RedChristmas
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- Jan 17, 2009
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Yeah, this team is absolutely brutal offensively and this year's ship seems to be sinking but there are a ton of reasons to be extremely optimistic about next year as a Gopher fan. I would not be at all surprised if we are a top 10 team by the end of next year. We've got top notch talent coming in that appears to fill the gaps in this year's roster - a beast of a power forward, two athletic wing forwards with more offensive potential than the two we've got (DJ and Carter), and a backup point guard who should allow Joseph to move off the ball. This is a young team that has a bunch of guys playing below their ability right now (partly because no one player has stepped up) and isn't losing much. We will have a very well rounded roster of height and athleticism with the only potential real weakness of lack of guard quickness. If the new guys are anywhere near as good as advertised, we could be looking at a special year.
Some comments on the guys coming back:
Nolen - during the Louisville game, I thought he might be emerging as one of the Big 10's best guards despite his lack of shooting ability. He's only a sophomore and has shown the ability in the past to be a top notch point guard. He's severely hurt by having nobody to pass to.
Westbrook - just simply not a go to guy. He'll be fine as a third or fourth option on offense but lacks the athleticism, height, and basketball IQ to be a first option. He should be a 6th or 7th man type next year and should be very good in that role.
DJ - a good role player who will continue to be valuable as a glue guy.
Sampson - I expect a very big step forward from him next year. He's got the size and skill to be at least a 10pt 6reb 1-2blk a game guy next year. Actually anything less than that would be a disappointment to me.
Iverson - he's also a guy that should see a big step forward next year. He's got talent and looks like a kid that will get much more comfortable with the physical play of the Big 10. I expect him to be one of the better bench posts in the conference next year.
Joseph - should become one of the prime scoring options next year. Hopefully he'll hit the weights this offseason and build up his lower body a bit. He could use a stronger base. I think he'll probably average in double figures next year.
Hoffarber - to me, it seems as though Blake's woes started when he got hurt and missed a couple games. That can happen. He'll get a lot more open looks next year and I fully expect him to be a major contributor off the bench. He's got the basketball IQ and the shot will come back. I'd like to see him become more aggressive on offense but he's only a sophomore too - don't forget that.
Carter - role player that probably will lose minutes to White next year. If he improves his shot and adds strength, could force himself into the rotation. It's a good problem to have too many athletic 6-7 to 6-8 guys.
Bostick - don't expect him back, but if he does come back he could either surprise and become an offensive threat off the bench or be the same guy he is now which doesn't hurt you any - an athletic scoring guard to challenge guys in practice.
Busch - love the hustle and he's a good shooter. Unfortunately he's only 6-4. If this kid was even 6-7, he'd probably lead us in rebounding and be a decent scoring option. He'll continue to be a valuable hustle guy off the bench but with severely reduced minutes next year. More of an infusion of energy guy.
Better talent around these guys which allows them to fit better into their roles and another year of experience could go a long ways.
Some comments on the guys coming back:
Nolen - during the Louisville game, I thought he might be emerging as one of the Big 10's best guards despite his lack of shooting ability. He's only a sophomore and has shown the ability in the past to be a top notch point guard. He's severely hurt by having nobody to pass to.
Westbrook - just simply not a go to guy. He'll be fine as a third or fourth option on offense but lacks the athleticism, height, and basketball IQ to be a first option. He should be a 6th or 7th man type next year and should be very good in that role.
DJ - a good role player who will continue to be valuable as a glue guy.
Sampson - I expect a very big step forward from him next year. He's got the size and skill to be at least a 10pt 6reb 1-2blk a game guy next year. Actually anything less than that would be a disappointment to me.
Iverson - he's also a guy that should see a big step forward next year. He's got talent and looks like a kid that will get much more comfortable with the physical play of the Big 10. I expect him to be one of the better bench posts in the conference next year.
Joseph - should become one of the prime scoring options next year. Hopefully he'll hit the weights this offseason and build up his lower body a bit. He could use a stronger base. I think he'll probably average in double figures next year.
Hoffarber - to me, it seems as though Blake's woes started when he got hurt and missed a couple games. That can happen. He'll get a lot more open looks next year and I fully expect him to be a major contributor off the bench. He's got the basketball IQ and the shot will come back. I'd like to see him become more aggressive on offense but he's only a sophomore too - don't forget that.
Carter - role player that probably will lose minutes to White next year. If he improves his shot and adds strength, could force himself into the rotation. It's a good problem to have too many athletic 6-7 to 6-8 guys.
Bostick - don't expect him back, but if he does come back he could either surprise and become an offensive threat off the bench or be the same guy he is now which doesn't hurt you any - an athletic scoring guard to challenge guys in practice.
Busch - love the hustle and he's a good shooter. Unfortunately he's only 6-4. If this kid was even 6-7, he'd probably lead us in rebounding and be a decent scoring option. He'll continue to be a valuable hustle guy off the bench but with severely reduced minutes next year. More of an infusion of energy guy.
Better talent around these guys which allows them to fit better into their roles and another year of experience could go a long ways.
