This one is for DoctorDore:
I have been thinking more and more about the upcoming Vandy MBB season and here are a few things to get excited about in my opinion:
-The ability for CKS to flex this year's lineup is probably the best its ever been:
-He could go big with a lineup of WB (6'3"), MFD (6'5"), JT (6'7"), LK (7'1") and DJ (7'0") - that should be big enough to go toe-to-toe with about any team
-He could go to RL, NC, MFD, JR and LK and have 5 legitimate 3-point shooters on the floor at once and still have adequate size on the defensive end - how do you defend 5 guys who all have 3-point range?
-He could go WB, NC, JR, SS, DJ and be able to bang and brawl with about anybody - this was the weakness last year - Stanford really exploited their strength and toughness - but I think these 5 in particular won't be bullied this year
-Lots of options for whatever style is needed game by game
-I love reading CKS talking about how unselfish this team is. If he can get last year's starters happy playing 25 - 28 minutes per game, this team will be well-rested and dangerous in most games throughout the year. Plus, if they are willing to make the extra pass and find the open man, the potential for big shooting nights is definitely there.
-I am pretty bullish about the Maui Invitational
-St John's highest returning scorer averaged less than 2 points per game last year. They have a couple of high profile newcomers, but I doubt they will be ready to compete this early in the season - kind of like where Vandy was early last season. So, I see the Dores beating St John's
-I think Indiana is still trading a bit off historical reputation and I think the Dores can handle them as well
-Lastly, as I said in another thread, I think this team has guys that won't shy away from the pressure. As good as the Taylor, Jenkins, Ezeli group was, they didn't have an assassin who wanted the ball in the clutch. I think there are a few guys on this team that will want the last shot and that will bode well.
I have been thinking more and more about the upcoming Vandy MBB season and here are a few things to get excited about in my opinion:
-The ability for CKS to flex this year's lineup is probably the best its ever been:
-He could go big with a lineup of WB (6'3"), MFD (6'5"), JT (6'7"), LK (7'1") and DJ (7'0") - that should be big enough to go toe-to-toe with about any team
-He could go to RL, NC, MFD, JR and LK and have 5 legitimate 3-point shooters on the floor at once and still have adequate size on the defensive end - how do you defend 5 guys who all have 3-point range?
-He could go WB, NC, JR, SS, DJ and be able to bang and brawl with about anybody - this was the weakness last year - Stanford really exploited their strength and toughness - but I think these 5 in particular won't be bullied this year
-Lots of options for whatever style is needed game by game
-I love reading CKS talking about how unselfish this team is. If he can get last year's starters happy playing 25 - 28 minutes per game, this team will be well-rested and dangerous in most games throughout the year. Plus, if they are willing to make the extra pass and find the open man, the potential for big shooting nights is definitely there.
-I am pretty bullish about the Maui Invitational
-St John's highest returning scorer averaged less than 2 points per game last year. They have a couple of high profile newcomers, but I doubt they will be ready to compete this early in the season - kind of like where Vandy was early last season. So, I see the Dores beating St John's
-I think Indiana is still trading a bit off historical reputation and I think the Dores can handle them as well
-Lastly, as I said in another thread, I think this team has guys that won't shy away from the pressure. As good as the Taylor, Jenkins, Ezeli group was, they didn't have an assassin who wanted the ball in the clutch. I think there are a few guys on this team that will want the last shot and that will bode well.
