My take on the team's potential relates to what I have stated prior to the past two seasons. With the depth of talent available and the various levels of experience, BU has a myriad of paths, lineups, and usages of the many talents available from which to choose. That problem is not easy to solve, but the solution becomes less varied as one observes the performances on the floor. When looking at the skills that the two frosh bring, it is even more difficult to see a clear path.
For that reason, even though we can all see the potential ceiling, it will always be difficult on any night to establish who should be doing what on either end and getting it right. Only five can play, and no one has the complete skill-set at both ends to be what they need to be every night. Brad sees what is happening in practice, what problems the opponents provide, and uses the skills of all eleven to make a plan. But not all players max their strengths at both ends when needed. That said, they will all get better as play on the floor gives confidence and experience to combat and improve errors. That process is never quick enough for Illini fans. My only criticism of this team is that there has been no improvement from the FT line and big turnover numbers are still a huge problem. Not sure the staff knows what to do about FTs, but the turns have to be and should be improved. It would astonish me if our guys would keep them to 8 or even less against Mizzou, a team that wants to run all night and play with emotion....but that should be a goal...and maybe out of reach. Regardless, it will be riveting to see if the Illini can get to an avg of 10 or less by the middle of the B1G schedule.