I dunno about you guys, but I'm kinda starting to get spooked about landing a big.
I dunno about you guys, but I'm kinda starting to get spooked about landing a big.
I dunno about you guys, but I'm kinda starting to get spooked about landing a big.
I don't think Coach Underwood is worried. In his most recent press conference he noted that he relied on a lineup of players 6'4" or shorter to beat WVU this year.
I'm not worried per se, but I sure would be a lot more optimistic about next year if we did have more depth in the post.
TBH, I don't know if it matters for next year unless someone comes jogging in out of left field. The ISU guy would probably help, but I don't know much about him. I have no idea if he's a good fit or not. He's certainly a big body. I'd kill for a Sam McLaurin right now. I'm wondering if maybe rolling over those scholarships might be our best move at this point.
Right now I doubt Finke/Black play much together because we will need their minutes at the 5, so Kipper ends up playing most of his minutes at the 4
I don't think Coach Underwood is worried. In his most recent press conference he noted that he relied on a lineup of players 6'4" or shorter to beat WVU this year.
That was awesome (the statement you noted as well as the entire clip). IIRC, he responded to a question re: concern over lack of size by saying he used a lineup of 5'8, 5'10, and three 6'4 guys to beat WVU.
This vividly illustrates what's got me the most spooked. First of all, the memory of the '15-'16 season is fresh enough for me to fear the injury bug. Secondly, we're going to be pushing people into the 5 that really would shine better elsewhere. It'll be awkward.Do you remember 2 years ago when we thought we had 5 bigs heading into the season & finished with 2? We don't even really have a true 5 to cover a decent big. Right now I doubt Finke/Black play much together because we will need their minutes at the 5, so Kipper ends up playing most of his minutes at the 4, where we lose the opportunity to put him on the opposition's best wing.
Legitimately asking- is this even how our current staff thinks about positions?
Good question & I am only guessing at the answer. On offense I think it matters a lot less, however, I still think on defense it matters.
+1. I think the concern for bigs is mostly the defensive presence.
He also said height was a priority and he likes diversity. The opportunity to play big or even normal sized is a good thing. Just because you play 1 game small & it works doesn't mean you only want that option. He wasn't going to come out and say we are doomed unless we get another big.
A 5th yr is essentially rolling over the schollie to next year, but with the added advantage of getting you someone this year, so it is a better option if available. I think we need a freshman big with a fair chance to play in 2018 & a 5th year senior big to fill a gap this year.
He also said height was a priority and he likes diversity. The opportunity to play big or even normal sized is a good thing. Just because you play 1 game small & it works doesn't mean you only want that option. He wasn't going to come out and say we are doomed unless we get another big.
I agree. I have nightmares of Purdue's Issac Haas parking himself under the basket.
Our class will be just fine. I've got a good feeling that we will hear some good news on JT here very soon. Mark Smith has been recruiting him hard to come with him and they were wanting to play together when Smith started to blow up. Even took a visit together to see a game. I think JT will come back.
That leaves 2 schollies. I expect BU to only use 1 on an athletic wing. Someone who can develop and is a good fit for system, the guy he goes after may be someone no one would be thinking of, but BU knows what he is after and he will get one.
With the remaining scholly I expect it to be rolled over. However from what I hear the 2018 class will be a 2 man class. Ayo, THT, Finke, Ignas. First ones to commit get em.However if somehow De Sousa wants to come BU would take him of course. If De Sousa comes it would wind up being him and Ayo.
From what i have heard Chin has Ayo on board. List will be cut after EYBL from what I have heard but could be sooner. It will come down to Illinois and Xavier and we all know how that ends in the end.
What makes you think a 3 or low 4 star 6'8 guy is going to get playing time over those 4?
That's all fair and correct, but functioning on offense isn't our fear. It's getting bullied on defense.
My read of things as well. It's a huge hole. Here's our current scholarship roster from tallest down:
6' 10" Finke
6' 7" Black
6' 7" DJW
6' 6" Kipper Nichols
We're not just thin, we don't even have a rotation. Anyone who wants to sign can get as much PT as they could want. I personally believe we'll add a big before the season --the opportunity is just too good. I think we'll take the best fit we can find if we have to.