Now that the 22-23 roster appears pretty well settled, what are the biggest questions on people's minds about next season? I'll toss out a few to start that I think might be key to whether SIU can contend in Mullins' fourth season:
1. How will Lance Jones adjust to playing more off the ball? Lance has had the ball in his hands a lot these past few years, with some good and some not-so-good results. Since this team remains in need of improved scoring, the question becomes can Lance score at a high level (15-plus PPG?) without dominating the ball so much as Johnson/Banks take over at PG, while theoretically cutting down on his turnovers from relinquishing lead ballhandling duties. Basically, can he become a more efficient scorer and offensive player? We know his defense is reliable.
2. What type of impact will last year's redshirts have? Last season was somewhat of a disappointment to many, which prompted some debate during the year about whether redshirting Wonders and Ebube was the right move. Now we'll see where these two guys are at ... can either challenge for a starting role, or at least play major/effective minutes off the bench? I think they're both key to the season: Wonders because of the aforementioned scoring needs, and Ebube because improved play in the paint is another area of need (and he has the physical tools).
3. Does Southern have enough on the wings? Domask (lord, let's hope he's healthy!) is a wing/versatile forward, but I'm wondering about the very athletic, 6-4 to 6-7 type scorers that are prevalent in college hoops (guys like Mosely/Lucas Williamson/Kobe King) ... who is guarding those dudes? Domask? D'Amico? AJ Ferguson? Newton (who is only 6-3 but pretty rugged)?
Here are some questions that I am interested in.
1. We added 2 great passers in Johnson and Rupert, but no great scorers (that we know of). Can this impact the scoring problem? Does it have a major impact in the ability to get great looks from guys such as Brown, Wonders, Newton, Jones, etc... I think it will, and it will make those guys look like better players.
2. How good are the freshman? Hornecker had the best offers of any player we've seen in the Mullins era except possibly Domask. How good is he right now? Where does he compare to Edube (Yes, I know, they probably have very different skill sets)? Is Wonders ready to contribute?
3. If healthy, can Domask compete for player of the year? I know we need to win more to have players in that conversation, but I think we can be up there with the best teams.
Here are some questions that I am interested in.
1. We added 2 great passers in Johnson and Rupert, but no great scorers (that we know of). Can this impact the scoring problem? Does it have a major impact in the ability to get great looks from guys such as Brown, Wonders, Newton, Jones, etc... I think it will, and it will make those guys look like better players.
2. How good are the freshman? Hornecker had the best offers of any player we've seen in the Mullins era except possibly Domask. How good is he right now? Where does he compare to Edube (Yes, I know, they probably have very different skill sets)? Is Wonders ready to contribute?
3. If healthy, can Domask compete for player of the year? I know we need to win more to have players in that conversation, but I think we can be up there with the best teams.
Regarding #2, Hornecker is quite different from Ebube in that he is taller, but slender. Ebube is most likely the biggest player we have ever had, and that includes Roland Roberts. Hornecker has a jump shot out to 3 point land. Hornecker is more of a finesse player than what I think we will see in Ebube. I can see Ebube backing guys into the paint and just dunking over them, or getting doubled and kicking the ball out. Hornecker is also a good passer.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Wonders and Ferguson were the all-time leading scorers at their respective high schools and Newton was Evansville’s second-leading scorer. So, I wouldn’t say we haven’t added any scoring. The improved passing can only be a good thing and hopefully our T/A ratio will improve. But I’m most excited about our newfound depth in the Post. I think Ebube, Rupert, and Hornecker can all be scorers.
I’ll try to make it simple. I believe the points will be there with X running the show. Rebounding and free throw shooting has to be better. If it means playing BigC and Ebube at the same time, im for it. We need two to three players outside of Jones and domask to overachieve. On paper, I think this is Mullins best team. They just need to perform on the court now. The last two years were painful to watch.
I see that some folks are enthused about the players added to this years squad. Had a positive feeling these additions would make folks happier and more hopeful for the future. Season ticket renewals being sent in the mail next week. How many of you Insiders will be purchasing again, and how many will be first time buyers? Exciting times ahead for this program. Support this program! Go Dawgs!
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Having a true facilitator at the point will make this offense a lot better, even with the loss of Coupet. It was frustrating to watch last year as the offense struggled mightily to generate open looks. Johnson will fix that.
I'm very excited for what we'll be able to do at the 4/5 spots. Rupert/Ebube/Muila is just a nasty interior trio. No teams will want to square up with those guys. Ebube will be a major factor here too. He's so big and so athletic. He will be an eraser in the paint and will put some people on posters during his SIU career.
In my gut, I don't think Hornecker redshirts. I don't think he's coming here thinking he will redshirt. He will give the 5 spot a different look, but I also believe he'll have a place at the 4 when SIU wants to go big (or very big; Rupert/Ebube/Muila, Hornecker, Domask?, D'Amico?, PG).
This is definitely the most versatile team Mullins has had and probably the best one too. Top to bottom, I believe they're the second best team in the MVC right now. If they gel, which I believe they will, they can compete with Drake for an MVC title.
--Insert something witty here--
My biggest question would be other than Marcus and Lance who can this team depend on to be a reliable 3rd scorer the last 2 seasons to much inconsistencies need someone to step up every game and this will help the team be consistent take the some of the pressure off of the big 2 then if someone gets hot as a fourth scorer you can be harder to defend as a team
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Newton is a scorer. Johnson can score when needed, but is a pass 1st guy. A healthy Domask and Jones will score more thanks to Johnson. We will be a much better rebounding team than last year, which will naturally lead to more scoring. Johnson and Newton are both very good rebounding guards. Rupert has size and can rebound. Ebube will come in and rebound. D'Amico is a good rebounder. Rupert as a true freshman and scored 4.4 points in only 13 minutes a game. He will score more with a greater role and as he matures. I believe D'Amico will score more also. Newton can get his own shot, Verplancken could not. You can't just look at stats and projections by a statistician who doesn't ball. We will score more, rebound more and be better defensively.
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Newton is a scorer. Johnson can score when needed, but is a pass 1st guy. A healthy Domask and Jones will score more thanks to Johnson. We will be a much better rebounding team than last year, which will naturally lead to more scoring. Johnson and Newton are both very good rebounding guards. Rupert has size and can rebound. Ebube will come in and rebound. D'Amico is a good rebounder. Rupert as a true freshman and scored 4.4 points in only 13 minutes a game. He will score more with a greater role and as he matures. I believe D'Amico will score more also. Newton can get his own shot, Verplancken could not. You can't just look at stats and projections by a statistician who doesn't ball. We will score more, rebound more and be better defensively.
Agree. Yes the offense was troubled last few years, but I see things a bit differently. What bothered me most was how many dozens of possessions we had where we NEVER got a shot off. Turnovers, shot clock violations, charging calls, unforced errors. You won't have much scoring if you never get a shot off. Hopefully with this new cast of characters, plus the reliable healthy mature players, we get more opportunities. Also, I believe the defense will be even better and generate more offensive punch. And yes, rebounding and free throw shooting HAS to improve. We should be a formidable team.
March on triumphantly!
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Newton is a scorer. Johnson can score when needed, but is a pass 1st guy. A healthy Domask and Jones will score more thanks to Johnson. We will be a much better rebounding team than last year, which will naturally lead to more scoring. Johnson and Newton are both very good rebounding guards. Rupert has size and can rebound. Ebube will come in and rebound. D'Amico is a good rebounder. Rupert as a true freshman and scored 4.4 points in only 13 minutes a game. He will score more with a greater role and as he matures. I believe D'Amico will score more also. Newton can get his own shot, Verplancken could not. You can't just look at stats and projections by a statistician who doesn't ball. We will score more, rebound more and be better defensively.
My thoughts exactly. Basketball is played by people, not computers, and it is just too dynamic to try to simplify it. I am also looked for Big C to increase the output in all aspects of his game. I predict he is going to be the X factor on this team. I think we are in for a fun year.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Newton is a scorer. Johnson can score when needed, but is a pass 1st guy. A healthy Domask and Jones will score more thanks to Johnson. We will be a much better rebounding team than last year, which will naturally lead to more scoring. Johnson and Newton are both very good rebounding guards. Rupert has size and can rebound. Ebube will come in and rebound. D'Amico is a good rebounder. Rupert as a true freshman and scored 4.4 points in only 13 minutes a game. He will score more with a greater role and as he matures. I believe D'Amico will score more also. Newton can get his own shot, Verplancken could not. You can't just look at stats and projections by a statistician who doesn't ball. We will score more, rebound more and be better defensively.
Agree. Yes the offense was troubled last few years, but I see things a bit differently. What bothered me most was how many dozens of possessions we had where we NEVER got a shot off. Turnovers, shot clock violations, charging calls, unforced errors. You won't have much scoring if you never get a shot off. Hopefully with this new cast of characters, plus the reliable healthy mature players, we get more opportunities. Also, I believe the defense will be even better and generate more offensive punch. And yes, rebounding and free throw shooting HAS to improve. We should be a formidable team.
Dozens????
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Marcus was our main distributor in terms of assists, and Johnson will help alleviate that burden so Marcus can focus more on scoring. I also see Newton as a big offensive gain: he can create his own shot, and outside of Lance we really didn't have that. Yes, Marcus can, but he also always drew the other team's best and usually taller defender.
Im high on this team next year, and my biggest question mark is in the front court: hoping Ebube and Clarence turn into an offensive force by the end of the year, as I have no doubt we'll be stout defensively down low - just need offense.
If there's a downfall with this team next year, it's going to be the offense again. The offense wasn't great last year and they lost a good scorer in Ben Coupet and didn't really replace him at all. Those replacements are going to have to come from within with Domask and Jones improving and Wonders, Ebube, and Hornecker making an early impact.
I think Xavier Johnson is going to make everyone on the court better and think we'll see Jones and Domask take their games to the next level but this team is desperately going to need to find a 3rd scorer.
I'm guessing they're picked 3rd or 4th in the MVC preseason poll behind Drake and Missouri State and possibly Murray State, not that it means much.
In: (2023 projections for OBPR)
Jawaun Newton 12.7 PPG, -0.3 OBPR
Xavier Johnson 7.7 PPG, 5.1 OBPR
Clarence Rupert 4.4 PPG, -1.8 OBPR
A.J. Ferguson 11.4 PPG (D2)
Total:
24.8 PPG (not including Ferguson)
3.0 OBPR (not including Ferguson)
Out: (using last year's OBPR)
Ben Coupet 11 PPG, 11.2 OBPR
Steven Verplancken 6.6 PPG, 3.4 OBPR
Kyler Filewich 4.4 PPG, -4.8 OBPR
Anthony D'Avanzo 2.7 PPG, -3.5 OBPR
Ben Harvey 2.0 PPG, 2.1 OBPR
Total:
26.7 PPG
8.4 OBPR
Newton is a scorer. Johnson can score when needed, but is a pass 1st guy. A healthy Domask and Jones will score more thanks to Johnson. We will be a much better rebounding team than last year, which will naturally lead to more scoring. Johnson and Newton are both very good rebounding guards. Rupert has size and can rebound. Ebube will come in and rebound. D'Amico is a good rebounder. Rupert as a true freshman and scored 4.4 points in only 13 minutes a game. He will score more with a greater role and as he matures. I believe D'Amico will score more also. Newton can get his own shot, Verplancken could not. You can't just look at stats and projections by a statistician who doesn't ball. We will score more, rebound more and be better defensively.
Agree. Yes the offense was troubled last few years, but I see things a bit differently. What bothered me most was how many dozens of possessions we had where we NEVER got a shot off. Turnovers, shot clock violations, charging calls, unforced errors. You won't have much scoring if you never get a shot off. Hopefully with this new cast of characters, plus the reliable healthy mature players, we get more opportunities. Also, I believe the defense will be even better and generate more offensive punch. And yes, rebounding and free throw shooting HAS to improve. We should be a formidable team.
Dozens????
Yes,
During the entire season I should have said. One game I counted about six in a row.
March on triumphantly!
