Trent Brown will be better. He's too good of a shooter to just have that part of his game leave him forever. I suspect he'll be much improved as he'll be more comfortable in year two. I think the coaching staff is banking heavily on this too.
I liked the idea of adding another athletic wing initially, but after considering what we currently have, I think there's potential for a lot of lineup shifting that Bryan can play with in the 2-4 slots. So, unless a no-brainer is still sitting out there, I like the idea of making that a top recruiting priority for 2021.
Another guard, preferably a point guard with some experience and play making ability would be an ideal addition. Sadly, I think Aaron Cook would've looked even better with this group now. My fear is that beyond Lance Jones, Dalton Banks is an unproven commodity.
Speaking of unproven, I think we currently have a whole lot of that competing for most of the minutes at the 5 spot next season. That scares me, particularly if there's another key injury among that group ... and there's documented injury history there (Dembele/Muila). I don't think its realistic at this point to expect a proven big to just fall into SIU's lap, so I'm hoping for another addition at this position that can add something role specific, such as an above-the-rim type skill-set; shot blocking etc. More specifically, I'm still hoping for good news on Adong Makuoi. He'd look really good on next years team.
I’m all for Brown showing an improved stroke next year, but he’s in prove-it mode, and I would like enough bench scoring options that he has to earn the kind of minutes he got last year as opposed to it being a given.
The other thing about the expected current bench is it’s entirely underclassmen (three freshmen and two sophomores). It would be nice to add an older transfer into the mix who can make the bench a little deeper and playing time more competitive.
Agree on all counts. It'll be interesting to see if they can find an experienced guard to fit the need without more of a guarantee of playing time.
All in all, I really like the way the roster is shaping up so far.
--Insert something witty here--
Agree on all counts. It'll be interesting to see if they can find an experienced guard to fit the need without more of a guarantee of playing time.
All in all, I really like the way the roster is shaping up so far.
I'm feeling a little better about depth for this season with grad transfer Jakolby Long in the mix. Long has much to prove based on his pedestrian stats at previous stops, but as a fifth-year player with some talent, he adds depth and a needed veteran presence off the bench (or at least I'm assuming he'll come off the bench, but we'll see).
For now:
Likely starting 5: Jones, Harvey, Domask, D'Avanzo, Muila
Likely bench (maybe one of them redshirts?): Banks, Butler, Long, Brown, Dembele, Filewich, plus the walk-ons
Verplancken sits out due to transfer and one open scholarship for another July buzzer-beater or to hold over to 2021.
Speaking of Verplancken, one of the Southern Illinoisan sports writers keeps saying he has to sit out this upcoming transfer year and then has two years remaining to play. The grid says, and I thought as well, that he has three years to play. Anyone know for certain?
And yes, I know, consider the source...
March on triumphantly!
Speaking of Verplancken, one of the Southern Illinoisan sports writers keeps saying he has to sit out this upcoming transfer year and then has two years remaining to play. The grid says, and I thought as well, that he has three years to play. Anyone know for certain?
And yes, I know, consider the source...
Three years
Speaking of Verplancken, one of the Southern Illinoisan sports writers keeps saying he has to sit out this upcoming transfer year and then has two years remaining to play. The grid says, and I thought as well, that he has three years to play. Anyone know for certain?
And yes, I know, consider the source...
Three years
Thanks.
March on triumphantly!
