vivid_dude wrote:section202jay wrote:If players reach close to their potential, this lineup really excites me for 2016-17:
Watson
Foster
Harrell
Huff
Patton
I know it's on paper, which is dangerous to get too excited about - but really take a look at this line-up. Foster, Watson and Huff have very high floors. Meaning, even if they don't quite meet expectations, I think they are still going to be solid players. It's difficult to see any of them being a "bust," based on past performance. They've already proven they belong, and now they'll all be older, stronger and wiser. They'll each have had more than a year of practice in the system, too, which shouldn't be understated. These kids won't be adapting on the fly to a new environment, i.e. living in Omaha, attending a tough college, getting to know the coaches, getting to know the media, etc. That has significant value, in my opinion.
But screw the floor. Let's aim higher. When you consider the experience, athleticism, proven performance, shooting and leadership they could bring to the table...HOLY SHIT! That's a strong threesome to be leading a team.
And then there's Harrell and Patton. We have no idea of their floors, but their ceilings could be through the roof, which wouldn't make it a ceiling anymore. They could be busts, or all-conference players. We really have no idea right now. But let's say they come in and live up to the hype. That starting 5...it's worth saying again. HOLY SHIT!
What would be our weakness? I'd say post physicality. Other teams might be able to offensive rebound more than we'd like. But on the perimeter, we'd be much improved. It's tough to have both.
On paper, four of the five could shoot over 38% from 3-point range, which would be awesome. We could have a Top 15 NCAA shooting team from three, with wayyyy more athleticism than the Doug McD teams had.
I know I'm getting ahead of myself. And I hate getting this excited about a team on paper, but it's too late...I'm this excited about a team on paper.
Oh, and next year looks good too!
I agree I hate getting ahead of ourselves and being THAT fan base that predicts big things for recruits. But there are three proven track records of Division 1 success with the main three. That lineup doesn't even include fringe starters like Hegner and Zierden. It'll be a nice senior filled team come 16-17. I'm excited about Khyri Thomas too. At worst he'll be an athletic guard for us, which is needed.
Our problem could be an old nemesis though.... Defense. Hopefully the increase in athleticism will help though.
