My Projected Logistics for Next Year
With all the talk about next year, I figured I would post my thoughts. Note: title inspired by the recently absent Austin Montgomery
Here's the roster breakdown.
Point guard
Projected Depth Chart-
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The breakdown- Peyton Siva became a secondary leader in the second half of the season. We saw him blossom in games such as the first UConn and first WVU game, being the clutch player. He was very vocal and a great driver. He averaged 10 ppg and 5 assists last season. I would figure those to go up to about 14 and 7 this year, minimum (points). I have a feeling one of the two backups will transfer, but who knows. Russ Smith is a tenacious defender who fits well into our system. Justice quarterbacks the offense. I like Smith but am neutral toward Justice. I don't like how he does not seem to like driving into lane. He often looked overmatched, especially on D. Advantage, Russ.
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Shooting Guard
Projected Depth Chart-
- Wayne Blackshear
- Chris Smith
- Mike Marra
- HENDO!
- Mark Jackson Jr.
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The Breakdown-
Dudes a beast. I think a talent like him HAS to start. I like Chris Smith and all, but Wayne has more size which will help us with our, uh, problem (say it, Carolina Cardinal). Chris Smith did keep us in a lot of games last year with his great ability to get to the rim or take a pull-up jumpshot. But at the tail end of the season, not including the Morehead State debacle, he lost his confidence and just at times would not shoot. We may need him back on track, especially if Wayne is a *gasp* bust. Marra is a streaky shooter who would either go for 16+ (S Bama, Marquette, etc.) or shoot 0-10 (UNLV). He was the best player on the team until the UNLV game (I'm looking at you, 922. http://www.cardchronicle.com/2010/12/7/1862821/a-bridge-year-too-late). Hendo is, well, Hendo.
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Small Forward
Projected Depth Chart-
- Kyle Kuric,
- see shooting guards,
- Angel Nunez
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The Breakdown- All I really need to do is talk about Kyle, because our shooting guards are pretty much interchangable with this position. As you know, Kyle was a great three point shooter last year, being by far our most efficient player, and quietly our best down the stretch (http://www.cardchronicle.com/2011/3/3/2028189/kuric-has-quietly-been-our-best#storyjump). What I am interested in is if he can make his game more well-rounded. He showed that late in the season. He began to drive more and shoot more mid-range jumpers. He also was our leading rebounder in our last ten games.
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Power Forward
Projected Depth Chart-
- Chane Behannen/Rakeem Buckles/Jared Swopshire
- Steven Van Treese
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Breakdown- I see a revolving door. Three talented players, three good rebounders, one very good shooter, two power players. It's a nice problem to have. Judging from Rick Pitino's past, I believe Jared Swopshire will start from day one. I believe he may let Chane get some experience and then start, or stick with Swop if he does not pan out. You may be wondering, why am I not including Rakeem Buckles in the conversation? ACL injuries are tough to get over. The staff should treat the injury with caution. We don't need him blowing out his knee again next year. If he gets healthy quickly, he will start about a quarter of the way in, or halfway through the nonconference. But who knows, we have lots of good players at the position, so the starter will be very good.
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Center
Projected Depth Chart
- Terrence Jennings
- Tony Woods
- Gorgui Dieng
- Zach Price
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The Breakdown- LOADED. Boom. Lots of talent here. At the end of last season, TJ morphed into a double-double guy. I really like his post moves and baby hook. He fits perfectly into an up-tempo style. No reason not to start him. Tony Woods and Gorgui Dieng are interchangable. I can't tell you much about his game, but I can say that he is loaded with ability, for he was a five-star out of high school. Gorgui looks like the second coming of Hashem Thabeet, though he is still raw and learning the game.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I just spent, like, and hour and a half on this, so I'd better get props. Okay? OKAY?!
For next season, I am calling a 27-4 record, finishing second in the Big East to Syracuse, and winning the Big East tournament. I also am for once thinking of an undefeated nonconference. I doubt this happens because of the classic Pitino clunker, but next year seems like our best shot. Records, predictions, as always are welcome.
GO CARDS.
Note: I am not calling us losing to SU at any point, but I believe a clunker at the end costs us the regular season crown.
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Seriously though, everyone needs to get off of your (back) about that.
Look folks, it’s obvious that Carolina Cardinal cares about the team and wants to point out some weaknesses so that we can improve on them. Granted there probably aren’t that many in the Cardinal camp that read this ‘blog’ that can get word to the powers that be, but if you cannot have a thick skin when it comes to CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, then you need to find something else to do. Something that you are perfect at and don’t have to listen to any constructive criticism. Additionally, just as his “continued harping” on the subject might get old and annoying to you, P&M about it doesn’t make things any better.
In the military we do After Action Reviews (AARs) after every training event, mission, etc. If you cannot have thick skin about what you did wrong or at the very least could have done better, then you will never improve. At the very least, be open to different ways of “skinning the cat” (accomplishing a mission/task/purpose/whatever) – there are a million ways to do anything and the way you just did it may not have been the best – even if it was successful or done well. If for some reason the free-throws and rebounding shortcomings aren’t noticed by the coaches and trainers, maybe someone on here knows somebody who “knows somebody who knows somethin’ ’bout it” and can put a bug in someone’s ear. Carolina has provided all kinds of supporting evidence as to how certain games could have/likely would have been won vs. lost had we done better in these two aspects of the games in question. It’s not like his complaints aren’t baseless. So he may be preaching to the choir as well… but seemingly little to nothing has been done about it.
Even when missions go exceptionally well, there are still things that can be improved upon or someone can provide some incite into how you could have done something better – or just different. Otherwise you just get stagnant. AARs are an exceptional tool and I’m sure the coaches and staff probably do much of this as well but just call it something different. The difference is that when done in the military, most of the organization is there so junior leaders can learn and provide input. Even the most junior person in the organization can provide input that makes sense and can improve the organization. Hearing things to work on from peers/subordinates/supervisors (teammates/etc.) can help it set in quicker too. Watching film and tape and critiquing the opposition is a prime example that I know the coaching staff does, but do they internalize it enough? When they do internalize it, do they have all players point out pros/cons of teaching points? I don’t know, but I know CC isn’t off in his comments/suggestions and shouldn’t be “beat up” just because he’s “voicing” them. I myself have seen plenty of examples during games where I have screamed at the TV things like “CRASH THE F’ING BOARDS!” or “OMFG, why cant you hit that free-throw?!” I was never a big BBall player, but I can guarantee I can hit better than 50% from the line.
Of course in AARs it is also accepted to provide some rebuttal and everything as to why you did what you did. It is also key to provide positive reenforcement on what was done well and needs to be sustained. The bottom line is that if you cannot improve where you’re weakest, then sustaining and improving your strengths aren’t going to provide the best possible outcome as the competition figures out ways to combat your strengths and capitalize on your weaknesses.
In the military, we also have a saying
“In the amount of time you spent bitching about the problem, you probably could have thought of a solution.” In AARs, we had a policy of not complaining about something if you don’t have a solution on how to fix it.
It’s great if someone points out a weakness and how to improve it, but if you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
Also, I think we just like to give people a hard time on here. :)
It’s like a sport, but more fun against the ‘.05%’ UK fanbase that takes it to heart.
Honestly...
It was more good-natured ribbing than anger. No harm intended.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
I know a lot of it is and I know this 'blog'
is full of sarcastic ARSES – not unlike myself – but he was seemingly getting flamed for stating some glaring facts from his perspective.
Not just in this post/thread here, but several prior. He might have been beating a dead horse – into the ground – and preaching to the choir and all, but they were still valid points that obviously need to be addressed from the staff.
I just cannot stomach complaining too much.
Seriously, looks good to me.
What if Ware comes? That shooting guard position is over full already and I had completely forgotten about Mark Jackson.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 6, 2011 6:57 PM EDT reply actions
Another point -
As good as Kuric was last year, if he can drive more next year (remember the monster dunk of the year) he just might be incredible. Also, the talented bigs coming may might allow TJ to be more aggressive on offense and get him to 15-20. points per game. There are a lot of pieces to be put together but if we can find the right combination(s), 2012 will be a joy.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 6, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions
Always have to remember
Kuric played out of position for most of the season due to injuries, He only started working on driving to the basket after he ended up at the 4 spot. What he learned and accomplished there will make him much better at the 3 when he will be facing mostly like sized players. I also see Chris Smith more at the 3 as Angel learns the system, then a 3 man rotation later in the season. With (hopefully) puting on some weight and muscle in the off season I think it will be hard for anyone to take away any of his minutes, BUT it will be nice to have 5 more fouls at the 5 spot. I would not be surprised to see Rick work at developing one of the SGs into an extra PG like he did with Preston and also did with T-Will. Russ had to sit out about half of the season last year with an injury and when he came back he had little experience and was completely out of condition, While Justice played he was still only a freshman and could make a lot of strides over the off season. Look at how much improvement there was with Siva, Buckles, and Van Treese from a year ago.
Completely agree.
The injury situation cause a lot of guys to play out of position and hurt us a lot. If we don’t get bit by the injury bug next year we will see many players “improve” dramatically because they are where they belong doing what they do best.
And, I think you are right about having the additional fouls to give in the post and about Rick developing a SG back up at the point. As for the improvement in many of the guys, I believe we will see a major improvement as they are back in positions they are more comfortable in. When you’re playing out of position you have to think a lot more about what to do and where to go. When you’re playing where you are comfortable, you just play. It will make a big difference for some of them to be back where they belong (as the song goes). In fact, I love the class we have coming in but I am not convinced that they will be starters from day one. The team we have, while not super stars, are solid players and if they continue to develop, will not be pushovers for the burger boys. Not saying the recruits won’t see playing time, they will, but it will take them some time to learn the system and the pace of the college game, so I don’t see them starting right away.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 7, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think we will see Marra or blacksheare at the 3 before we see smith there
Yes, that is Kyle Kuric
by TheRealSlimShady on Apr 7, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I agree with all of this.
The variables:
1. Transfers
2. Buckles and Swop recovery
3. Kevin Ware
Also, the projection of increased scoring from Siva and TJ is interesting. We obviously have to pick up the loss of !’s points, but I believe we have more than enough coming in. That said, we may not want to anticipate or even “need” increased scoring from Siva and TJ.
Don’t be surprised to see TJ at the 4 some against bigger teams. (and a hush fell over the crowd)
Stout Out!
my W/L prediction
Reg Season 26-5 (14-4 in Big East)
Post Season 3-0 (Big East Champions)
So thats 29-5 heading into the NCAA. We should be fine in that as long as we don’t see Morehead State!
Well there's one team everybody (EVERYBODY) is ranking ahead of us pre-season who we will play at their place...
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
I meant that I was curious if it was them (shudder) or someone like @ Butler or @UNLV.
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
If both Knight and Jones leave, I am not sold on them till I see them play.
They’ll be good, but their tournament run is heavily influencing these preseason polls. Had the ball bounced a little differently against Princeton or OSU, people would be ranking them around the same position as us (or lower).
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 6, 2011 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions
With all of the size and athleticism we'll have next year,
we should NEVER get outrebounded. Every time I think of next year’s team I think about our game @ WVU where we had Siva, Knowles, Smith, and Kuric fighting for boards at the 1-4. Gonna be a great year.
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on Apr 6, 2011 8:03 PM EDT reply actions
By the way - kudos on the title. It's like Austin never left.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 6, 2011 8:22 PM EDT reply actions
What?? TJ morphed into a double double guy?
It sure isn’t points and rebounds and he can only get 5 fouls, so what’s the other double??
I’m not sure Swop will ever be back. Coach said something to that effect a while back.
Hopefully the same goes for Marra. I’m sure some of you will flame me for that, but hey, life’s tough, and he doesn’t qualify any more. Careful how you flame me though: Coach might show him the door, which means you’re flaming Coach.
We may have losses because CRP may schedule a really tough slate.
Morehead is no longer a threat without Faried.
Are you saying TJ didn't improve over the last ten games?
1) If you are, then you are insane. I mean that he became more competent.
2) Swop is going to be back, he will see the floor.
3) I would expect Justice and SVT to transfer first, but that is entirely possible.
4) We have a tough team next year. Outside UK, every game should be a dub. Other teams’ talent pales in comparison to ours.
5)That was a joke, I’m sure.
Not arguing, just providing reasoning behind my decisions. Thoughts?
"Marquise Teague Sucks!"
-Bryce Cotton
Okay, my thoughts: I hope Justice doesn't even consider transferring.
I like him a lot. He’s smart, and he’s an excellent passer – he’s great at finding the open man. He did well against Morehead, getting a key three that kept us in it. His numbers were very good in that game. He did a good job against Butler in his very first game as a freshman, and he was the point guard during the entire comeback against Marquette. If he seems a little hesitant at times, that’s perfectly understandable. He’s a freshman, for heaven’s sake, and his playing time became very spotty after Siva came into his own. With a team full of slashers, Justice will do a great job of getting them the ball right where they need to get it.
Justice will not transfer
Even if he doesn’t play, he will stay and walk-on. Remember, he orignally said he wanted to come to UofL because he wants to coach and wanted to learn from CRP. Even without PT, he will stay
"As long as we win, I couldn't care less; my average can go down to four points and zero rebounds. As long as we win, I don't care."
- P!K
No Doubt TJ improved over the season, but
he still only averaged 5.2 rebounds per game. He can block shots, but otherwise on defense a bigger player can push him around because his legs are so small. Given his size, I think Woods will help us against teams with powerful big men.
no
Not saying TJ didn’t ‘morph’ some down the stretch, but only time will tell whether that is a lasting trend for him. Don’t get me wrong, I luv the dude. I’m the one that was sending him messages to man up and take us to Houston. He’s one of our own.
Dieng
It’s hard to imagine him getting fewer minutes than Woods and Jennings. I hope Woods is a first-team all-American, but there is a tendency among all fans to over-rate any player who is sitting out. Maybe he contributes and maybe he doesn’t. Given the presence of Dieng and Jennings, anything Woods offers I consider a bonus.
Woods better be damn good if he gets any of Gorgui's minutes
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 6, 2011 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
This is going to be interesting to watch.
I agree that Gorgui made great progress this year. Great defender and shot blocker and pretty good shooting range. And as he is continuing to just learn the game and Pitino says he is very coachable, there is no doubt that his upside is tremendous. On the other side, Woods has great size at 6’11" and 250 lbs and was a 5 star guy entering college. I haven’t seen him play but if he has any hope of playing at the next level, he will really need to show something. That could provide the motivation for him to be a beast. That obviously remains to be seen but just the thought of a guy with that size and skill playing with great energy – Wow!
Both scenarios just make me smile. I can’t wait for November.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 6, 2011 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Gorgui needs to put some meat on his bones
Put the kid on a high-protein diet and get him busy in the weight room.
"Screech, you CAN'T elope!"
"Who are you calling a cantaloupe, you melonhead?"
I think Swop
might move to SF. Chane and Buckles are solid at PF… Jesus, that’s an amazing 1-2 punch at PF! Move long-limbed Swop to SF to either start with KSTK coming in as our super sub, or vice versa. Dieng and TJ are solid at C. Obviously PG belongs to Siva. SG is Blackshear/Smith/Marra. Man, what a deep team we’ll be! CRP must be salivating over the options and the up tempo pressure defense scenarios. This is easily a Top 10 team out of the gate and probably all season.
Kyle should start next year
He is our most reliable 3-point shooter and will be next year as well. We need him in the game as much as possible to help spread the floor on offense. As we all know, a help defender cannot cheat off him at the 3-point line without getting burned.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 6, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Im not sure
if I would be comfortable enough with Chane to move Swop to the 3. Swop proved to be a great rebounder and defender before he got hurt. I think he will start at 4 from the first tip with Buck backing him up. Its gonna take a lot for Chane to see major PT.
by Cardwayoflife on Apr 6, 2011 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions
However
Swop is not built for PF really. He’s not a body banger and probably never will be. He is long, though, so he could play there or SF and hold his own. I can see Buckles starting at PF and Swop moving to the 3, but it’s nice to have options like this (finally). Another scenario has Buckles, Swop, and Chane all at the 4 and Kyle at the 3 still. Maybe Blackshear backs him up or shares time if he’s not playing the SG position? So many possibilities. Good problem to have!
Very good
problem to have! it makes me smile just debating the options.
by Cardwayoflife on Apr 7, 2011 4:29 AM EDT up reply actions
Defense
The main issue with the incoming freshmen is defense. Pitino typically employs a complex defense and we all know he doesn’t like to play anyone who can’t keep up defensively. Even if these freshmen are studs offensively, if they can’t quickly catch on to the defense, I think there is a strong probability they ride the pine until they do. Hopefully they catch on quick or Pitino switches to more man defense. Pitino also puts a ton of emphasis on understanding scouting reports. That, too, is always a tough thing for the freshmen to grasp. With the experience we have returning, it may be tough for some of the freshmen to see significant PT until they get their arms around scouting reports and defensive schemes.
That's a good point
I think there’s a real good chance we see more man defense next year, or at least a lot more of mixing it up. We’ll have better athletes overall, and Pitino usually plays more man when he has the horses for it. Man also takes a lot more out of you physically, but depth should not be an issue anywhere next year, so it’s another reason why I expect to see more man in the halfcourt.
Siva's sophomore year...
Does anyone else think that Peytons sophomore year resembled Kemba’s sophomore year at UCONN, only cuter. I have a good feeling about him next year.
by cards4life1 on Apr 6, 2011 9:41 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah, he's another one like Gorgui who has tremendous upside.
His improvement from a freshman to last year was huge. You could see his comfort level increase about midway through the year. As he gains more experience and confidence I think his shooting will improve (he had pretty good numbers in high school). and as for the Kemba comparison, yeah I can see that.
by Carolina Cardinal on Apr 6, 2011 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
As soon as I got to "Kemba" I started to come at you with a
BUT HE IS CUTER!!!!
Thanks. You knows what’s good for you.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 6, 2011 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I've been thinking this for a while.
He showed glimpses of being able to pretty much take a game over. HIs ability to get to the rim is incredible, especially in late game situations. The best part is that he doesn’t always force up an acrobatic shot like Edgar used to; he has that wrap around pass for a dunk down pat. I think by the middle of next season, Peyton will be getting a ton of attention. Hopefully he’ll still stay for his senior year and show Purvis how to run things.
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 7, 2011 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Definitely thought this
Maybe if we rely on him to carry 70% of the offensive load next season we’ll win a national championship.
by Mike Rutherford on Apr 7, 2011 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Really really excited
But also nervous. Seems like our roster is gonna be STACKED but when I look at all the talent, I am reminded of the Texas team last year that was very deep and talented but after they got up to #1 in the polls (midway through the season) everything fell apart. As long as Pitino doesn’t pull a Rick Barnes, we should be fine.
Pull a rick barnes?
CRP is an excellent coach, i think barnes is awful. I think hes one of the most over rated coaches every year. So yeah, i dont see that happening. But hey, i didnt see us losing to morehead either so lets hope for the best.
Viva Siva
by I miss T-Will on Apr 6, 2011 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions
If this team as a whole can pick up the press and condition well in the preseason...
our depth will be AMAZING. I think we would be the deepest team in america. We could run full speed literally all game and have excellent talent on the floor all the time.
-Dustin
Nice job, I have been racking my brain.
Final Four is my prediction, with a chance of National Championship!
by ville 606 on Apr 6, 2011 10:05 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The only thing I disagree with
Is Buckles not being 100% for next year. It seems today that acl injuries are a 4-6 week ordeal. Considering he tore it several weeks ago I would say hes already a good way into rehab and will be able to play in limited amounts very soon…. So I just dont see him not being 100% by next season. Knock on wood pray to god
I would be more worried about Swop too, but-- he is Swop???? I trust him to shock us.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 6, 2011 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Swop will drop a knee on some fool's head if he doubts him.
by cardsinindy2010 on Apr 6, 2011 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Getting me so excited to see BabyTinySwopSwop ballin again.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 6, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Hahah what if he PLAYED with his fro huge? Dreamy.
by GOCARDSATTITUDE on Apr 6, 2011 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
this is the kind of reasoning that led us to overlook Justice
Although I agree that Swop’s fro was awesome, I’m not sure that guys who like sports and guys would agree.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 7, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Buckles has came into little caesars twice sense the season was over
He hasn’t been wearing a brace or on crutches. I know playing basketball and conditioning is way different then walking but I think walking without support is a great sign especially with all the time he still has off.
I love
that we have an insider at Little Ceasar’s. seriously though, how do you beat a large pepperoni pizza for $5 and i don’t have to wait??? just hope you don’t get a really old one.
ALL HAIL
by Cardinal_Pride on Apr 7, 2011 12:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Such a steal
You can walk in and have pizza that is not only READY for you to eat but also HOT. Maybe they should call it like a Ready and Hot or something like that. Might catch on….
by indianacardfan on Apr 7, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I appreciate the optimism but ACL tears are typically 4-6 months not weeks.
by uoflcards321 on Apr 6, 2011 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Okay I agree
4-6 weeks until you are into rehab… 4-6 months until 100%. Plenty of time… Not that its a guarantee but I feel confident he will be okay. As was said before he has already been spotted a couple times walking around with no brace.
No Dr on here?
Theres gotta be an orthopedic surgeon alumni on this blog somewhere. I want a professional opinion.
Viva Siva
by I miss T-Will on Apr 6, 2011 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree
As I am no Dr…. I just cant see a young healthy guy not 100% within 7+months. Not to mention he has the best trainers / staff / medics on the planet working on him.
Now thats not to say his knee wont be injury prone from here on out. I have seen that happen a time or two. I however feel Buckles is built a little heavier duty than that…
I guess time will tell
Not a PCL but an MCL
and not a DR, but speaking from experience, tears of Ligaments aren’t very comfortable and I was in a knee brace and on crutches for 6 weeks. It also depends on the severity of the tear as well though. My Orthopedic Specialist said that mine was bad enough to justify surgery, but he didn’t feel like it was my best option. sometimes after surgery they come back weaker or without much marked improvement vs just rehabbing it. I can tell you that 4 years later it’s still not 100% – or maybe I’m just feeling that much older.
Maybe it’s just that the MCL is in a tougher location to operate on too though. I just hope the Rock can come back healthy and happy.
Buckles has been asked about it
responded that the tear was partial, not full, if that helps with estimation. (Saw this on ITV, but it was first-hand, not second, so I’d say it’s at least a little reliable).
The PG spot scares me
Justice isn’t ready. I want to see Russ develop his game, he’s definitely athletic enough. I haven’t done any research on Ware besides one youtube video, can he play point?
I think that Rick is recruiting
based on his injury woes. If as many guys get injured as they did this year, he will still have one of the deepest teams in the country
http://louisvillesportslive.podbean.com/2011/04/05/podcast-14-april-5th-2011/
There goes my hopes for Ware
The way I see it
Louisville Basketball will be LOADED next year!!
PG-Peyton Siva, Elijah Justice, Russ Smith
SG-Wayne Blackshear, Chris Smith, Mark Jackson Jr, Tim Henderson
SF-Kyle Kuic, Mike Marra, Angel Nunez
PF-Rakeem Buckles, Jared Swopshire, Chane Behanen, Stephen Van Treese
C-Terrence Jennings, Gorgui Dieng, Tony Woods, Zach Price
We can’t put TOO much stock into our Freshman coming in and starting right away. Remember, we aren’t losing much from a solid team except for !
And CRP doesn’t usually start freshman right away.
PS don’t take this as me thinking we don’t have a good recruiting class. We have a GREAT recruiting class. However, Pitino places a lot of value on experience and how well they play in practice.
We should be one of the deepest teams in the country!! I can honestly see everyone on this team getting minutes (except for maybe Hendo, but Pitino played him last year). Can anyone say 18 deep? lol
And serious question: How many players can a team have on an active roster???
To build on this....
I know yes it was an all-star game but going on that basis alone.
I could still see Blackshear becoming a starter before the big east regular season starts. His drive and will to play and hustle every play rival that of the man he replaces in Preston! He wants to show everyone how badass he can be and that could easily translate into practicing well for Pitino.
Behannan might have a slight issue if he doesn’t hustling drive in that he could easily get put behind Buckles or dare I say Swop (who needs to be placed behind Kuric for SF at this point IMO)
That's where I think he'll go
assuming his injury does finally heal (I think I remember reading that his type of injury is sometimes a career ender). Swop has skills and he’s long, so he could play PF, but I think he’s much more suited for SF. And that’s where we need some depth behind Kuric. We’ll be loaded at PF even without Swop.
Swop at SF
We kicked, screamed and shouted that 2010 till we were all purple in the face (our faces never turn blue…ever). We all wanted Swop at the 3, SamSam at the 4, and TJ at the 5 all at the same time. Pitino had casted Swop as a 4 and there was no changing it.
Honestly, I don’t see him changing it now. But last year Pitino seemed a little bit more humble with lineups and went with what worked, rather than what he thought or wanted to work. I’m all for having a cupcake OOC schedule this year to let us get in our groove and figure out lineups and rotations that work.
by Remote Cardinal on Apr 7, 2011 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Instead of saying Swop fits better at the 3 or 4
We should all realize he’ll really be playing both depending who is on the floor. I think rotations would work out to where Swop plays the 3 when KK needs a rest; and, when Swop is at the three, I think Chane will be at the four with Rock resting. I think combos of Kuric/Rock and Swop/Chane will work best for our rebounding with both combos providing an outside shooter and inside threat.
by Get_In_My_BELLY_ on Apr 7, 2011 4:14 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I agree.
That’s why I’m all for the cupcakes in the OOC to get those rotations figured out.
All I was trying to point out is that if Swop starts, it will be at the 4; not the 3.
by Remote Cardinal on Apr 7, 2011 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice work, HorsePig
Enjoyed reading it. And, I can’t wait to watch a 6’4 guard play at UL. PK was awesome and all- I mean if I were a guy who likes sports and guys, I’d be all about some PK. But, its going to be awesome to have a big guard again. Big guards are where its at.
by johnnyjoejohnson on Apr 9, 2011 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions
we need blackshear
wayne can break a defense down without being open, instead of our offense from this yr by looking for the open man
About Austin
He is for sure on CC just not posting, just saw on fb he posted one of Rodneys highlight videos.
Measures you have to take to avoid NCAA recruiting violations
I’m still convinced there are other stars in AZ he’s working on.

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