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a, September 07 2024 [ Login ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [10] ]

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Date Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 08:26:53am
Author: El Duque
Subject: This is completely unscientific, but here goes ...
In reply to: CLK 's message, "Thanks Rick. Saw this comment on the Pitt Rival Board and thought it was funny: "T.J. was just super once again, as he did nearly everything perfectly and the ball seems to follow him around like he's a magnet. For some reason, Anthony Myers wanted to talk trash and told T.J. he couldn't gaurd him after a Anthony made a layup. So T.J. went down and drained a three then told Myers he couldn't guard him. Nobody guarded T.J. all night, as he had 22, 12 boards and 7 assists."" on Wednesday, July 21, 06:44:02am

I find the Pittsburgh summer league to be a good predictor of things to come during the NCAA season.

Four D1 teams feeding into the league plus some players outside these programs - that's not a bad universe from which to choose. My point is that there is enough evidence to support my hypothesis (or hippo-thesis if you work for an airline and want to charge me for three seats every time I fly ... grrr).

Here goes: Two years ago Aaron Jackson was the clearcut MVP of the league. AJax went on to have a monster senior year and led the Dukes to their best season since Bilgy was in his prime.

Last year, none of our players really stood out. Most were inconsistent at best. Once the season started, there was a carryover effect and we had a disappointing season.

This year, we have learned a couple things, so far:
1. All of our freshmen who are playing in the league are demonstrating that they are legit D1 players, and potential contributors to the program this year already.
2. TJ McConnell, in particular, is playing at a high level. Without putting too much on his shoulders (he IS a freshman and there are four years of development ahead of him), he is better than advertised. He looks to be heading to a position in the starting lineup.
3. Mr. Evans, entering his junior year, is ratcheting things up a notch, and I couldn't be more excited. As the starting PG, there is a lot riding on his shoulders.
4. Other returning players have shown flashe.

If all of this carries through to the regular season, we should again be a 20-win team, despite our warts.

This doesn't even take into account Mr. Saunders and Mr. Clark, although I believe their experience in Europe will benefit their games this year.

So the questions that remain are:
1. Can we shoot more consistently, especially from 3, this year?
2. Will either D. Martin, R. Peggau or A. Marhold (or two or all) step up and give us a more solid low post presence?
3. Can we hit a freakin' FT once in a while, especially with a game on the line?

I have to revise my own guestimate of the lineup: I know Saunders, Clark and Evans are in. I think McConnell is playing his way in. I am dreaming of D-Mart showing up an inch or two taller (ala Derrick Alston) and stepping into the lineup, but believe we will see Peggau getting the starting nod.

All very unscientific, and plenty of "ifs and buts." But it's July, and I can still hold out some hope.

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