Wed May 31, 2023 11:13 pm
vivid_dude wrote:With the core set, what’s the rotation?
Who is the #4? Kaluma’s defense, energy and athleticism will be tough to replicate. I don’t believe one guy steps in and replaces his production. Multiple guys could, with some improved shooting (Traudt and Miller) and ability to thrive without being ball dominant (Green). We will miss the things Art brought that no one else can. We won’t miss the moments that were frustrating.
Who is the backup PG? Somebody mentioned staggering the rotation. I endorse that plan. Ashworth and Trey bring the ball up the court most times. Bring in Farabello and Lawson at the #2 when one of those starters is on the bench. Maybe some Baylor at the #2 if we have Kalk and two of three (Green/Traudt/Miller) joining him in front court? Workable.
Will we rebound as well? I don’t think we take a step up in that category. Could be wrong.
Shooting - better. Potentially great, if Ashworth is as advertised, Miller and Traudt step in and Bello remembers what he was. Baylor could shoot better now that he’s used to the high major pace. Trey will improve because Trey will always improve. Plus, Kalk could be intriguing based on his combine video. As the resident Bello fanboy, I’m predicting 40% for him. Let’s get it!
Defense - experience and strength could offset Kaluma’s loss. I do not think we can say Ashworth is a step up over R2. Slight downgrade?
Experience - huge step forward.
Shot creation - worry? When a possession breaks down and we need someone to create on their own, who is it? Trey comes to mind, but no one else does. Not that R2 and Kaluma were great here, but I feel like their replacements are a step back. Prove me wrong!
Depth - I naively thought this was going to be good last year. I was wrong. Again, I think we should be solid this year. Hope I’m not wrong again.
Ball handling - step back. Ashworth isn’t as quick or as natural with the ball as R2. Could Creighton struggle against the press or aggressive on-the-ball defenders? Possibly.
Balance - CU was as balanced as any team in the starting lineup last year. If we could spread the production of Kaluma and R2 with 3-5 players, I think that’s good for the team. Let Baylor, Trey and Kalk be the centerpieces of the offense. Ashworth spreads the defense and makes threes. Bench players do the same. Assume a role and do it well around the core.
Who surprisingly steps up? Green doesn’t get a lot of hype. Does he outperform Miller and Traudt? Does Lawson validate the disappointment of Memphis fans? Are Vice or Knox players? What is Dotzler this season? Can’t wait to find out.
Wed May 31, 2023 11:32 pm
Helmzy wrote:UCONN is leaving the Big East. Didn’t think it was gonna happen but it definitely will happen.
Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:18 am
Creighton77 wrote:Helmzy wrote:UCONN is leaving the Big East. Didn’t think it was gonna happen but it definitely will happen.
I admittedly may be well out of the loop, but I haven’t heard anything about this at all. Where would they go & why?
Thu Jun 01, 2023 7:40 am
Thu Jun 01, 2023 9:27 am
CURx wrote:The article I read said football only but The Big 12 would be “willing” to take them on in all sports. I guess it’s about money but do UConn basketball fans, and they are who matters here, look forward to road trips to Norman, Stillwater, Ames, Lawrence, Manhattan…etc??
Coach to recruit from East Coast…”Hey, come play at UConn. We make annual road trips to (see places above).”
Of course I tell myself that but forget about TV money and NIL deals so who really knows anymore.
Thu Jun 01, 2023 9:43 am
Thu Jun 01, 2023 9:44 am
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:00 am
alum84 wrote:First of many updated top 25s, now that the draft withdrawal deadline is behind us:
https://www.si.com/college/2023/06/01/t ... 024-season
#10
Others BE teams: MU #7, UConn #8, VU #12
Top of the conference is going to be murder again next year.
Edit: Didn't scroll far enough. They also have St. Johns at #24.
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:32 am
Thu Jun 01, 2023 10:35 am