not about who I think because I don't make predictions, but who I think the publications will pick over us and I'm betting WSU, CU, and UNI will get picked ahead of us.
We need to stop the slide now, why be concern what someone else things we will do next year, next year is not our problem now. We need to win tomorrow, and one game at a time for the next month. We can still have a good year if we find some urgency and leadership in the last minute of games!
WSU loses their top 4 leading scorers and 5 of their main 7 that play. We will return 42pts per game vs their 12...if they are picked above us something is really wrong.
WSU? Seriously? They lose 6 seniors as for UNI they are a toss up. I would put us and DU ahead of them based on returning players. Our most "college ready" frosh redshirted this year and we are gonna have the highest rated class coming in. ISUr should be in the mix but Jank usually finds a way to tank a season. CU will be decided at the end of the year cause if pundits are gonna tout McD as a lottery pick I don't know how he can stay. ISUb will have a tough year next year as they graduate 4. This year isn't over yet but the future is very bright. If we can win out we will likely be in 2nd or a game out.
Still think they (WSU) get picked ahead of us next year by most unless G.M. leaves. And if McD leaves that changes things for CU as well, but I don't think publications are going to take too kindly to us next year after losing KMFW and our other leading scorer in CP.
I don't think WSU will get picked ahead of us next year. Even their own fans think they are going to have a down year next year. I'd rate us behind CU and even with UNI going into next year. Not sure about Evansville? But don't they return most of their players next year? They have some pretty decent players. Sure hope we can get a win tomorrow. I've actually seen several TV spots about the upcoming game. A pretty well done spot too. Maybe that will help attendance.
We replaced it with guys who are unknowns and we're basically a .500 ball club. And that's with two of our three JUCOs being smash hits this season. What happens if our next batch turn out to be Wade Knapps or Dano Novaks? Like tito, I HATE the thought of relying on freshmen at the point and any significant contribution from freshmen at other positions. Kirk is turning out to be one of the most productive freshmen we've had in a long while (outside of say, Kyle Weems) and we even need more than that out of some of next year's freshmen.
I look at a starting lineup that could easily be Dorrian,Downing,Gulley, Kirk and Hicks; then you have experienced players like Pickens/Copeland/Scheer coming off the bench along with Wilson who was our best rebounder in early season practices, and who knows what Corbin can provide . That's ten players w/o touching a true freshman, and Thurman has been described as the most D-1 ready frosh we've recruited in years. Alot of unprovens, but still you start with two proven double digit scorers , a guy who will make this years all frosh team, two veterans like Pickens and Scheer,and a top level juco . Some peole forget Dorrian was picked by some publications as the top frosh entering the Valley this year. I didn't quite see that, but he is D-1 strong, a solid ball handler and a damn side better defender than Biz. I'm not saying we'll be title contenders, but we have a solid core and a strong freshman class. We will be just fine I think.
It is fun and it helps to see names tentatively listed as a "starting five" with guys coming in from the bench for the 2012-2013 Bears team. I have no issue with the order you listed. I just do not see how Pickens and Thurman and Wilson will not compete pretty hard for a spot in the starting five. And if Bruce does not redshirt I hope he gets minutes to get some length on the floor for some of the 200 minutes of each game. M. Marshall may get on the stat sheet also. At least four of those players come with a three star rating out of high school (Dorrian, Kirk, M. Marshall, and Thurman). I wonder how much playing time Scheer and Copeland will be able to get next year? Thomas may have to make some big adjustments to find much playing time. The redshirts this year and the new players joining the roster next year provide a foundation for some measured optimism.
You know it's pretty bad when there's over a 1/3 of the season left this year and the topic of choice right now is talk on next year. I can see us being picked 4th-5th next year. Some on here are undervaluing the loss of Weems and overvaluing the "returning starters" statistic.
UNI, Evansville, Illinois St, and Drake return almost their whole teams. Cu is obviously gonna be ahead of us and WSU won't drop to the bottom so, who are we gonna be PICKED ahead of if we don't finish very strong without being carried by Weems?
Bearish is right, why have we quit being concerned about how we finish the year, it is not over. Besides, where we finish this year will have a lot to do with where we are picked next. If the players that return cannot play better and finish games why would anyone thing they would become stars next year. Rivals has WSU as having the best class coming in this fall in the MVC, so anyone that things they are going to drop off the table is kidding them selves as long as the coach stays. Let's go Bears and NOW!
Not saying some of those guys won't immediately help us or even challenge to start, I was just responding to those who said they hated having to rely on freshman playing major roles as if we didn't have a core of experienced guys that could easily dominate the minutes if the frosh aren't ready. Best case sceanaio is that a couple of the frosh push for time; but if they need time we have enough experienced players to be competitive. And I really could care less where we are picked, my guess is 5th /6th just like this year; I think the talk about next year is in relation to the doom and gloom expressed by those who were saying how if we aren't better than this now, how bad we would be next year.
I'd settle for either Cope or Scheer with a hot hand. If just one of them would step up (this year or next) we would be so much better.
We have as many unknowns for next season as we did coming into this season. Everybody expected Patterson to average 10+ points a game this season so I don't see that as an issue. Also, Downey and Gulley will see a lot more defense directed their way with the loss of Weems. And we need a point guard. I like the optimism, but it is not a foregone conclusion everyone will improve. No way we will be in the preseason top 4. But, get a juco scoring guard that can dribble would be a good step in restoring my optimism.
Good points tito. One difference next year from this year IMO is the talent that will be on the active roster next year in addition to AD, JG, KP, CK, NS, CC, and CT. This year (new players), one freshman and two juco's are getting minutes (Kirk, Downing, and Gulley). Next year there is the possibility that Wilson and Williams (one redshirt year under their belts) will be joined by four new talented players Thurman, Marshall and Marshall, and Hicks (two three star recruits, a top 50 or so juco transfer, and a tall shooter). Biggest obvious needs next year: Point guard who can handle the ball and distribute and defend in the MVC. Rebounding and DEFENSIVE PRESENCE against 260 pound angry men who play for the other team. Outside shooting. Our best shooters from the three are KW ( our PF) and CP (our Center). And their percentages are not record breaking. Chemistry created by recruiting the type player that can "fit in" here and be happy and contribute. Coaching, and all that that means.
I agree with you Bee. We have players with experience returning next year. They can and will be the nucleus of the team. The two W's and Hicks will not be inexperienced either. Seven returning players with six new players eligible is an interesting mix.
