Reasons for Optimism

[HallBall10]

Delgado averages a double double on the year.
KC and Gordon play solid D and average around 10 pts each a game.
Desi and Veer together contribute between 13-15 pts per game.
IW could be really good this year. He's a McD AA who showed flashes of it before he got injured and with a season under his belt and his role clearly defined could put up 17 pts and 7 assists per game.

We should rebound very well.
IW, Gordon, Desi and Delgado are good to great rebounders for their position.

Our front court defense improves
I think Angel improves in this phase and his body withstands the full season better than last year.
I think Nzei and Anderson will prove to be better rebounders and defenders than Mobley.
And our front court reserves are better than Anthony and Ajou were last year.

And I believe the Chemistry will be much improved..
IW, KC, Desi, and Delgado all believe in each other and are extremely tight.
Gordon and Anderson add experience and calming influence and are role players that add defense, among other things.
The rest of the guys are on board and looking to contribute in their roles.



Basketball season is right around the corner. Let's Go Pirates!

 

[TheBluePirate]

Nice post.

The thing that strikes me about your comments is that they are about individuals - and it occurred to me that the ONE thing I want to see more than anything is the INTEGRATION of the individuals into a strong TEAM. That has been the number one fall down in my book. If that all changes, I will be thoroughly encouraged.

Here's hoping! It's what we can do "the best" as fans at this point.

 

[Shuathelete]

And then one of them gets 3 fouls in 2 minutes.

 

[hallgrad80]

Nice post.

The thing that strikes me about your comments is that they are about individuals - and it occurred to me that the ONE thing I want to see more than anything is the INTEGRATION of the individuals into a strong TEAM. That has been the number one fall down in my book. If that all changes, I will be thoroughly encouraged.

Here's hoping! It's what we can do "the best" as fans at this point.

BluePirate
You're right about turning individuals into a team and for that to happen the " core four" starters have to set the tone by making that locker room inclusive for everyone , especially the newcomers . Equally as important is for KW and the entire staff to ensure that everyone gets on the same page and not have different factions in that locker room.

 

[TheBluePirate]

Absolutely!

 

[sportsfantatic44]

Singh is going to be a very good player here for 4 years. Think he is going to suprise this year. I believe the coaching staff hit a home run with him.

 

[Halldan1]

Singh is going to be a very good player here for 4 years. Think he is going to surprise this year. I believe the coaching staff hit a home run with him.

Of all the new players (not counting Jevon Thomas who has been a revelation) Singh has been a Godsend. His strength is SHU's weakness, and that's outside shooting.

Look for he and D-Rod to share the 3 spot.

 

[hallgrad80]

Of all the new players (not counting Jevon Thomas who has been a revelation) Singh has been a Godsend. His strength is SHU's weakness, and that's outside shooting.


Look for he and D-Rod to share the 3 spot.

Does he have a skill set to play the 2? At 6'7" he would present matchup problems for any defender plus he and Desi could be on the floor at the same time.

 

[Halldan1]

Does he have a skill set to play the 2? At 6'7" he would present matchup problems for any defender plus he and Desi could be on the floor at the same time.

KW noted Wednesday that he would be going with 3 guards, Carrington, Whitehead and Gordon in the backcourt with Veer and Desi playing the three.

Of course at times during the season he'll mix and match. But for the most part sans injuries we have a 3 man backcourt.

 

[lokiSHU]

I like this team to do well and surprise. I have been very down on Willard, but like the make up of this team provided we stick to playing our core 8 of so players. Willard need to find a small rotation and stick with it. I think Willard over thinks the game. Let the players compete in practice to earn a spot in the rotation. My only concern if finding the back up for Delgado. If Anderson cannot do it, I hope Anthony or Carter can.

 

[Burnsly]

Singh is going to be a very good player here for 4 years. Think he is going to suprise this year. I believe the coaching staff hit a home run with him.

Wow, hell is about to freeze over.

 

[Seton75]

Reason for optimism? Cause I am a diehard fan and till proven otherwise, I will think this season is gonna be great!

 

[HALL85]

I have been optimistic the past five years and have been disappointed beyond belief every year. I am going into this year with a low bar expectation 8th-9th and hope to have that exceeded, or I will drink even more than I do....

 

[Vegas pj]

I have been optimistic the past five years and have been disappointed beyond belief every year. I am going into this year with a low bar expectation 8th-9th and hope to have that exceeded, or I will drink even more than I do....

Get AA on speed dial.

 

[Piratz]

I'm optimistic because we have some extraordinarily talented players on this roster and those players have a year of experience now. That makes a very big difference. Whitehead and Delgado are a special pair that could be at the top of the league, then you have a really nice complimentary players in Carrington and Rodriguez, plus a solid defensive guard off the bench in Gordon.

I'm one of those that's high on Singh too, so we'll see.

This is now the Class of 2014's team. Will that make a difference in terms of harmony and effort? I hope so.

It's just hard to be overly excited given the body of work over the past 5 years by the coach, but he's got another shot.

 

[Piratz]

Of course at times during the season he'll mix and match. But for the most part sans injuries we have a 3 man backcourt.

OMG, flexibility? We're going to adjust on the fly, scrap the game plan, and show toughness when we're in a bad spot?!??!

LOL, being facetious of course, but these have not been characteristics of Willard-coached teams in the past. Generally it's been if the plan works it works, if it doesn't, we're lost.

 

[Fzacsattac]

I am totally optimistic on the season. Hopefully the work guys put in this summer translates on the court. I am very high on Singh and think he and Carrington will be key to the season. I have been singing Carringtons praises since last year when he came on board and hope he shows everyone what a special player he is.

Like some posters have stated KW's leadership/management, on and off the court, has not been stellar. Hoping that this is the season that makes us forget the past few years. If not I hope the administration takes a long hard look at other candidates for his position.

 

[Turiddu]

I have chosen to have amnesia regarding the past five years and join Seton 75 in his excitement for this year. If we meet my optimistic hopes than the season will be filled with results and we will be invited to the big dance. If my amnesia is jolted back into another year of gloom and doom I will deal with it then. Willard is the coach and we have more than enough talent to play with anyone in the league.Go Pirates

 

[silkcitypirate]

I agree with Turiddu. Go Pirates!!!!!!

 

[halltheway]

I have been optimistic the past five years and have been disappointed beyond belief every year. I am going into this year with a low bar expectation 8th-9th and hope to have that exceeded, or I will drink even more than I do....

I agree with Hall85, I have been optimistic year after year especially the last few. I refuse to dream until mid February comes around and them my dreams may become a reality.
With that said, if our sophomores can play with winning as their only goal and Willard steps up and keeps the team emotionally and physically ready, maybe just maybe...dreams do come true.