25-26 Roster Expectations

[*23*]

Probably should wait for Monday's Pod Cast, but just based on the bit of feedback and my past expectations for players, this is kind of what I am hoping to see after we have played 5 or 7 games:
Starters:
PG - Johnston - Very accomplished and confident player. Seems to be a classic gym rat. I'm hoping he can be a middle class (not poor man's ) Jordan King.
SG - AJ Lopez - Excellent shooting numbers last year - looks like he can score at three levels and has quickness to create his own shot. Though I always want best man to play - I don't know that Thomas or Tyne are any better and would rather have a 6'5 athletic guy, that should be able to score.
Tyne and Thomas should both be able to contribute. I will be higher on Tyne when he shows he can hit the 3 and cut down on TO's. If he has improved in those areas then he could play starters minutes in my world - and we know Mooney's world. As have stated previously, I think most are sleeping on Thomas. If I am right, should be a solid Guard room, maybe very good.
Wing - McGlothin. It's time. He has size, hops, skill from all appearances. If we are going to be an A10 contender we need him be the guy here and play like a vet. Only weakness I could see from his HS tape, was handle looked a might bit suspect, and did not get to see him guarding guys with lateral speed. Based on the improvement I could see from his jr to sr h.s. tape - if he was able to use the RS year to improve these parts of his game - could honestly be a monster. Lot of options for depth here, Lopez slide over as a third guard. Tanner - not giving up on him - seems like a guy that could embrace a role presented so could see him do well as a back up. Remember, this is the offseason, the time for optimism at Spidernation hahaha. And Glou. Looked decent at times last year. If better options this year - hoping Mooney prioritizes winning over loyalty. Tough for him to miss most of offseason IMO.

PF - Daughtry sounds like he will be the guy. Very productive last season. Hopefull that when he comes out of the game, Robinson is ready and comes in and impacts the games with rebounds, defense and dunks. That's what I want to see. Glou probable here too. Beagle? He has some ability but Moon showed he won't play him here.
Center - Walz. It's your time. No more talking the talk - which he does so well - time to walk the walk. Stop thinking so much and go dominate. Beagle is a very solid back up.
True Freshman? Who knows - hopefully one or two are so good they can play - but will be tough I think.

 

[Spider17]

Great write up 23 (I assume you are spider23 from old forum). I am pretty confident that Tyne will start so I see Tyne and Johnston at the 1 & 2. My guess is Lopez is 3, Daughtry is 4, and Walz is 5. I think if we want to be pleasantly surprised this season we’re going to need some production out of the freshmen, particularly the redshirt freshmen. Hopefully McGlothin and/or Robinson can find their way into some meaningful minutes.

“This is Spiderstudent17”

 

[RichmondNative]

I’m sure that there will be plenty of discussion on this topic after the Monday (I assume) podcast comes out.

My day 1 expectation is the same as Spider17, but I would love to see the 23 lineup firing on all cylinders early.

Having seen nothing, it is hard to make any sort of decent prediction but the options at the 4,5 are definitely limited and competition for 1-3 should be basically wide open.

As I said in the Tyne thread, I think that his role is going to define this team. Has he become a no question starter or will he be a change of pace bench option? As someone mentioned on Reddit, I am concerned that Mooney will defer to “comfort” mode and keep Tyne on the floor even if there are better options. But if Tyne has stepped it up, then it is a win-win.

Really anxious to see what the RS freshmen can bring to the equation. If McGlothin could start, then that will solidify the staffs development plan. Either way, I expect at least 2 redshirts from the true freshmen.

 

[*23*]

(I assume you are spider23 from old forum)

Correct, I was going to change my name to a symbol but that seemed too hard.

 

[Section9_RowD]

Correct, I was going to change my name to a symbol but that seemed too hard.

Well done XXIII

 

[Spidey]

Probably should wait for Monday's Pod Cast, but just based on the bit of feedback and my past expectations for players, this is kind of what I am hoping to see after we have played 5 or 7 games:
Starters:
PG - Johnston - Very accomplished and confident player. Seems to be a classic gym rat. I'm hoping he can be a middle class (not poor man's ) Jordan King.
SG - AJ Lopez - Excellent shooting numbers last year - looks like he can score at three levels and has quickness to create his own shot. Though I always want best man to play - I don't know that Thomas or Tyne are any better and would rather have a 6'5 athletic guy, that should be able to score.
Tyne and Thomas should both be able to contribute. I will be higher on Tyne when he shows he can hit the 3 and cut down on TO's. If he has improved in those areas then he could play starters minutes in my world - and we know Mooney's world. As have stated previously, I think most are sleeping on Thomas. If I am right, should be a solid Guard room, maybe very good.
Wing - McGlothin. It's time. He has size, hops, skill from all appearances. If we are going to be an A10 contender we need him be the guy here and play like a vet. Only weakness I could see from his HS tape, was handle looked a might bit suspect, and did not get to see him guarding guys with lateral speed. Based on the improvement I could see from his jr to sr h.s. tape - if he was able to use the RS year to improve these parts of his game - could honestly be a monster. Lot of options for depth here, Lopez slide over as a third guard. Tanner - not giving up on him - seems like a guy that could embrace a role presented so could see him do well as a back up. Remember, this is the offseason, the time for optimism at Spidernation hahaha. And Glou. Looked decent at times last year. If better options this year - hoping Mooney prioritizes winning over loyalty. Tough for him to miss most of offseason IMO.

PF - Daughtry sounds like he will be the guy. Very productive last season. Hopefull that when he comes out of the game, Robinson is ready and comes in and impacts the games with rebounds, defense and dunks. That's what I want to see. Glou probable here too. Beagle? He has some ability but Moon showed he won't play him here.
Center - Walz. It's your time. No more talking the talk - which he does so well - time to walk the walk. Stop thinking so much and go dominate. Beagle is a very solid back up.
True Freshman? Who knows - hopefully one or two are so good they can play - but will be tough I think.

I think this is our best line up as well, this line up would be fast and really would get things done. I hope coach plays the best players and chemistry over loyalty to seniority.

 

[Spidey]

Great write up 23 (I assume you are spider23 from old forum). I am pretty confident that Tyne will start so I see Tyne and Johnston at the 1 & 2. My guess is Lopez is 3, Daughtry is 4, and Walz is 5. I think if we want to be pleasantly surprised this season we’re going to need some production out of the freshmen, particularly the redshirt freshmen. Hopefully McGlothin and/or Robinson can find their way into some meaningful minutes.

“This is Spiderstudent17”

Playing 2 smaller guards is not the best option with 6’5 AJ available we need to swing matchups in our favor as much as possible and small ball with mediocre shooting and zero transition baskets is not a winning formula. We have speed, athleticism and other attributes from our players better fit than to play dbl small/smallish point guards.

 

[Spider2020]

Playing 2 smaller guards is not the best option with 6’5 AJ available we need to swing matchups in our favor as much as possible and small ball with mediocre shooting and zero transition baskets is not a winning formula. We have speed, athleticism and other attributes from our players better fit than to play dbl small/smallish point guards.

I agree that I prefer more size in the lineup (I would have Tyne as a bench player, 6th man type). But Mooney consistently favors 2 smaller guards - and has often started a 6’5”ish guy at the 3. I’d be very shocked if opening night starting 5 is not Tyne, Johnston, Lopez, Daughtry, Walz.

 

[Section9_RowD]

Playing 2 smaller guards is not the best option with 6’5 AJ available we need to swing matchups in our favor as much as possible and small ball with mediocre shooting and zero transition baskets is not a winning formula. We have speed, athleticism and other attributes from our players better fit than to play dbl small/smallish point guards.

Even two great small guards still struggle against big teams - West Virginia game in '20 was a good example of this

 

[Spidey]

I agree that I prefer more size in the lineup (I would have Tyne as a bench player, 6th man type). But Mooney consistently favors 2 smaller guards - and has often started a 6’5”ish guy at the 3. I’d be very shocked if opening night starting 5 is not Tyne, Johnston, Lopez, Daughtry, Walz.

And they would likely be successful against our D3 opponent. Not the best basketball choice though

 

[*23*]

And they would likely be successful against our D3 opponent. Not the best basketball choice though

This is a concern I think a few posters now have mentioned. Playing very low level opponents in the OOC may lead to "false positives" in a way. Will be hard to see the bad. Last year obviously we were able to show our bad vs bad opponents. But playing poor teams to start the year may lead Mooney too much leeway to ride with guys that while they have time in the program, have not necessarily earned the time vs the new guys.

 

[Spider17]

Playing 2 smaller guards is not the best option with 6’5 AJ available we need to swing matchups in our favor as much as possible and small ball with mediocre shooting and zero transition baskets is not a winning formula. We have speed, athleticism and other attributes from our players better fit than to play dbl small/smallish point guards.

Mooney has typically gone with two small guards line ups in the past. I don’t see how Tyne doesn’t start under Mooney. Johnston seems to be our best pure shooter so I imagine he starts along side Tyne. If Mooney wants to have a bigger line up then I can definitely see AJ at the 2, but I think the typical line up will have him at the 3. Same way Roche played the 3 most of the time and only on occasion the 2.

 

[Retire0]

The ceiling of a Mooney team will always be dictated by how well the 5 plays. It hinges on Walz, and you’re right, its time. Been waiting a long time on potential. Last year was not good enough and should never be accepted as such. This is your last chance to be the guy for this program, which continues to double down on believing in you. If you play to your potential this team can compete for a double bye.

 

[Spidey]

This is a concern I think a few posters now have mentioned. Playing very low level opponents in the OOC may lead to "false positives" in a way. Will be hard to see the bad. Last year obviously we were able to show our bad vs bad opponents. But playing poor teams to start the year may lead Mooney too much leeway to ride with guys that while they have time in the program, have not necessarily earned the time vs the new guys.

I couldn’t agree more.

 

[Spiderguy]

This is a concern I think a few posters now have mentioned. Playing very low level opponents in the OOC may lead to "false positives" in a way. Will be hard to see the bad. Last year obviously we were able to show our bad vs bad opponents. But playing poor teams to start the year may lead Mooney too much leeway to ride with guys that while they have time in the program, have not necessarily earned the time vs the new guys.

Old habits die hard.

 

[*23*]

Saw an interesting quoute from Rick Pitino this morning. Now, I get it , Rick has been a guy of questionable character and morals. But as a hoops coach he is one of the best, and has always been forward thinking. I recall playing HS hoops when the 3 point line was implemented in Virginia - I think before my senior year. I remember that summer our coach pulling us in his office to show us a bunch of Pitino videos on 3 point shooting. Anyway, he is a position less basketball guy. When asked about point guard: “The point guard is totally done in basketball,” he said. "There are no point guards anymore. If you find it, you’d probably describe it as a guy who can’t shoot"

Mooney has always been a guy that lets that other small guard bring the ball up a good percentage, a la Blake Franchise. The thing that scares me with Tyne is that as of now he is that guy labelled as a point guard because he can't shoot. Also, playmaking is still very questionable. But he seems cemented at "point guard"

The up side for Tyne: Re-classed, came out early and played meaningful minutes pretty well as a true freshman. Got a lot of minutes last year on a bad team. As others have noted, did not have much help. Had a lot of gunners that couldn't shoot around him. Hopefully with better teammates around him we see a big jump. The downside: He maintains his historical shooting percentages from 3 and his poor A/TO ratio. And Mooney keeps running him out. As one poster - I think Native - has stated, team may go as Tyne goes. But moon is fully invested so I guess we are as fans as well.

 

[*23*]

I agree that I prefer more size in the lineup (I would have Tyne as a bench player, 6th man type). But Mooney consistently favors 2 smaller guards - and has often started a 6’5”ish guy at the 3. I’d be very shocked if opening night starting 5 is not Tyne, Johnston, Lopez, Daughtry, Walz.

This line up is how I am leaning now as well. I think McGlothin will get minutes, I am hoping he pops, but seems like he will need that year adjustment to the speed of the game. Really really think moon playing slow game with him and JROB hurts us this season.

I know defense is not all that fun to discuss, and I have harped on it in the past - however the transfer rankings I posted is an independent source that is corraborating the information that I, Philly Spider (?) and others have posted about questionable defense. This line up does not appear to have one + defender. Yes, Walz is big and athletic - but I don't know that he has the lateral movement and quick twitch to be a true plus defender.
This potential "defensive issue" is another item that may get glossed over with this OOC. We did have a really good defense two years ago. But that team had some DAWGS, that were also long and athletic in Dji, Bigs, even Harris. Quinn was a good rim protector. And DLo was a DAWG. King was a good defender, high effort high IQ defensive player that made up for his size with savvy and IQ.

Hoping some of these guys prove me wrong in a big way. Not counting on Moon to scheme things up.

 

[sman]

Pitino was just ahead of his time with the whole NIL thing. he's a visionary.

as for Tyne being a PG, the old saying "you are what you can defend" puts him there. but yeah, he's not a true PG on the offensive end. Johnston's a new-world PG who can shoot.

the numbers don't support me and the sample size is likely enough, but dang it if I still don't believe Tyne can shoot. won't surprise me in the least to see him at 34% from 3 this year. maybe it helps him having Johnston out there handling with him. but my leash is short. if he's not playing well by the time we finish the CYO section of our schedule, I'm moving on. Tanner or Thomas could start at the 2, or you slide Lopez over and give AP another look. heck, wouldn't shock me if Argabright shoots the lights out and forces his way into time ... if we haven't already offered him a redshirt.

 

[Spiders4ever]

Pitino was just ahead of his time with the whole NIL thing. he's a visionary.

as for Tyne being a PG, the old saying "you are what you can defend" puts him there. but yeah, he's not a true PG on the offensive end. Johnston's a new-world PG who can shoot.

the numbers don't support me and the sample size is likely enough, but dang it if I still don't believe Tyne can shoot. won't surprise me in the least to see him at 34% from 3 this year. maybe it helps him having Johnston out there handling with him. but my leash is short. if he's not playing well by the time we finish the CYO section of our schedule, I'm moving on. Tanner or Thomas could start at the 2, or you slide Lopez over and give AP another look. heck, wouldn't shock me if Argabright shoots the lights out and forces his way into time ... if we haven't already offered him a redshirt.

There is an entire shitty OOC schedule to figure it out. Hopefully man in charge takes notice if changes are needed.

 

[SensibleSpider]

Pitino was just ahead of his time with the whole NIL thing. he's a visionary.

as for Tyne being a PG, the old saying "you are what you can defend" puts him there. but yeah, he's not a true PG on the offensive end. Johnston's a new-world PG who can shoot.

the numbers don't support me and the sample size is likely enough, but dang it if I still don't believe Tyne can shoot. won't surprise me in the least to see him at 34% from 3 this year. maybe it helps him having Johnston out there handling with him. but my leash is short. if he's not playing well by the time we finish the CYO section of our schedule, I'm moving on. Tanner or Thomas could start at the 2, or you slide Lopez over and give AP another look. heck, wouldn't shock me if Argabright shoots the lights out and forces his way into time ... if we haven't already offered him a redshirt.

I tend to agree Tyne can shoot better than he's shown so far. However, I wouldn't say his shooting form is that of a 40% 3P shooter (not that you are saying that). I also think AP is a much better shooter than what we saw last season. He isn't going to be one to create his own shot off the dribble much but as a catch and shoot guy I would expect him to be much better this season. Both are streaky.