The keys to winning it all next season are...
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For me it all boils down to how we replace Brice's production. I expect it will come from three areas:
1) Improved consistency from Hicks and Meeks, which we've discussed ad nauseum
2) Important if not consistent work by Bradley
3) Minutes playing bigger than they are from Pinson, Jackson, and Maye
I fully expect that our back court will be more dynamic this year with the development of veterans and influx of talent. Ideally this team has great balance and depth a la Golden State. We have 7-9 guys with double digit scoring potential in a given game and potential go-to studs at all three levels.
1) Improved consistency from Hicks and Meeks, which we've discussed ad nauseum
2) Important if not consistent work by Bradley
3) Minutes playing bigger than they are from Pinson, Jackson, and Maye
I fully expect that our back court will be more dynamic this year with the development of veterans and influx of talent. Ideally this team has great balance and depth a la Golden State. We have 7-9 guys with double digit scoring potential in a given game and potential go-to studs at all three levels.
Key 1 - Scoring from the 2 guard position, I think we will need and I do expect around 18 a game from that position on average. I think it will be a collective effort but I think it is critical that we get solid scoring from that position.
Key 2 - Hicks being able to stay in the games longer and not be in constant foul trouble as he was this past season.
Key 3 - Jackson needs to step up more as a go to scorer, especially as a jump shooter.
Key 4 - Meeks stepping up as a senior and showing leadership with gutsy play on the court.
Key 5 - Tony coming in and giving us solid minutes
Key 6 - Continue the solid free throw shooting numbers
Now of course it should without saying that a major Key is always that we do not see the injury bug decide to spend to much time with us.
Key 2 - Hicks being able to stay in the games longer and not be in constant foul trouble as he was this past season.
Key 3 - Jackson needs to step up more as a go to scorer, especially as a jump shooter.
Key 4 - Meeks stepping up as a senior and showing leadership with gutsy play on the court.
Key 5 - Tony coming in and giving us solid minutes
Key 6 - Continue the solid free throw shooting numbers
Now of course it should without saying that a major Key is always that we do not see the injury bug decide to spend to much time with us.
1. Staying healthy
2. Big time improvement by Meeks and Hicks collectively to provide stability in the post
3. JJ must prove to me a more reliable scorer
4. Joel Berry must continue to lead our team and increase scoring output
5. We need solid minutes from supporting cast, Pinson, Britt, incoming freshman
2. Big time improvement by Meeks and Hicks collectively to provide stability in the post
3. JJ must prove to me a more reliable scorer
4. Joel Berry must continue to lead our team and increase scoring output
5. We need solid minutes from supporting cast, Pinson, Britt, incoming freshman
Health, another good season of FT shooting, and JB's running mates improving on the 3-ball.
For me, the key to winning it all would be to go 6-0 in the NCAA tournament.
I think you pretty much covered it, Dave.
I would add improved interior defense. Our bigs need to demonstrate that they can defend without fouling and control the defensive boards, thereby limiting offensive rebounds by the opposing team, a weakness last year. Defense doesn't stop when the ball goes up, but when you gain possession of the ball. We were great on the offensive boards last year but gave up far too many second chances by failing to box out on the defensive boards.
I think our perimeter defense will be very good.
+1 I would hope to God that none of the players would ever listen to anything here.
Yes, I believe if we score more points than all of our opponents we will win it all. IMO fact.
Here's what needs to happen:
Berry has to become the best PG in America. I think he can. On the first day of practice, he needs to take command. Everyone on the team needs to know this is Berry's team and he'll be leading the way. He needs to be as tough as he was last year, as smart as he was last year and hit shots as much or more than he did last year.
Jackson has to shoot better from outside. He doesn't need to be a 40% three point shooter. But he has to be at 35% or better. And he needs to rebound better.
Hicks has to stay on the court by avoiding foul trouble, get a consistent 12 foot jump shot and rebound like Moses Malone.
If those 3 things happen, and I believe all three all possible, then everything else is gravy. I think Bradley will play well. I think we'll find a shooter in Williams or Robinson and I think Pinson and Woods will provide good defense and some highlight plays that change momentum. But this season is built around Berry being the leader and Jackson and Hicks stepping up to be All-ACC caliber players.
Berry has to become the best PG in America. I think he can. On the first day of practice, he needs to take command. Everyone on the team needs to know this is Berry's team and he'll be leading the way. He needs to be as tough as he was last year, as smart as he was last year and hit shots as much or more than he did last year.
Jackson has to shoot better from outside. He doesn't need to be a 40% three point shooter. But he has to be at 35% or better. And he needs to rebound better.
Hicks has to stay on the court by avoiding foul trouble, get a consistent 12 foot jump shot and rebound like Moses Malone.
If those 3 things happen, and I believe all three all possible, then everything else is gravy. I think Bradley will play well. I think we'll find a shooter in Williams or Robinson and I think Pinson and Woods will provide good defense and some highlight plays that change momentum. But this season is built around Berry being the leader and Jackson and Hicks stepping up to be All-ACC caliber players.
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