sadderbudweiser wrote:No doubt that without Semi we'll still have a fairly solid lineup. Whitt and McMurray should thrive.
But without Semi my guess is that we are stuck at about the same level we are now: competitive in conference but lacking the pieces for national success.
Maybe we still get a big via the grad transfer market but options are shrinking daily.
Ray and Chargois may or may not be ready for prime time but asking them to face a USC or Cincy type front line? Nah!
If Semi goes he goes and we'll all wish him success. But unless another move is made for a solid, proven big before next fall (and we have no Semi) the rose colored glasses are coming off. NIT is a reasonable goal. Making the dance would exceed my expectations.
If we lose Semi and only make the NIT, I will be PISSED. I agree until we see the team play a chance at a nice run in the tourney isn't likely a prediction I would make without Semi. But We will return Shake who is a stud and if he keeps getting better and puts it all together will be top 3 player in the conference, at least. Then have Jarrey who was real solid last year and works his butt off can play the small ball 4 if we need. Jarrey also progressed so much last year even if he ONLY takes a small step forward we have a 12PPG and 6.5RPG guy. Then as mentioned above we add a 2nd team all conference guard to the lineup that averaged 15PPG in our conference as a freshman and is older and surrounded by a better team now. Add Jimmy Whitt who is a Top 60 talent and the staff is raving about. Real good slashing guard who is long and can defend. If we lose Semi, still an if, WE WILL ADD a Grad-Transfer big or another Big who would play the 5 and then we would need Ray and Chargois for depth to go along with Gu and Douglas at guard.
Without knowing exactly who the 5-man will be, if that team above (with all that guard talent) can't make the tourney with a serviceable 5 that would be very disappointing. NIT should NEVER be a goal for us anymore.
