(05-15-2019 10:22 AM)wml33t Wrote:  

(05-15-2019 09:48 AM)mrjoolius Wrote:  

(05-15-2019 09:40 AM)wml33t Wrote:  Certainly GoldenAge's words are far more harsh than I would use, but there is some merit to his sentiment. On paper, there's just no argument against the fact that our roster is a downgrade from previous seasons. To get specific to the point, we have literally no scholarship level backups at the 2,3, or 4 position. Not that we have low level scholarship backups. Not that we have unseasoned scholarship backups. We. Have. No. Backups. We have a backup point guard and a backup center. Both guys that simply do not have the skillset to fill 2,3, or 4. I'm sure they'll end up doing it. And they'll try their hardest, but it's simply not their skillset.

If this team outperforms last year's team, then there's simply nothing else to point to other than coaching.

Agreed. This team as currently constructed is paper thin on depth and it will bite them during the teeth of the season. There is also no margin for dealing with injuries. Even if these returning players click and play well, the back to back nature of the tournament will be tough with tired legs. I hope Dane plans to have the best conditioning program in the country. All 6/7 returnees will need to give important minutes to compete.

I'd also feel more comfortable I think if our 6/7 guys had more versatile skillsets to stretch into other roles. It's a double whammy where not only are we lacking depth, but the depth we have is fairly pigeon-holed.

I guess we will need to see what Fischer's offense looks like. Under Shaver, we used more of a 4 perimeter and 1 post lineup. I think since inside play is a strength, we will see more of a traditional 3 out and 2 inside lineup. Loewe and Scott will man the point, but all the guard spots should be fairly interchangeable depending on situation. Three player interior rotation with Knight & Van Vliet starting.

1- Loewe (Scott)
2- Williams (Scott, Blair, walk-on, or commit/transfer)
3- Blair (Van Vliet, Williams, or commit/transfer)
4- Van Vliet (Harvey)
5- Knight (Harvey)

This lineup will absolutely struggle defending quickness on the perimeter, but I see potential for them offensively. A lot of uncertainty and question marks, but certainly some talent. Hofstra won a lot of games with an 8 man rotation a couple of years ago. Sure, our guys are less proven, but winning is certainly doable with a short bench. If I'm playing W&M, I absolutely press this team. Both Loewe and Scott showed an affinity for wanting to cough the ball up last year. It would probably fall to the bigs to bring the ball up under pressure like Pierce did last season. I believe Blair & Van Vliet are competent ball handler and may be able to do this.