"We're kind of a five wing team"

[Rebel10]

At 1 we are very big but nothing major at 2 or 3. But again you did say we would be better without Nic because of his supposed limitations but we are not better. And the class is not as good as you said either. Again, let's see what happens against better teams than McNeese State with 5 wings on the floor for SMU. Beat Stanford.

[hoopmanx]

At 1 we are very big but nothing major at 2 or 3. But again you did say we would be better without Nic because of his supposed limitations but we are not better. And the class is not as good as you said either. Again, let's see what happens against better teams than McNeese State with 5 wings on the floor for SMU. Beat Stanford.

I didn't say we'd be better, just that I didn't think we'd miss Nic that much. I don't think we've really seen what Shake can do. The staff is showing a learning curve w this roster. We ve missed Tolbert, Markus more than Nic, imo. I was never huge on the '17 class, especially w all the LB turn downs, the verbals we took that we shouldn't have etc. Hopefully we get a few serviceable kids out of it.

Not many teams go 6'6 or 6'7, 1-3. This fanbase is sad. people act like they're getting drilled by everyone and that we have no chance at the postseason. I'm not saying I know, but I see no reason to write this team off bc of no big depth. Sure, an anemic rotation where no one can have an off game, but not big depth. We're rebounding well as a team, and very few big men have torched us. If big length bothers us, it's when we're on O, and Ben/semi can't do as much work. Increase pace, go small and watch Jareey and Ben E step up. We compromised our identity to include Feo. Now that he's gone, use the length and get after people

[Rebel10]

I think we have missed Nic the most imo but yes we have also missed Tolbert and MK. No reason to write of the team at all. Now I do agree with JasonB that we will get an even better idea of where we are after Stanford and Memphis.

[SMUstangs22]

Lol if I read this board without knowing our record I would thinkg we were 5-6 not 8-3. Beat Stanford, Albany, and Memphis and people are singing a completely different tune.

[gostangs]

Captain obvious strikes again.

[ponyinNC]

didn't UCONN win a natty recently by playing small ball?

[Pony_Law]

I didn't say we'd be better, just that I didn't think we'd miss Nic that much. I don't think we've really seen what Shake can do. The staff is showing a learning curve w this roster. We ve missed Tolbert, Markus more than Nic, imo. I was never huge on the '17 class, especially w all the LB turn downs, the verbals we took that we shouldn't have etc. Hopefully we get a few serviceable kids out of it.

Not many teams go 6'6 or 6'7, 1-3. This fanbase is sad. people act like they're getting drilled by everyone and that we have no chance at the postseason. I'm not saying I know, but I see no reason to write this team off bc of no big depth. Sure, an anemic rotation where no one can have an off game, but not big depth. We're rebounding well as a team, and very few big men have torched us. If big length bothers us, it's when we're on O, and Ben/semi can't do as much work. Increase pace, go small and watch Jareey and Ben E step up. We compromised our identity to include Feo. Now that he's gone, use the length and get after people

This. This team has to play differently then all other LB teams because of personnel. Froling in theory would let us attempt to play like LB's teams but that option is off the table. That said it's clear you can win a lot of games playing small especially if you win the matchup athletically against the other team's guards. I'll take Shake, Foster, Mcdowell and Gu against anyone we will play from an athleticism stand point. If Jank is a good coach to where he can make his "smaller" line up not get abused on the boards or dominated by post players, this team will still win a lot of games and make the tournament.

Hoop, what issues do you see with the '17 class? ON paper it seems pretty solid.

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

We've absolutely missed Nic. . . but the respective measurables are beside the point. We miss Nic because he was a floor leader and THE guy that we could rely on to hit big shots at important moments in the game. Adjusting to life after Nic is a process. Agree that Tolbert and Markus are also missed.

Heading over to Dallas for the Stanford game on Monday with my son. Very excited!!

[birddogger]

So we're off to a less-than-smooth start. But this team is intriguing. I am curious how Coach Jank creates and adjusts as the season progresses. Our personnel issues would be a big challenge for any coach and if the staff can move the pieces around the right way, we should continue to improve and have a good season. Not Final Four great, but an entertaining one, to be sure.

[LA_Mustang]

lol at Captain Obvious/Rebel/bowl4us.

I believe the key to how much better we become is the progression of Jarrey. He has all the tools to be a great player. I would love to see him get more aggressive on the offensive end. He has never been shy about shooting but I want to see him attack the rim more. Almost every game he is quicker, longer and more athletic than the guy guarding him. He has to ability to blow by defenders and attack.

[stangsup4]

Should use this to our advantage defensively and switch all pick and rolls / ball screens. Would help guard the line better as well as prevent potential miscommunications on hedges and whatnot.

It makes too much sense.

[SMUstangs22]

lol at Captain Obvious/Rebel/bowl4us.

I believe the key to how much better we become is the progression of Jarrey. He has all the tools to be a great player. I would love to see him get more aggressive on the offensive end. He has never been shy about shooting but I want to see him attack the rim more. Almost every game he is quicker, longer and more athletic than the guy guarding him. He has to ability to blow by defenders and attack.

Love Jarrey but someone please teach him how to shoot a free throw.

[JasonB]

Should use this to our advantage defensively and switch all pick and rolls / ball screens. Would help guard the line better as well as prevent potential miscommunications on hedges and whatnot.

It makes too much sense.

We did this a lot in the last game. Just switched on the pick instead of worry about going under or over.

[sadderbudweiser]

Should use this to our advantage defensively and switch all pick and rolls / ball screens. Would help guard the line better as well as prevent potential miscommunications on hedges and whatnot.

It makes too much sense.

We did this a lot in the last game. Just switched on the pick instead of worry about going under or over.

Wasn't this always LB's theory of having 5 long 6'6"-6'7" guys on the floor?

[Rebel10]

didn't UCONN win a natty recently by playing small ball?

No, Amida Brimah really upped his game during that tournament run. Now we just have to see if we can be like a Dayton who is a smaller team that makes the tournament and does well in it or like any other mid major that either goes to a lesser post season tournament or does not make a post season tournament at all.