26-27 Roster

[MrTbone]

I hear u. I just don't think a lot of teams have 2 big types that play together and pound u inside anymore. I totally agree we want a versatile wing who can guard and grab some boards, but I am fine with anyone here in the 6'5 or 6'6 range alongside Kaiser.

I think you’re mostly correct that the PF archetype has changed. That said, the last two years have shown us a couple things which frankly I think have existed way longer than the last two years.

Offensively, when we are overly reliant on three point shooting we struggle badly, so it’s pretty important to have either someone who can penetrate or if not that, someone who can post up.

Defensively, we seem to be stuck on the switching man defense. If we’re going to play that way, you need more length I think. And white a smaller lineup may be ok on offense, it has not worked out well for us on defense.

 

[*23*]

I know its a different budget and different deal for p5, but in the NCAA tournament I heard a TON of talk how teams were playing two bigs and these teams were having the most success. Florida, Uconn, Michigan, Arizona, Iowa etc etc etc. I know, its a completely different comp, but it made a huge comeback this year. We signed a weakish center, and think we can get by with that, but as noted we had an un freaking believable shooting 3 point team coming into A10 play, and they were not athletic or tough and it showed. If we cant sign a legit PF, we need 2 to three 6'6 to 6'7 wings with athleticism.

And yes Kneepad, hoping J Rob can improve and be in the rotation. I think Mooney mostly used him as a center, and that did not help him. Still think we need a legit SG - either 6'2 or above or a dawg like DLO. Another athletic wing, and if can't land a good PF/Stretch 4, another athletic wing.

 

[Spide]

I think you’re mostly correct that the PF archetype has changed. That said, the last two years have shown us a couple things which frankly I think have existed way longer than the last two years.

Offensively, when we are overly reliant on three point shooting we struggle badly, so it’s pretty important to have either someone who can penetrate or if not that, someone who can post up.

Defensively, we seem to be stuck on the switching man defense. If we’re going to play that way, you need more length I think. And white a smaller lineup may be ok on offense, it has not worked out well for us on defense.

T, in general, I agree with your comment about small guys on defense. However, after watching Aiden Argabrite play defense, I feel some small guys are effective even against larger opponents, whether it be taking a charge or just being a nuisance. Adding to his Gatorade Player of the Year honor, think I read that Deuce Simmons was also defensive player of the year in the state. This might help explain has SEC offer from Tennessee.

 

[*23*]

Deuce Simmons was also defensive player of the year in the state. This might help explain has SEC offer from Tennessee

The Tennessee offer does bode well. They had recent very good success with Zakai Zeigler, so that probably paved the way for them to feel comfortable. I do think quickness can overcome a lot, especially at the guard position. But if we are going to have a liability at center defensively, and then roll out two 5'8 to 5'10 guards, and our switching defense - seems like a recipe for disaster.

 

[Long Time UR Fan]

T, in general, I agree with your comment about small guys on defense. However, after watching Aiden Argabrite play defense, I feel some small guys are effective even against larger opponents, whether it be taking a charge or just being a nuisance. Adding to his Gatorade Player of the Year honor, think I read that Deuce Simmons was also defensive player of the year in the state. This might help explain has SEC offer from Tennessee.

I don't think anyone can question that AA is a very good on-ball defender, and hopefully Deuce will be as good or better. The problem is that no 6 footer or under can effectively guard another team's center under the basket, and with the switch on everything defense that Mooney runs all it takes is a screen or 2 and we end up with our center defending a much quicker guard on the perimeter and our PG trying to stop an opposing much taller player inside. That formula just does not work, and unless Mooney changes the defense or starts recruiting athletic interchangeable players, like Gonzo, Butler, Kevin Smith, Martel, for example, we will never be good defensively.

 

[Rivercup]

Why don’t we send an assistant to Charlottesville and get Tony Bennett to teach us the « Packline » defense? Seemed
to work pretty well for UVA.

 

[*23*]

unless Mooney changes the defense or starts recruiting athletic interchangeable players, like Gonzo, Butler, Kevin Smith, Martel, for example, we will never be good defensively.

Yep. And this is why I keep pushing for loading up on athletic wings.