Early Predictions and Player Analysis for next year

[Amberlycolonel]

What an absurd statement.

Mick will win much more than 1 NCAA tourney. Mick is one of if not the best coach in the country

I am getting so tired of watching this clown argue with himself. Probably half of the post on this sight are from this guy and his many ids. Good forum but this fool has killed its rep.

 

[Bearcat22]

I think Justin Jackson will make a big leap on the offensive end this offseason and you will see him starting at the 4 for this team.

I agree, I think he's a hard worker that can still grow as a player. If he can develop a short jumper, and improve his interrior passing he'll make great strides. Sometime it looks like he lacks confidence on the offensive end. When we played Syracuse at home when he got in the lane they would play off him and dare him to shoot a 6-8ft jumper. Instead he would force a pass that would get deflected or stolen. He's also saved us some buckets by hustling back and getting blocks.

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Jackson's offense improved tremendously the last month of the season. And that was against really good competition. His main problem is size and that won't change. He'll still get pushed around for rebounds and position so I'm not sure he can be a low-post threat, but if we can get Mbodj or Gaines to do the banging then Jackson can crash the boards and do what he's done this past month or so and take his man and make a move to the basket from about 10-12 feet out. In an uptempo style, he won't need to be buried in the low-post, but with Mick's defensive-minded philosophy we'll never completely abandoned a grind-it-out slow paced gameplan. In these scenarios we need a low-post presence. Hopefully Mbodj can fill in effectively. Some of the better players in the country might still have their way with him, but if he learns to keep his arms up when defending, proper positioning for rebounding and when he does get the ball make one quick move and keep the ball high to make a higher percentage shot we will be as good as we've ever been in the low-post. I guess what I'm getting at is, offensively, Gates was not a low-post player, so I don't see how next year is a big down-grade in that department. There were plenty of games we never got the ball down low. Gates, defensively, however became a very good low-post defender. That will be missed.

I think where we will be better next year is slashing to the rim. Obviously Parker emerged in this department and SK showed flashes (he really needs to be smarter about passing when he's on the move and not dribbling into traffic). Cash has been very effective when going to the rim of late. The X-factor though should be Shaq Thomas. Obviously there will be a learning curve to overcome, but I really like his ability to get to the rim. And with the addition of Rubles and with Jackson showing some ability to get to the rim that could mean four players on the court at once that at any point in time can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. That keeps a defense guessing and leaves shooters open. SK, Cash, Sanders and Davis could all be deep threats.

 

[mdchick]

JJ will def be a starter next year no questions about it; whats really important is how many minutes they play, here are my predictions as of right now for the avg amount of minutes per game they will play:

SK:32
Cash:31
Jaquon:30
JJ:25
Shaq:17
(Rubbles,Gaines,Ellis):27
Saunders:14
Guyn:13
Davis:11

 

[david aka the TYZ]

JJ will def be a starter next year no questions about it; whats really important is how many minutes they play, here are my predictions as of right now for the avg amount of minutes per game they will play:

SK:32
Cash:31
Jaquon:30
JJ:25
Shaq:17
(Rubbles,Gaines,Ellis):27
Saunders:14
Guyn:13
Davis:11

I'm not 100% Jackson starts next year. I think early on maybe, but I think eventually Thomas slides into Dixon's role and thus Parker will start in the four role as he did this year. I think Mbodj starts just for the big body. Regardless I agree he'll see significant minutes. Jackson is so good at coming off the bench and bringing energy and a change of pace, I don't see messing that up unless his offense really improves to where he becomes a scoring threat.

 

[Eternal E]

Jackson is best to come off the bench, it is that simple. Unless something drastic changes he is a foul machine, so its best for him to come in 5-6 minutes into the game. I love the Raftery comparison to the Worm, he can be a poor mans Worm for UC.

 

[Leisuretime]

I'm not 100% Jackson starts next year. I think early on maybe, but I think eventually Thomas slides into Dixon's role and thus Parker will start in the four role as he did this year. I think Mbodj starts just for the big body. Regardless I agree he'll see significant minutes. Jackson is so good at coming off the bench and bringing energy and a change of pace, I don't see messing that up unless his offense really improves to where he becomes a scoring threat.

I would love it if Thomas can step in as a starter even halfway through next season. Despite the hype and RS status, he is still a freshman and there will be a learning curve. If he is already developed enough through practices to step in and be productive, it could mean great things for the program.

I don't think Jackson is the 6th man again next year. While he does need to work on staying out of foul trouble, you can see a big difference in him controlling his emotions on the court just this year. And as stated before, his offensive skill set has improved too. However if he continues to foul excessively, that's where I see him riding more pine. A starting spot is his to lose.

I agree that Mbodj will see more minutes just for his size, but I would like to see Gaines get more minutes as well. He plays with a lot of passion like Jackson does, but he has yet to show he can be effective without fouling like mad.

 

[mdchick]

I agree that jackson's body doesn't compare to mbodj on the inside but his ability to finish around the rim is actually very good especially on put back rebounds, having him in rather than mbodj creates a better offense in generel, he can actually cath the ball on the wing which is huge because that means the paint isn't as pack with players making it easier for others to drive into the lane, Just my opinion don't get me wrong i wouldn't be suprized if mbodj started, but i think having jackson in the line up just creats better play for a 4 guard offense

This would be my starting line up for next year

Cash
SK
Jaquon
Shaq
JJ

With JJ Jaquon and shaq all rebounding;
JJ does need to improve on his jumper because whenever he catches the ball on the perimeter he looks to pass he never looks to drive or shoot which makes him a weak wing player, but we really don't need him for his offense when everyone on the team except for him and gaines are offensive orriented.

 

[CPAW29]

jackson should start and i hope gaines emerge as a starter. both can be good shot blockers and disrupt the middle. i think rubles and sanders will battle for minutes as the sixth man. sanders will be that darnell burton type off the bench. overall the team will be more deep because of the bench and uptempo cause of the athleticism.

 

[bearcat jeff]

I believe Cash will be huge next season and think we will see him play some 2 with Guyn at the point at times.

SK will average somewhere in the 16-18 point range.

Parker will have a Rashad Bishop type of year.

I know some disagree with me but I look for Kelvin Gaines to contribute solidly next season. I would have loved to have seen him get more of Mbodji's minutes this past season.

Thomas would have given this team an element it was missing. A tall guy that can handle the ball and get to the basket. He will be a very welcome addition and has worked hard on improving his long range shot.

Jackson could be a star. If he ever learns to slow down and play under control, watch out!

Want to see a healthy Cheikh next season. Most don't realze he was hampered by his ankle all season long.

Davis has the potential to make an impact coming off the bench. He is a very good passer but his decision making needs to improve.

Guyn has the potential to be a defensive star and has the quicks to be a good penetrate and dish pg.

I have like the Ellis signing for some time. A former top 135 player with ball skills and touch. Hopefully his growth spurt can be coupled with strength and weight. If it is he will be a match up nightmare down the line.

Rubles will give this team a player with a high motor who goes after the ball on the glass. Another guy with size and ball skills. I think he makes an impact.

Sanders has the best bb iq on the team. He took too long to get comfortable at the D1 level. Another year of conditioning and body shaping will do him wonders. Love this kids upside.

Overall next seasons team may be the most athletic from 1-13 in many many years. There will be great length and overall ball skills and shooting will be better due to the additions of Rubles and Thomas as guys with size that can get to the rim. I fully expect this team to challenge for a BEast title next season. It will be a very deep team.

 

[dbieon12]

1. Cash
2. Kilpatrick
3. Rubles/Thomas
4. Parker (Unless TitRub is comfortable guarding post players).


WE HAVE SO MANY UNDER-DEVELOPED/NON-START-WORTHY 4's AND 5's.

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What makes me most optimistic about next season (other than the returning veterans Cash, Killa, Park) is the fact that we are only (hopefully) losing 2 players (Gates, Dixon). Yet we are gaining in essence 4 or 5 players (Thomas, Rubles, Ellis, Gaines, Obekpa?). It almost feels like we would have too many players.

.

.

 

[bearcat jeff]

1. Cash
2. Kilpatrick
3. Rubles/Thomas
4. Parker (Unless TitRub is comfortable guarding post players).


WE HAVE SO MANY UNDER-DEVELOPED/NON-START-WORTHY 4's AND 5's.

------

What makes me most optimistic about next season (other than the returning veterans Cash, Killa, Park) is the fact that we are only (hopefully) losing 2 players (Gates, Dixon). Yet we are gaining in essence 4 or 5 players (Thomas, Rubles, Ellis, Gaines, Obekpa?). It almost feels like we would have too many players.

.

.

That is a bonus. If you can't get top shelf players get an abundance of tier two players and wear teams down and increase your options.

 

[mdchick]

i also feel like we have to many players, I really like everyone on the team and won't be unhappy when mick puts any of the guys on the floor. I guess thats a good problem to have.

 

[TheLivingLegend]

This team will win games because of its guard play.

However, this team will be good because of justin jackson. JJ will make or break the overall success of the season. Defensively he HAS to be a rebounding machine. Get some blocks. And stay out of foul trouble. Offensively he needs to attack the rim. DUNK THE BALL. The upside for him is just tremendous. He needs to go from the enegery guy to a starter who can play big time minutes with that energy.

 

[Thegreatone]

This team will win games because of its guard play.

However, this team will be good because of justin jackson. JJ will make or break the overall success of the season. Defensively he HAS to be a rebounding machine. Get some blocks. And stay out of foul trouble. Offensively he needs to attack the rim. DUNK THE BALL. The upside for him is just tremendous. He needs to go from the enegery guy to a starter who can play big time minutes with that energy.

Agreed. Justin progress could make this team a solid team that could make the tourny to a top 15 team.

He will improve. A lot of athletic big man who can block shots get into foul trouble. We never had to really get on him for fouling. In fact his role was to cause disruption. His role will change next season. Someone else needs to take the spark off the bench role.

Would love for that to be Obepka but I think many could fill it. Rubles, Ellis, Guyn.

 

[Hicks' Guns]

Seems pretty clear to me the main contributorsand nucleus of this team next year are:

PG - Cash
2G - Kilpatrick
3G - Parker
PF -Justin

I think a lot of the rest is up for grabs. There's probably 2-3 spots in the rotation for guards that get minutes, and Guyn, Sanders, Davis and Thomas will be fighting for those.

Also 3 spots that get minutes to give Jackson a break and start at the 5 spot. Gaines, Mbodj, Rubles and probably Obekpa if he's there are fighting for those.

I'm hopeful that Thomas, Mbodj and Rubles make significant contributions and some of the other guys step up. From what we've seen on the court, looks like Guyn will be a backup PG.

 

[mplebanon]

Seems pretty clear to me the main contributorsand nucleus of this team next year are:

PG - Cash
2G - Kilpatrick
3G - Parker
PF -Justin

I think a lot of the rest is up for grabs. There's probably 2-3 spots in the rotation for guards that get minutes, and Guyn, Sanders, Davis and Thomas will be fighting for those.

Also 3 spots that get minutes to give Jackson a break and start at the 5 spot. Gaines, Mbodj, Rubles and probably Obekpa if he's there are fighting for those.

I'm hopeful that Thomas, Mbodj and Rubles make significant contributions and some of the other guys step up. From what we've seen on the court, looks like Guyn will be a backup PG.

Parker played as much as any of the starters this year after he returned from injury, so I'll call him a returning starter.

So UC returns 4 starters in Wright, Kilpatrick, Parker, and Jackson. Not bad. And the experience at the 1, 2, & 3 will carry this team until the big men emerge as contributors.

Out of Mbodj, Gaines, Ellis, Rubles, and hopefully Obekpa, one or two will emerge by January. Hopefully they spend this offseason making strides.

 

[ralph1950]

National Championship if not next year then soon after.

 

[BearcatMick]

National Championship if not next year then soon after.

Agreed

 

[ME80]

Again a good thread hijacked and ruined.