I don’t hold the team in very high regard last year. But I think they underachieved at 6 wins. If they had stayed healthy they’d have won 8-11 big ten games IMO.
People may not be happy with who is signed. However, to pretend there is a huge drop in talent is ridiculous. Carr had talent, but really didn't make people around him better at all. No defense, selfish. Liam had a couple of good games, but overall didn't guard well and for most part was exposed defensively against any decent players in Big Ten and struggled in preseason (other than blocking a shot here and there), and turned the ball over way too much. I'd take him back as I think he can improve but he wants to be with his uncle, and in the end neither he or Carr or going to help in building a new program. The only one I would like back Brandon Johnson, but he is really just a hard worker who doesn't shoot the ball well. We'll be able to replace that once it all shakes out. The rest of the players who left won't be missed, including Mashburn who was a mini-Carr offensively with needing the ball way too much, and he couldn't guard because he's way too small. Other than Williams they all ended up at mid-major's or lower, and Williams is at Oregon State (not like he was in demand).
Very possible outcome is we don't miss these guys and are a better team than last year. Another outcome which is possible is we have a lot of posts next year that say i wish we had someone athletic who could create their own shot or a big guy who could defend the rim.
Let's compare what we have so far on a scale of 1-10
You haven't seen any of the new additions play a lick of basketball, why are you giving them grades?
Lil' Richard 2.............. BJ hopefully more than 2
First, I've seen Ihnen, Gach, Willis and Fox play plenty. And we can't infer anything based on their previous years and stats? This message board is useless if this is your threshold for discussion.
I'm not sure I'd go there. But yes, hopefully the overall ability of the staff is higher.
That’s the thing... we will want someone who can create their shot, but I know I don’t want someone who doesn’t share the ball and make others better. Also, I don’t think Liam defended the rim very well. He blocked some shots, but got pushed around and out of position way too often. He wanted to leave anyway with his uncle, so it is what it is anyway.
I said a huge drop in talent. I didn't say that the new players wouldn't play better as a team. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can claim at this moment that there will not be a huge drop in talent. That is NOT a knock on Ben Johnson. Next year is for culture building, building a program identity and recruiting for the future with guys that are willing to give it their all the context of team play. I hold out a tiny hope for a Vince Grier - Jeff Hagen squad that surprises.
Coaching basketball is not as easy as it appears. I agree with your analysis but NBA lottery picks are tough to entice to attend Minnesota.