cant help but look ahead. Just my thoughts on things to ponder.
First and foremost is trying to figure out what happened in our last 3 losses. Leads in all 3 games at the end of the
half (double digits against Ohio State) and yet 3 losses resulting from our being outscored by 50 points in the second in the 3 games combined. Brutal today of course with just scoring 16 second half points.
Player breakdowns
Octeus. Just love what he brought to us. No way are we where we are at without him. Today was tough. Only 3 looks and all wide open and he could not knock em down. Always will appreciate what he did for us.
Now we have to replace him. We need a starter at point guard for next season. Hands down it is our biggest need. If we get the right guy we can be elite. Well there is one more if, but we definitely can be elite if we make those two things happen.
Hammons. Obviously the second thing is Hammons return. There is every reason in the world for him to return. He still has a lot of work to do. He is going to go against Kaminski type length every night in the NBA and he was totally exposed in the second half today. I believe he will come back. If he does we will be very good.
Scott. Just do not see him on this team next year. Too bad. He really was destined to be a Boilermaker but his game just does not fit. If he were longer. If he could shoot. If, if, if. He wants to be good, He wants to be coached. He just cannot adapt. Davis. Really good for us. Great leadership, great attitude, really improved. I believe we will see even more improvement. Another player who struggles against length, but had a great season. More good things to come.
Stephens. Mediocre season for sure but teased us with what can be. Some really outstanding basketball ahead of him. Needs to be mentally and physically stronger. Look forward to seeing what he can get done.
Smotherman. Very coachable role player. Going to get stronger and be a very capable defender. Limited offensively but brings energy. As with so many young players needs consistency in the worst way,
Edwards. Very much remember early in the year discussing with my son that he has to learn to play defense and to block out. Well boy did he learn. IMO a very very improved player as the year progressed. Kind of went flat on his scoring but all other parts of his game improved dramatically. Needs a quicker release and to get stronger. Really good player.
Mathias. Another player who rapidly improved all season long. Extremely sound fundamental player. Got much better defensively and really has quick hands. Strength and agility work will just make him much better. Love this guy.
Haas. Just brought much more than I ever expected his freshman year. Has bottomed out right now. He is very frustrated as to how the game is called at this level and honestly he nightly gets punished for his size by the officials. They are clueless how to call the post defense being thrown at him. And of course the better AJ played the less minutes he got. Doesn't matter. Great team guy, great attitude, and I love him. Lots of great basketball in front of him. He is mentally and physically beat up right now. I hope he gets a second wind in the tournament and starts getting some decent officiating.
Thompson. Lots of things to work on starting with strength. Really nice player who against certain teams and certain defenses is a plus. Doesn't handle pressure well but will get better as he gets stronger. A glue guy who can really give us a lift at times.
Taylor. No idea. Have to see where this goes. If all works out really well we get Swanigan and that doesn't leave much opportunity for Taylor for next year. But that is a big if. We will just have to see where this goes.
In a nutshell, starting pg and Hammons back, very big year next year and national contender. Hammons back and pg by committee, still a very good team. Hope everyone grows up quick.
First and foremost is trying to figure out what happened in our last 3 losses. Leads in all 3 games at the end of the
half (double digits against Ohio State) and yet 3 losses resulting from our being outscored by 50 points in the second in the 3 games combined. Brutal today of course with just scoring 16 second half points.
Player breakdowns
Octeus. Just love what he brought to us. No way are we where we are at without him. Today was tough. Only 3 looks and all wide open and he could not knock em down. Always will appreciate what he did for us.
Now we have to replace him. We need a starter at point guard for next season. Hands down it is our biggest need. If we get the right guy we can be elite. Well there is one more if, but we definitely can be elite if we make those two things happen.
Hammons. Obviously the second thing is Hammons return. There is every reason in the world for him to return. He still has a lot of work to do. He is going to go against Kaminski type length every night in the NBA and he was totally exposed in the second half today. I believe he will come back. If he does we will be very good.
Scott. Just do not see him on this team next year. Too bad. He really was destined to be a Boilermaker but his game just does not fit. If he were longer. If he could shoot. If, if, if. He wants to be good, He wants to be coached. He just cannot adapt. Davis. Really good for us. Great leadership, great attitude, really improved. I believe we will see even more improvement. Another player who struggles against length, but had a great season. More good things to come.
Stephens. Mediocre season for sure but teased us with what can be. Some really outstanding basketball ahead of him. Needs to be mentally and physically stronger. Look forward to seeing what he can get done.
Smotherman. Very coachable role player. Going to get stronger and be a very capable defender. Limited offensively but brings energy. As with so many young players needs consistency in the worst way,
Edwards. Very much remember early in the year discussing with my son that he has to learn to play defense and to block out. Well boy did he learn. IMO a very very improved player as the year progressed. Kind of went flat on his scoring but all other parts of his game improved dramatically. Needs a quicker release and to get stronger. Really good player.
Mathias. Another player who rapidly improved all season long. Extremely sound fundamental player. Got much better defensively and really has quick hands. Strength and agility work will just make him much better. Love this guy.
Haas. Just brought much more than I ever expected his freshman year. Has bottomed out right now. He is very frustrated as to how the game is called at this level and honestly he nightly gets punished for his size by the officials. They are clueless how to call the post defense being thrown at him. And of course the better AJ played the less minutes he got. Doesn't matter. Great team guy, great attitude, and I love him. Lots of great basketball in front of him. He is mentally and physically beat up right now. I hope he gets a second wind in the tournament and starts getting some decent officiating.
Thompson. Lots of things to work on starting with strength. Really nice player who against certain teams and certain defenses is a plus. Doesn't handle pressure well but will get better as he gets stronger. A glue guy who can really give us a lift at times.
Taylor. No idea. Have to see where this goes. If all works out really well we get Swanigan and that doesn't leave much opportunity for Taylor for next year. But that is a big if. We will just have to see where this goes.
In a nutshell, starting pg and Hammons back, very big year next year and national contender. Hammons back and pg by committee, still a very good team. Hope everyone grows up quick.
