22-23 Team Discussion

**waterhead** · 03-28-2022, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyblade

Ody also showed a fair amount of offensive skill. Ody struggled to stay on the court because of his defense and high foul rate. There's at least some reason to believe that his defensive struggles were partly due to learning a new system, with a full off-season he should improve.

Vik on the other hand seems to have a really good one-on-one game, but not so much on the team game side. Another year in the system should help him a lot. His defense was better than Ody's, but he still struggled at times.

Both Ody and Vik put up good rebounding numbers, especially offensive rebounds.

Any big we add is likely to have as many or more flaws as Ody/Vik and less time to learn Miller's system. I think Ody/Vik are more likely to become a big man who can defend, rebound and score than any portal guy. Guys who can do everything either go to a blue-blood or go pro.

I would agree. Not sure we are getting a sure starter big from portal. If we are getting a starter it’s at PG. Outside chance at hybrid forward

skyblade · 03-28-2022, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterhead

I would agree. Not sure we are getting a sure starter big from portal. If we are getting a starter it’s at PG. Outside chance at hybrid forward

Yeah, starting PG is our biggest need. If we're going to get a starter it will be a guard (possibly SG if we give DDJ some PG minutes).

A young backup PG/SG is arguably as big of a need. The only guard we will have developing in the pipeline is Skillings and he is more of a guard forward, not likely to play PG.

Then the final piece to add is a rotational PF/C, but in my mind it's the least important. We could manage without, though an injury could cause problems if tried. Probably a defense first guy, given that both Lakhin and Ody struggled on the defensive end last year.

**sedziobs** · 03-31-2022, 11:18 AM

The portal continues to fill up. There are tons of options for guards that can either score or distribute.

Tristan Newton of ECU seems like an ideal target. 6'5" efficient scorer with one of the highest assist rates in the portal who can play multiple positions. He probably wants to move to a better league though. Maybe someone like Terry Roberts of Bradley would be more realistic. He's a good passer at 6'3" and an average scorer with a high steal rate. That might fit the Wes Miller mold.

**sedziobs** · 03-31-2022, 11:52 AM

Kalu Ezikpe narrowed his list to us, LSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Pitt, and Western Kentucky.

Queens_NYC · 03-31-2022, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedziobs

Kalu Ezikpe narrowed his list to us, LSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Pitt, and Western Kentucky.

You'd have to feel pretty good about where we stand amongst those options unless the new LSU guy from Murray St makes a killing in the portal.

TheRealMick · 03-31-2022, 08:22 PM

My real deal nephew entered portal today. Eric Gaines- PG-LSU, was late bloomer top 150 from lithonia, GA. He's one of the top PG targets for us right now. Perfect player run Wes system. Has a Ja Morant type game.

TheRealMick · 03-31-2022, 08:22 PM

I mentioned him as target for us when he was in high school.

**sedziobs** · 04-01-2022, 09:40 AM

Gaines has a high steal rate and gets to the rim and free throw line a lot, which are all things we have been missing from our guards. He's only an average scorer and turns the ball over a lot, but I'd expect improvement in those areas with 3 years eligibility remaining. Would be a great pickup if there is mutual interest.

TheRealMick · 04-02-2022, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sedziobs

Gaines has a high steal rate and gets to the rim and free throw line a lot, which are all things we have been missing from our guards. He's only an average scorer and turns the ball over a lot, but I'd expect improvement in those areas with 3 years eligibility remaining. Would be a great pickup if there is mutual interest.

His the best version of Isaiah Miller we're going to find. His scoring numbers have been average but he's a SCORER. Too many guys on roster afraid to have ball in their hands. We need guys that's not afraid make layups or dunks.

Queens_NYC · 04-02-2022, 09:06 PM

Saunders committed to Utah earlier today.

Utah returns their starting PG from this past year (their back-up transferred out) but considering the team finished 11-20 and #122 in KenPom, I'm sure Saunders will have a chance to compete for that starting position.

03-31-2022, 11:18 AM	#93
sedziobs Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 2,395	The portal continues to fill up. There are tons of options for guards that can either score or distribute. Tristan Newton of ECU seems like an ideal target. 6'5" efficient scorer with one of the highest assist rates in the portal who can play multiple positions. He probably wants to move to a better league though. Maybe someone like Terry Roberts of Bradley would be more realistic. He's a good passer at 6'3" and an average scorer with a high steal rate. That might fit the Wes Miller mold.

03-31-2022, 11:52 AM	#94
sedziobs Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 2,395	Kalu Ezikpe narrowed his list to us, LSU, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Pitt, and Western Kentucky.

03-31-2022, 08:22 PM	#96
TheRealMick Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 1,016	My real deal nephew entered portal today. Eric Gaines- PG-LSU, was late bloomer top 150 from lithonia, GA. He's one of the top PG targets for us right now. Perfect player run Wes system. Has a Ja Morant type game.

04-01-2022, 09:40 AM	#98
sedziobs Senior Moderator Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 2,395	Gaines has a high steal rate and gets to the rim and free throw line a lot, which are all things we have been missing from our guards. He's only an average scorer and turns the ball over a lot, but I'd expect improvement in those areas with 3 years eligibility remaining. Would be a great pickup if there is mutual interest.

04-02-2022, 09:06 PM	#100
Queens_NYC Epic Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Posts: 1,655	Saunders committed to Utah earlier today. Utah returns their starting PG from this past year (their back-up transferred out) but considering the team finished 11-20 and #122 in KenPom, I'm sure Saunders will have a chance to compete for that starting position.