year, but nevertheless it is never to early to take a peek. Here are some things that I think will help us be successful next year.
Lineups:
Starters-
PG-JoJak
SG-Graves
SF-CK
PF-Marschall
C-Big O/Larson
Bench
SG-Thomas
PG-Brown
SG-Goins
PF/SF-Calhoun
PF/SF McElroy
PG/SG Kraus
Late signee
I think our lineup will be very good because we have so many interchangable players. CK, Graves, Goins, Thomas can play more than one position. We have the type of players to either play small and run the floor or a half court game. I feel that CK can take over as leading scorer next year and whoever else wants the job. More than likely Graves will man the secondary scorer role. Frankly it doesn't matter.
Defense:
Our zone play has been great this season and has won us alot games. Next year I think it will be even better because we will have alot more athletic guards on top of the zone. Not to mention the length we will have to get into passing lanes.
I also feel that with our personel we will be able to do alot more full court press. Like stated before having more atheltic players at our disposal will cause other teams fits.
Offense:
This season our guards seemed to lack the ability or understanding of penetrating the ball on O. This keeps the defense honest and opens up opportunities for shooters (Thomas, JoJak, Graves) and post men (Otis, Marschall,CK, Larson).
Another thing is giving our big guys an opportunity to touch the ball. I was always taught that when you have big guys who work hard to get open you have to reward them. They do not have to necessarily score the ball, but giving them the ball opens up opportunities on the ball reversal. Crisp ball movement will always keep the defense guessing.
Our fastbreak opportunities will be alot better next year as well. We have good athletes that can run the floor. Now all we need is good spacing and people to pass ahead. This year our fastbreaks suck because the spacing is horrible and our guys do not sprint down the court. Easy buckets can make a world of difference in a tight game.
Other:
-I feel that our big men will better next season, Otis and Marschall showed some flashes in the tournament and in the latter part of the season. Another offseason with Coach Jackson will do them some good.
-JoJak has to be more of a leader on the floor. He is the general that must lead his team into battle. He needs to command the ball more and be more vocal in setting up the offense. He has the potential I just hope with the other guards leaving he can step into that leadership role.
-Chris Knight needs to go into this offseason healthy because this offseason will be dedicated to working on his perimeter skills to man the three spot. He is a walking mismatch and can cause teams to wonder how they will stop. (See Buffalo home game)
-Graves, Goins and Calhoun will have to work overtime to shake of the redshirt rust. I know they are hungry and want to show the world what they can do.
-We need to develop a backup PG. I am not sure if Dee Brown plans on staying. I haven't hear any rumors just speculating because of his lack of PT. I hope he stays and develops some foot speed. Kraus I hear is another scoring guard which will add to our firepower. We need a game manager who make good decisions.
Discuss. Opinions? Objections?
Keys for Success in 2009-2010 season
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Ryan Autullo
- Egg
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:16 pm
Very nice run down on next year's team. I can't argue with any of it, although my money is on Scott Thomas cracking the starting lineup at the 2 or 3. I really like his game and with a good offseason he could really explode onto the scene next year. And by good offseason, I mostly mean improving his physique. It often amazes me how high school stars can spend countless hours in the gym during the summer refining their skills yet walk right past the weight room. Thomas needs to become a "man" physically because everything else looks very good.
