Way too early WAC predictions. Let's see everyone's.

1. GCU (added the most and didn't lose a lot)
2. CSUB (i've been over it too many times lol)
3. NMSU (this is more contingent on if more leave, we'll see)
4. UVU (solid team but haven't been there yet, experience matters)
5. Seattle (step up this year but should be a lot better next year)
6. UTRVG (wouldn't surprise me if they finish above .500)
7. UMKC (massive step down, no replacements for those leaving)
8. Chicago State (sorry Josh)

(04-30-2017 11:12 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Way too early WAC predictions. Let's see everyone's.

1. GCU (added the most and didn't lose a lot)
2. CSUB (i've been over it too many times lol)
3. NMSU (this is more contingent on if more leave, we'll see)
4. UVU (solid team but haven't been there yet, experience matters)
5. Seattle (step up this year but should be a lot better next year)
6. UTRVG (wouldn't surprise me if they finish above .500)
7. UMKC (massive step down, no replacements for those leaving)
8. Chicago State (sorry Josh)

Normally, this time of year I would make my first predictions. Many of the WAC schools are close to finalizing their rosters. However, since NMSU is very much in limbo not knowing who is coming and going, I can't assess the strength of my school. Essentially, NMSU still has their top two returning players (Eli Chuha and Sidy Ndir) and serviceable parts around them. But at this late date, Jans roster still has too many "moving" parts to know if NMSU is getting weaker or stronger?

In prior years there were clear cut difference in talent between schools but the differences are much smaller. These days it comes down to coaching, matchups, and player execution.

I like the talent Pope has assembled at UVU "offensively" but will he get those players to buy in to play a better brand of defense? Will Manyang give them a "real" rim protector?

I think Barnes has a good thing going at Bakersfield but with Basile, Airington, and Pride gone from his guard rotation, does he have the personnel to play his aggressive brand of defense near the same level as the last two year?

With Russell gone, does Majerle have the point guard who can orchestrate his offense effectively? Russell's speed could single handedly break down a defense and feed his scorer's. I don't see that type of speed from any of the Lopes PG replacements. So, what modifications will Majerle make to his offense and will it be just as effective?

Last season was the year of the point guard. Gone are... Baker... Russell... Basile... Boyd... Westendorf... Poydras... I guess the coach who can seamlessly back fill the PG position the best will have the edge going into WAC play.

(04-30-2017 09:16 PM)Clarity Wrote:  With Mark Pope as coach? No. Everybody on that team is gone, it doesn't mean anything. Plus CSUB and GCU were still building their programs. Utah Valley hasn't proven anything. You don't just go from 5th to 1st in a conference this top heavy.

Actually teams in much more top heavy conferences have made a similar climb to the one that you argue is not possible. See Kentucky under Gillespie and Calipari. The SEC is a very top heavy program. I am not discounting that Kentucky and UVU are very different places.

What I am saying is that you are speaking too much like a blinders on fan. Take a moment and look at the what you are writing. You have said that you will eat a shirt if CSUB is lower than 3rd. You life savings that CSUB finishes above UVU! Injuries happen. You are much more of a gambling fan than I am. Do I hope that NMSU does well, no question. But I would not make statements like that.

Also, it is interesting how a thread about NMSU transfers has morphed into a discussion on CSUB (again) and UVU. How hard is it to keep to the title of the thread?

Probably because someone said Utah Valley is better than CSUB and it was worth pointing out why I find disagree with that. I'm sure there will be more time to discuss your program falling apart at a later date. It's the off season there is not much to discuss and every thread will eventually devolve off topic. This is relevant to end of season predictions. This is the second time you've tried to combat me over something meaniningless where good discussion is being had. Not everything is about NMSU here sorry. Do you have a problem with me?

This thread continues down this path and it will end up on the smack board. I might suggest if people want to go back forth more vigorously that you start a new thread on the smack board. That is why it is there.

(04-30-2017 11:12 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Way too early WAC predictions. Let's see everyone's.

1. GCU (added the most and didn't lose a lot)
2. CSUB (i've been over it too many times lol)
3. NMSU (this is more contingent on if more leave, we'll see)
4. UVU (solid team but haven't been there yet, experience matters)
5. Seattle (step up this year but should be a lot better next year)
6. UTRVG (wouldn't surprise me if they finish above .500)
7. UMKC (massive step down, no replacements for those leaving)
8. Chicago State (sorry Josh)

Let me fix it for you.

1. NMSU
2. GCU
3. Utah Valley
4. Seattle
5. Bakersfield
6. UMKC
7. UTRGV
8. Chicago State

(05-01-2017 09:24 AM)Clarity Wrote:  Probably because someone said Utah Valley is better than CSUB and it was worth pointing out why I find disagree with that. I'm sure there will be more time to discuss your program falling apart at a later date. It's the off season there is not much to discuss and every thread will eventually devolve off topic. This is relevant to end of season predictions. This is the second time you've tried to combat me over something meaniningless where good discussion is being had. Not everything is about NMSU here sorry. Do you have a problem with me?

No not at all. I am grateful that not everything here is about NMSU, that would be a NMSU board, not a WAC board.

I post here because I like the WAC content.

I am simply someone who likes things to at least try to stay on the thread title.

To be honest, we are all only guessing about next year.

I don't think it would be asking too much for Jans/staff to give these incoming recruits & players a time frame in which to make their decision. A little "We love you and want you here, but we need to know if you are in or out by X." Maybe they have. Maybe they already know the head count. In any case, the lack of information coming out of LC seems unusual.

I'm not saying Jans needs to live tweet his breakfast every morning, but I think he'd be able to recognize a passionate fan base that just wants to know that he has everything under control. It doesn't seem unreasonable to think he would have said something by now.

I did hear Jans was in the broadcast booth for an inning or so of GCU/NMSU over the weekend. Did he share/say anything significant there?

(05-01-2017 09:24 AM)Clarity Wrote:  This is the second time you've tried to combat me over something meaniningless where good discussion is being had. Not everything is about NMSU here sorry. Do you have a problem with me?

As I reread my posts, I was not trying to attack you in any way. All I did was point out a few points where you were building your discussion based on what I thought were potentially weak or over generalizations. Not my intention to attack you, just trying to point something out.

(05-01-2017 11:00 AM)gleadley Wrote:  I don't think it would be asking too much for Jans/staff to give these incoming recruits & players a time frame in which to make their decision. A little "We love you and want you here, but we need to know if you are in or out by X." Maybe they have. Maybe they already know the head count. In any case, the lack of information coming out of LC seems unusual.

I'm not saying Jans needs to live tweet his breakfast every morning, but I think he'd be able to recognize a passionate fan base that just wants to know that he has everything under control. It doesn't seem unreasonable to think he would have said something by now.

I did hear Jans was in the broadcast booth for an inning or so of GCU/NMSU over the weekend. Did he share/say anything significant there?

I would like to just hear something once a week about what is going on with MBB.

(04-30-2017 11:12 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Way too early WAC predictions. Let's see everyone's.

1. GCU (added the most and didn't lose a lot)
2. CSUB (i've been over it too many times lol)
3. NMSU (this is more contingent on if more leave, we'll see)
4. UVU (solid team but haven't been there yet, experience matters)
5. Seattle (step up this year but should be a lot better next year)
6. UTRVG (wouldn't surprise me if they finish above .500)
7. UMKC (massive step down, no replacements for those leaving)
8. Chicago State (sorry Josh)

Here's mine and both Frank and Clarity will probably have a hissy fit.
1. Utah Valley (this team is loaded and almost everyone back from Final four CIT or CBI or whatever that tourney was)
2. GCU-(Lot's of unknowns but Majerle is a good coach. Losing Dwayne Russell is huge. Look at the percentage of offense he was last year. Pray that Tony Romo Braun doesn't get hurt)
3. CSUB (losing Basil and Arrington is huge as well. Basil IMO was probably under utilized and he was the best guard in the WAC last year IMO. I know Clarity wants to have Rod Barnes baby but I don't see him winning as many games with this group. I don't care what that freshman guard numbers were)
4. NMSU-program in shambles. I expect losing more players and unless Jans pulls a rabbit out of hat to many unknowns to pick them higher.
5. Seattle-unknowns but new coach is recruiting impressively. See them in the mix
6. UMKC- Terrible
7. UTRGV-Terrible
8. Chicago State-on life support and the pulse just stopped and the doctors are using the crash cart on this university and it's athletics

Durham is more talented than Basile lol. Briggs is about as good as Airington. Easy replacements. Utah Valley is not loaded lmao they return a lot of guys that finished 5th in the WAC, an average team. Never see anybody mention our NIT final 4 run hmmmm makes you think

(05-01-2017 12:11 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Durham is more talented than Basile lol. Briggs is about as good as Airington. Easy replacements. Utah Valley is not loaded lmao they return a lot of guys that finished 5th in the WAC, an average team. Never see anybody mention our NIT run hmmmm makes you think

Your NIT run only means there were 68 other teams who made the NCAA tournament. Keep in mind, you made that run with four seniors making key contributions.

We also didn't mention that UVU beat BYU on there court and NMSU in the PAC; the only current WAC member to do so. UVU has a higher ceiling than you give them credit for. Other than a suspect defense, they have good talent and depth at every position. Pope can build around Randolph, Toolson, Ogbe, Nelson, and Neilson.

Also, Airington's skill set does not equate to Brigg's skill set. Airington was a wing player. Briggs is a low post players. They are different type of players. Wrapp will be your starting point guard but he doesn't possess the same defensive intensity (quickness) as Basile. Basile was arguable the quickest defender in the WAC. Barnes will need to morph his team into something different than the past season to be just as successful. And, although talented, Durham jacking up 30-footers doesn't equate to a good dependable offense. He will need to be much more selective with his shots.

You must've not watched many of our games Wrapp was almost always the starting Point Guard with Basile playing the 2. Wrapp is also a phenomenal defender. Also Briggs is much more athletic than you give him credit for. Durhams shot selection is questionable at times but lit it up in the NIT and shot a respectable 34% from deep during the year. Basile's shot selection at times was just as questionable. You mention UVUs wins but don't mention CSUB beat Cal, Colorado State and UT Arlington all on their home courts. Far more impressive.

(05-01-2017 01:56 PM)Clarity Wrote:  You must've not watched many of our games Wrapp was almost always the starting Point Guard with Basile playing the 2. Wrapp is also a phenomenal defender. Also Briggs is much more athletic than you give him credit for. Durhams shot selection is questionable at times but lit it up in the NIT and shot a respectable 34% from deep during the year. You mention UVUs wins but don't mention CSUB beat Cal, Colorado State and UT Arlington all on their home courts.

I watched all the NIT games. I watched CSUB lose to GCU on TV. I was at the WAC tournament.

Yes Wrapp is a starter along side Basile. But Basile was the tip of the sword in Barnes defense (and Pride was Basile's back up). He was the one who hounded the ball handler. Also, without Basile, Wrapp becomes a greater focus for opposing coaches. He will now be getting the opposing teams best "on ball" defender. Barnes still has a quick team. But the new starting unit is not as quick as this previous season.

Even right now, as depleted as NMSU bench might become our starting guards AJ Harris and Sidy Ndir are much quicker players than Wrapp. The guard who plays off Wrapp as your #2, will need to be quick enough to lend Wrapp support in the open court; That's "IF" Barnes intends to employ the same type of defensive intensity.

Wrapp is still a great defender. Durham is just as good of a defender as Basile, probably better because he is a lot taller and more athletic. Hunted down a few nice blocks last year. He is a super athlete and will keep up with anyone. Also I know you guys are cool for the most part but why am I the one that's always getting jumped and gang beaten for my opinions? Lol. Do people really hate us that much? Just what it seems like at times.

(05-01-2017 02:24 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Wrapp is still a great defender. Durham is just as good of a defender as Basile, probably better because he is a lot taller and more athletic. Hunted down a few nice blocks last year. He is a super athlete and will keep up with anyone. Also I know you guys are cool for the most part but why am I the one that's always getting jumped and gang beaten for my opinions? Lol. Do people really hate us that much? Just what it seems like at times.

I see CSUB having a strong half court defense. Wrapp is a good defender in smaller spaces around the paint. But I just don't see CSUB as good defensively in the open court. The year NMSU lost to CSUB in the Championship, NMSU's defense was going through similar growing pains after the loss and Daniel Mullings and DK Eldridge. They were better on ball defenders than Ian Baker and Matt Taylor. It took time for NMSU to adjust to their loss. Basile, Pride, Airington, and Smith will be tough to replace defensively. However, I see CSUB being better offensively. CSUB will be longer defensively but not as quick. I think Barnes will need to employ more "half-court" traps and go way from applying full court pressure. This is why I think Barnes will need to morph his team into something different the prior seasons.

Going back on subject, here is an article mentioning NMSU offering Morris Udeze a scholarship...

http://www.news-gazette.com/sports/illin...ffers.html

Don't argue with Clarity. CSUB is going to be in the Final Four of the NCAA next year according to him.

(05-01-2017 02:24 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Wrapp is still a great defender. Durham is just as good of a defender as Basile, probably better because he is a lot taller and more athletic. Hunted down a few nice blocks last year. He is a super athlete and will keep up with anyone. Also I know you guys are cool for the most part but why am I the one that's always getting jumped and gang beaten for my opinions? Lol. Do people really hate us that much? Just what it seems like at times.

Bakersfield will take a step down next season. You have some talent but the group you just lost was pretty special. Durham is a good shooter, not very good on defense. I watched him several times. It's why he didn't start. Wrapp is an average point guard. There is nothing special about him.

(05-02-2017 09:12 AM)FINALFOUR1970SWEETSIXTEEN1992 Wrote:  

(05-01-2017 02:24 PM)Clarity Wrote:  Wrapp is still a great defender. Durham is just as good of a defender as Basile, probably better because he is a lot taller and more athletic. Hunted down a few nice blocks last year. He is a super athlete and will keep up with anyone. Also I know you guys are cool for the most part but why am I the one that's always getting jumped and gang beaten for my opinions? Lol. Do people really hate us that much? Just what it seems like at times.

Bakersfield will take a step down next season. You have some talent but the group you just lost was pretty special. Durham is a good shooter, not very good on defense. I watched him several times. It's why he didn't start. Wrapp is an average point guard. There is nothing special about him.

You nailed it Frank. Wrapp is a below average shooter for a guard and what you say about Durham is spot on. I think out of all the WAC teams GCU might have an edge but losing Russell is bigger than the GCU faithful want to admit too.