Pitino on Walker/Buggs: I don't know just yet how they're going to be in my offense

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BleedGopher

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per FSN:

Junior center Mo Walker, who checks in at nearly 300 pounds, and redshirt freshman forward Charles Buggs are two options for the Gophers' frontcourt next season, but Pitino hasn't yet had much of a chance to see of either of them. Buggs has been sick with mononucleosis and has not practiced, and Walker suffered a minor injury but has still taken part in two of three workouts.

With Mbakwe and Williams gone, Pitino knows the frontcourt may be the biggest question mark on the roster heading into next season.

"I know they're great kids," Pitino said. "I know they work hard. I don't know just yet how they're going to be in my offense, how they're going to be in the press. It's just too early to tell that right now. My expectations are to get these guys to buy into what we're doing — not that the old way was wrong, but buy into my system, buy into my style, because it's going to be totally different."

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/colle...ectations-in-check?blockID=892789&feedID=5930

Go Gophers!!
 

Yeah, hard to make an impression when you have mono haha
 

This isn't a big deal yet. Buggs should be a good fit in the defensive end from everything we have been told about his skills. Much of this has to do with Pitino not having much time with these guys. I do think Walker will be a question because of his lack if mobility.
 

That's the thing about Mo. Even if he wanted to get in better shape, he rarely has the opportunity to do so because he's injured all the time.
 

jaymil said:
That's the thing about Mo. Even if he wanted to get in better shape, he rarely has the opportunity to do so because he's injured all the time.
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I'm coming to that opinion as well. Even without the coaching change, if Mo is injured right now, how much can he develope if he is unable to function?
 


Kind of a misleading headline as there really isn't a story yet since Pitino has not had enough time to evaluate any of the current players or really get his system installed. Obviously Mo is the biggest concern (pun intended). With his size there is definite concern about his ability to function in a fast paced offense and defense. He is going to have to get in shape and even then he may or may not fit athletically when it is all said and done. I worry less about Buggs as he seems pretty athletic just a matter of finding out how good he actually is since he didn't play last year.
 



Are teams allowed to practice right now? Isn't it the offseason?
 




Winnipegopher said:
Are teams allowed to practice right now? Isn't it the offseason?
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They got those new rules that came out last year that allow coaches to practice with players a certain number of hours during the offseason.
 

I'm not too worried about Buggs fitting in. Walker I'm not so certain about, he needs to get into shape, although he may be fine in small spurts.
 

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How can Buggs not be in shape? Perhaps his mono has just sucked his energy. He should be good when healthy. Big Mo better start working out though.
 

I agree that Eliason could get in better shape. He NEVER dunks which is extremely odd for a 7'1 dude.
 

XMan said:
How can Buggs not be in shape? Perhaps his mono has just sucked his energy. He should be good when healthy. Big Mo better start working out though.
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Buggs just hasn't been able to practice - nobody is claiming he's actually out of shape. It's Big Mo, and according to Pitino, also Elliot Eliason who are in question. I agree, EE needs to work with a personal trainer to get his body in good enough shape to overcome some of his athletic deficiencies.
 

This info relates to another thread where people were jump on Patino for lowering expectations for next season. The coach does not yet know if all if the players on the roster will be able to contribute in his system.
 

alchemy2u said:
This info relates to another thread where people were jump on Patino for lowering expectations for next season. The coach does not yet know if all if the players on the roster will be able to contribute in his system.
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I'm willing to give Pitino the benefit of the doubt. I much prefer having a coach that holds marginal players to a high standard than a coach who holds top recruits to marginal standards.
 









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