I think the biggest issue with this team is that the personnel don't fit the system well at all. Underwood's offense works best with long athletes who can get to the basket off the dribble and offensive rebound (shooting obviously also, but that's true for everyone). Right now, our roster is too reliant on combo guys aren't great at getting to the basket, and finesse bigs that aren't great rebounders.
I think we can all see that Underwood is working to correct those holes in the roster and add athletic wings and glass-cleaners. But guess what, everyone wants athletic wings and glass-cleaners. We're not recruiting from a position of national relevance anymore. These kids don't remember Dee and Deron.
They were barely alive. For most of our targets, we're selling the chance for early playing-time in a good conference, not the chance to join a winning program that will guarantee you visibility on the national stage and a straight-line to the NBA.
Totally agree. Our current roster doesn't match the system at all. Even though they're not highly touted or polished, I think adding Jacobs and Trice to this class is important because they directly address major needs. Ayo is the guy who gets to the rim & adds much needed offense. Jacobs is that athletic wing & Trice is the athletic glass cleaner you mentioned.