David Hoskins won’t be coming back. And barring an injury in the next three weeks, you can say the same about Bill Walker.
This is what the roster looks like right now.
Guards: Denis Clemente, Jake Pullen, Buchi Awaji, Fred Brown and Chris Merriewether.
Forwards: Ron Anderson, Dominique Sutton, Jamar Samuels and Darren Kent.
Centers: Luis Colon, Abdul Herrera and Jordan Henriquez.
Prognosis?
It’s too early for that.
As I’ve repeated here, I’m not a huge fan of balanced scoring. But I don’t think the Wildcats are going to be left with a choice. To participate in this exercise, you have to not only suspend your negativity but also your optimism.
No Kool-Aid here. And no hating, either.
It’s generally accepted college basketball players advance the most, or, “take the leap,” from the freshman year to the sophomore season. If that’s the case, decent things can be expected from Pullen and Anderson. If Pullen matches his production from last year, which seems plausible, and if Anderson is able to remain on the floor for 25 minutes, he should average close to a double-double – Anderson played 12 minutes per game in 2007-08 and averaged 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds – those are two solid pieces in place.
How Sutton and Samuels fare will be vital. Clemente is fast – we get it. He also was a decent player in a strong conference two years ago, so it’s not as if he’s an unknown. We never know what to expect from junior college transfers – Akeem Wright and Andre Gilbert spring to mind – so it might be asking too much from Awaji to come in and fill it up. But if he can make outside shots – which his field-goal percentages suggest he should – he’ll be a fine addition.
Again, how Sutton and Samuels perform will be key. Can Sutton, who averaged 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 13.5 minutes per game this past season, expand his offensive repertoire beyond breakaway dunks and layups? Can he be relied upon? Will the Wildcats have a choice? And is Samuels a project or a contributor?
Best-case scenario? Clemente (14 points), Pullen (14 points), Awaji (11 points), Anderson (10 points), Sutton (10 points) all average double figures in scoring. That’s nearly 60 points right there.
Worst-case scenario? Clemente and Pullen don’t gel. Anderson fails to blossom. Sutton remains confused. Samuels is lost.
Know this – there won’t be any stars. Defense will be the priority. And it won’t be pretty most nights. But the Wildcats should still be competitive.
Shouldn’t they?
12 Comments
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I really think that Ronald Anderson will be pretty good for us next year.
Hope you enjoyed SC, Jeff!
Does anyone else think that the signing of another center might lend some credibility to the internet rumors that Colon also wants out?
I think we’ll be competative, but it probably won’t show in the wins and losses. If this team is competing for an NIT berth then I will be more than satisfied. If their even sniffing the NCAA’s then I will be freaking out of my mind excited.
Coach U, indirectly at least, made it sound as though Colon is not going anywhere.
Well, Coach U said that Herrera is like Alex Maric, so shouldn’t you have 16ppg next to his name? If i’m not mistaken, that would put the tally up to 76, correct?
I agree Jeff, we will be a much more balanced team next year. I think you’re right on with most of your break down, but I think you left out one very important player. Fred Brown showed flashes last year of being a guy who can really fill it up on certain nights, Xavier comes to mind. He also shot a respectable 37% from 3 and showed the ability to get into the lane off the dribble on multiple occasions. If what you say is true and players make the biggest leap between freshman and sophomore, then I don’t think it’s unfair to expect good things from Fred as we move along. Maybe becoming a Lance Harris type with a little better quickness off the dribble. And he’s already shown he’s not afraid to shoot it. That has to count for something, right?
The 2009 recruiting class cannot get here fast enough for my tastes.
With the loss of a scholarship this season, Judge and McGruder committed for 2009, and Kent the only SR, there is only 1 scholarship available for 2009-10. If Walker doesn’t return, I think Franks saves it for next season…Lat Williams?
With an abundance of big men, I’m guessing Henriquez redshirts to gain size/strength. Darren Kent will have a breakout season – 8 ppg, 8 rb! Buchi will shoot like Ski Jones – 16 ppg!
B12 will be down next year, I expect only 4 teams to the NCAA. Any post season appearance will be considered success after losing 4 of 5 top scorers and the entire starting lineup.
“And is Samuels a project or a contributor?”
I believe the word you’re looking for is PHENOMENAL.
I think Sutton will be better offensivly, Much better he will develop a mid-range jumper and average 12 points and 30 min per game. Pullen will average 16 ppg and 4.5 assists, While Clemente will add 12 ppg and 3 assists. Anderson will be big inside averaging 15 ppg and most of those off of offensive rebounds (9 rpg). Kent will have a good year with 12ppg and 8 rpg and become the leader of the team along with pullen. Brown will be streaky and have a few 25 point games mixed with some 3 point games average 12 ppg. Samuals will come off of the bench to begin the season then take some starts from Anderson while averaging 9 ppg and 7 rpg. The biggest stat for the team will be there defensive scoring holding teams to 57 ppg.
How many days until basketball? I can’t wait.
Does anyone really care if Colon does leave, we could use the scholarship. That guy is the least athletic player I can remember wearing Purple and White since Joe Smith, and that didn’t turn out well either. It’s definitely going to take a combined effort next season, but I feel pretty good about our talent at the point and wings. The hot hand will change from game to game, but hopefully Martin and the boys will coach these kids to know their roles, and to play within their game. Unfortunately, Gilbert couldn’t quite figure that last part out, and that’s why it didn’t break my heart to see him go. Anderson showed a lot of promise as a 4 Man, and I expect him to tease us by averaging close to a double double all season with a couple 15 & 15 nights. He could become one of the better offensive rebounders in the league.