Jon Rothstein: CBB teams that could overachieve in 2016-17

[Harry0569]

http://www.todaysu.com/rothstein-files/ ... e-2016-17/

SMU

Larry Brown may no longer be the face of the Mustangs’ program, but that doesn’t mean SMU is going to roll over moving forward.

Tim Jankovich has a pair of all-conference caliber players in Shake Milton and Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye along with several capable role players in Sterling Brown, Ben Moore, and Jarrey Foster.

Versatile wing Ben Emelogu will return after a redshirt year and Jankovich is also counting on contributions from freshmen Dashawn McDowell and Harry Froling.

The Mustangs aren’t as talented as they’ve been the past few years with Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy, but they’re still capable of being the third best team in their league behind both UConn and Cincinnati.

[93Mustang]

Decent write up. I really like that these guys are being underestimated this season, from Coach Jank to our pair of four year starter warriors, to our new recruits. I expect big things from this team. While we lose Nic, I expect our defense to be even better. My biggest concern is who will play point because I don't think that is the best place for Shake. I will be shocked if we aren't ranked early in the season and I will be very surprised if this isn't a tournament team. Ben Moore and Sterling already play with chips on their shoulders and I think the rest of the league underestimates us at their peril. Does anyone have any insight on the starting 5? I assume Sterling, B Moore, Semi, Shake, and then I guess it depends if we go big with the Australian post or small with a PG.

[deucetz]

SMU will continually not get the respect it deserves until we make a splash in the Tournament.

[PonyLawExpress]

Decent write up. I really like that these guys are being underestimated this season, from Coach Jank to our pair of four year starter warriors, to our new recruits. I expect big things from this team. While we lose Nic, I expect our defense to be even better. My biggest concern is who will play point because I don't think that is the best place for Shake. I will be shocked if we aren't ranked early in the season and I will be very surprised if this isn't a tournament team. Ben Moore and Sterling already play with chips on their shoulders and I think the rest of the league underestimates us at their peril. Does anyone have any insight on the starting 5? I assume Sterling, B Moore, Semi, Shake, and then I guess it depends if we go big with the Australian post or small with a PG.

Very much in flux. Those 4 will start all season, but depending on matchups and whose hot I would expect the 5th to change. Everything I have read seems to think we will start with: Shake, Emelogu, Sterling, Semi, Ben Moore.

[smusic 00]

I think it's funny/strange that MK is always listed right behind NM. Did no one watch Sterling or Ben Moore the last two years? MK almost disappeared once Tolbert took over. And Semi = stronger Tolbert + baby LeBron.

Being underestimated is fun.

[smusic 00]

Decent write up. I really like that these guys are being underestimated this season, from Coach Jank to our pair of four year starter warriors, to our new recruits. I expect big things from this team. While we lose Nic, I expect our defense to be even better. My biggest concern is who will play point because I don't think that is the best place for Shake. I will be shocked if we aren't ranked early in the season and I will be very surprised if this isn't a tournament team. Ben Moore and Sterling already play with chips on their shoulders and I think the rest of the league underestimates us at their peril. Does anyone have any insight on the starting 5? I assume Sterling, B Moore, Semi, Shake, and then I guess it depends if we go big with the Australian post or small with a PG.

Very much in flux. Those 4 will start all season, but depending on matchups and whose hot I would expect the 5th to change. Everything I have read seems to think we will start with: Shake, Emelogu, Sterling, Semi, Ben Moore.

I think Froling will start over Ben E. But I guess it depends if we are going 'big' or 'small.'

[Charleston Pony]

Jank will have some flexibility in terms of who starts and you also have to see who fits the role of 6th man to give the team a spark when needed. I agree that if Gu has returned to form, he might crack the starting lineup, but I would not be surprised to see Jarrey or Harry in the mix, depending on match-ups with our opponents. My guess is that Jarrey is our most likely 6th man as he struck me as a high energy guy last year. Hopefully he has worked on his FT shooting

[stangsup4]

I think it's funny/strange that MK is always listed right behind NM. Did no one watch Sterling or Ben Moore the last two years? MK almost disappeared once Tolbert took over. And Semi = stronger Tolbert + baby LeBron.

Being underestimated is fun.

Big time Ewing theory potential with Markus gone. Always thought the team played better with Ben playing big.

[sadderbudweiser]

Jeez....Tom Wilson gets no love AGAIN. I hope he's developing a nice chip on his shoulder.

Rothstein is really hedging his bet here. Sure...we're destined for third in the AAC BUT we COULD over-achieve. I fully agree with that assessment.

I agree that Sterling and Ben are under-appreciated by most outside of the conference and I'm expecting career years from both.

I understand all the question marks...Ben E, the rooks, no Nic, no obvious inside presence, and of course, no LB.

It's why I think we may struggle a bit at first...but I think we are rocking by conference time.

Has anyone noticed that preseason reports have us as the least respected on the four teams meeting up in NYC? I think we could just as easily come away 0-2 as 2-0 there.

If it's 0-2 you can forget about being ranked for most of the season. If it's 2-0 we'll crack the top 20 and stay there as long as we win and our conference does well in OOC's.

It's gonna be a fun season and I can't friggin wait.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

I think Ben Moore and Sterling Brown will prove to be much more than just "capable role players" this season.

I don't agree that we are less talented than last year. In fact, I think the opposite is true. Will we be as good a team as last year?. . . that remains to be seen. But if not, it won't be because we don't have the same level of talent.

[mustangxc]

We will not have a long undefeated streak like last year but we will finish stronger and possibly have a better overall record. While our starters were amazing last year, due to injuries, sanctions, transfers, and personal decisions we lacked depth and it hurt us the second half of the season.

[PK]

We will not have a long undefeated streak like last year but we will finish stronger and possibly have a better overall record. While our starters were amazing last year, due to injuries, sanctions, transfers, and personal decisions we lacked depth and it hurt us the second half of the season.

Don't forget who was the coach during the first nine wins of that long undefeated streak.

[deucetz]

The team is definitely more talented in terms of rankings out of high school then we were last year.

Let's just hope that this new team has the heart of Nic Moore and Tolbert.

[gostangs]

not only is Froling not starting - I would bet you wont see him on the court as much as you would expect at first.

I am very optimistic also - but also a bit cautious. Unproven point and not enough height are too pretty big issues to solve. also don't forget we have a VERY short bench due to our friends at the NCAA.

[smusic 00]

We've been playing with 8/9 for three years. Duke does it every year.