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MBBALL Expectations
- Thread starter AZGrizFan
- Start date
I actually really like this team. I think we got the best backcourt in the league, and we’re loaded at the Guard spot. We’re a little thin in the front court, and that’s my only concern, but I think we got a lot of shooters, a lot of good rebounders, and so far the schedule looks favorable. Probably a three horse race between us, the cats, and Weber.
I need to watch a few games this year before I set any expectations. I trust that TD’s expectations are a Big Sky title and making it to the dance, but with the roster turnover we had, I have to see the new guys play before I can give a fair evaluation. Go Griz!
oldrunner
Well-known member
I'm mostly in agreement with you here. Although, I feel that it is a five horse race to the finish. Yes, UM, MSU, and Weber will be in that mix, but I would also include UNCo and NAU. NAU gets everyone back, plus the return of two experienced big men, who were injured all of last season. Their guard line is quite serviceable and they recruited another talented big man. UNCo returns a solid group of players and has recruited well to replace what they lost. They also have one of the better coaches in the BSC, IMHO.
The other half of the league is anyone's guess. There could be a dark horse/spoiler in there.
UM will be fine in the front court, as long as there are no injuries. One or two injuries could derail your season.
On paper I like WSU's and NAU's squad the most, with MSU, UNC and Montana to follow.
This Montana group might have the greatest variance between the ceiling and basement of any Montana team over the past five years. Really don't know what to expect, because they are replacing nearly 90% of minutes and points.There isn't a ton to go on and your guess is good as mine as to who are top of the rotation guys beyond Whitney and Money Williams. Regardless of potential, it is a bit of crapshoot knowing where minutes and points are going to come from. There are so many scenarios for lineups, scorers and philosophies with this group. Might be one of the more flexible groups offensively and defensively we've had. I like the depth in theory on paper and I do think there is more collective talent than a year ago, but it is entirely possible all that experience with a less talented collective group led to a better result than we might see this year.
I haven't heard much probably leads to the level of uncertainty that I am feeling. Going into summer there was a feeling that Davidson really started to show the benefits of red shirting and there weren't many concerns about Williams ability to rebound from that injury. Whitney returning helps and it was clear last year that Henderson clearly had a offensive presence we hadn't seen in PG in a few years. I was told that they felt when Thompson verballed he could come in and step in as a day 1 starter even as a Freshman. The other new-comers? It has been radio silence over the summer about what they have shown in summer practices and games.
Feel relatively confident that we have a treasure trove of talent at hte guard position, but it is hard to know what the wings and post rotation is actually goinig to look like. Real potential that we see more 4 out 1 in this year w/ who we have in the post. That would be a bit more reflective of what Travis liked pre-2020, but we've seen more 3-2 the past couple of years. Below is a thought exercise, but you can sort of see how certain players could be a bit amorphous based upon Travis chooses to do offensively.
4-1 Rotation:
PG: Whitney, Henderson, Pridgen
SG: Williams, Patterson, Dargan,
SG: Moore, Johnson, Thompson
W: Davidson, Foy, Thompson,
P: Bradtke, Sawyer, Jedkins
3-2 Rotation:
PG: Whitney, Henderson, Johnson
SG: Williams, Patterson, Dargan
W: Thomspon, Foy, Moore,
PF: Bradtke, Davidson, Jedkins
C: Sawyer
The lack of true posts is concerning, particularly if you want a bigger lineup, but there is greater flexibility at the 3/4 similar to the Pridgett era which is sort of why (and this is purely speculation) we might see more 4-1 structured offense than we've seen. We were headed there last year with how he used Thomas and Sawyer and Oke. There seems to be an upgrade on the wing with Moore, Thompson, and Davidson that may push the lineup in that direction as well.
Like I said there is some great potential here, and I think there is enough for it to be BSC championship calibre. We couldn't necessarily say that last year, as it was clear that there were two or three teams that were clearly better.
This Montana group might have the greatest variance between the ceiling and basement of any Montana team over the past five years. Really don't know what to expect, because they are replacing nearly 90% of minutes and points.There isn't a ton to go on and your guess is good as mine as to who are top of the rotation guys beyond Whitney and Money Williams. Regardless of potential, it is a bit of crapshoot knowing where minutes and points are going to come from. There are so many scenarios for lineups, scorers and philosophies with this group. Might be one of the more flexible groups offensively and defensively we've had. I like the depth in theory on paper and I do think there is more collective talent than a year ago, but it is entirely possible all that experience with a less talented collective group led to a better result than we might see this year.
I haven't heard much probably leads to the level of uncertainty that I am feeling. Going into summer there was a feeling that Davidson really started to show the benefits of red shirting and there weren't many concerns about Williams ability to rebound from that injury. Whitney returning helps and it was clear last year that Henderson clearly had a offensive presence we hadn't seen in PG in a few years. I was told that they felt when Thompson verballed he could come in and step in as a day 1 starter even as a Freshman. The other new-comers? It has been radio silence over the summer about what they have shown in summer practices and games.
Feel relatively confident that we have a treasure trove of talent at hte guard position, but it is hard to know what the wings and post rotation is actually goinig to look like. Real potential that we see more 4 out 1 in this year w/ who we have in the post. That would be a bit more reflective of what Travis liked pre-2020, but we've seen more 3-2 the past couple of years. Below is a thought exercise, but you can sort of see how certain players could be a bit amorphous based upon Travis chooses to do offensively.
4-1 Rotation:
PG: Whitney, Henderson, Pridgen
SG: Williams, Patterson, Dargan,
SG: Moore, Johnson, Thompson
W: Davidson, Foy, Thompson,
P: Bradtke, Sawyer, Jedkins
3-2 Rotation:
PG: Whitney, Henderson, Johnson
SG: Williams, Patterson, Dargan
W: Thomspon, Foy, Moore,
PF: Bradtke, Davidson, Jedkins
C: Sawyer
The lack of true posts is concerning, particularly if you want a bigger lineup, but there is greater flexibility at the 3/4 similar to the Pridgett era which is sort of why (and this is purely speculation) we might see more 4-1 structured offense than we've seen. We were headed there last year with how he used Thomas and Sawyer and Oke. There seems to be an upgrade on the wing with Moore, Thompson, and Davidson that may push the lineup in that direction as well.
Like I said there is some great potential here, and I think there is enough for it to be BSC championship calibre. We couldn't necessarily say that last year, as it was clear that there were two or three teams that were clearly better.
wondering what's up with the JUCO offers that have been made over the summer? I presume Clerc and James, should they sign, would be coming this Fall? Clerc would add really nice frontcourt depth and James, at 6'6" as a PG would give us some uncharacteristic size in the backcourt...
I put this on DeCuire/hoops staff a bit because we could have a 2024-25 roster up right now and I have the same complaint as others have had. There is no reason why we can't have an updated roster.
There was some consternation about a couple of the verbals we got during the spring/summer about whether they'd show up, and because some of those players aren't active on social media we are left to wonder a bit. As far as I know Clerc and James are for next year, but it is odd because Montana hasn't been public about its JC recruiting in the past. There is entirely a possibility they are both HS qualifiers and they were trying to get them in the door before their sophomore year which would reflect on a possibility that two of those verbals didn't materialize into them showing up on campus. That has happened in the past but because of how our staff does our business it leads to a lot of conjecture /uncertainty over roster composition heading into the season.
oldrunner
Well-known member
D1 rosters were finalized as of July 1st. Offers out now are most likely for the 2025 signing class. I believe that the NCAA had some provisions for late signings, but they were quite restricted. My guess is that those JC offers would be for the early signing period in November and would be for the 2025/26 season. It tells me that your coaching staff has done a good job of identifying what their needs will be and who might best fill those needs. However, most JC coaches advise their players to not sign early. They feel that it would dampen their motivation for the season at hand. It will be interesting to see what happens with that.
I’m sorry but I don’t believe in NAU at all. Not as long as Shane Burcar is the coach
oldrunner
Well-known member
Yes, I hear what you are saying. They always seem to win a few that they shouldn't and lose a few that they shouldn't. However, they haven't had this much talent for a long time.
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sacstateman
Well-known member
I would like to see where you got your info about rosters being finalized by July 1st.....I see D1 rosters still changing as I type this.....
oldrunner
Well-known member
Finalized wasn't the best word to describ it. All Di teams are required to report to the NCAA who has been renewed, who has not, and who you have under NLI contract for the upcoming academic year. If you still had uncontracted grants, you can still fill them up to the start of the semester in which your sport begins activity. The talk of cutting everything off on July 1 was just discusion.
''15.3.6 Renewals and Nonrenewals. [A] 15.3.6.1 Institutional Obligation. [A] The renewal of institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability shall be made on or before July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective. The institution shall promptly notify in writing each student-athlete who received an award the previous academic year and who has eligibility remaining in the sport in which financial aid was awarded the previous academic year (under Bylaw 12.8) whether the grant has been renewed or not renewed for the ensuing academic year. Notification of financial aid renewals and nonrenewals must come from the institution's regular financial aid authority and not from the institution's athletics department. (Revised: 1/10/95, 8/7/14)''
I was told that you can not cut a player after July 1, unless there are unique circumstances. Even then, it is likely that you would not be able to fill that grant.
There are changes coming to D1 basketball in 2025-2026. We will be bumping it up to 15 grants and there is supposed to be some flexibility in how the money is destributed.
''15.3.6 Renewals and Nonrenewals. [A] 15.3.6.1 Institutional Obligation. [A] The renewal of institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability shall be made on or before July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective. The institution shall promptly notify in writing each student-athlete who received an award the previous academic year and who has eligibility remaining in the sport in which financial aid was awarded the previous academic year (under Bylaw 12.8) whether the grant has been renewed or not renewed for the ensuing academic year. Notification of financial aid renewals and nonrenewals must come from the institution's regular financial aid authority and not from the institution's athletics department. (Revised: 1/10/95, 8/7/14)''
I was told that you can not cut a player after July 1, unless there are unique circumstances. Even then, it is likely that you would not be able to fill that grant.
There are changes coming to D1 basketball in 2025-2026. We will be bumping it up to 15 grants and there is supposed to be some flexibility in how the money is destributed.
Just woke up from a long coma. No use going into the gory details but one of the things that kept me hopeful throughout my long ordeal was getting to see Griz basketball again. So with their season just around the corner, I went to Go Griz to peruse our roster, and boy, am I ever excited! Here are my predictions.
--I've followed Money Williams throughout his high school career and this kid has a sky-high ceiling, believe me. I know I have doubters on this board but I believe he could be both Freshman of the Year and Big Sky Newcomer of the year.
--Aanen Moody: We all know what he's capable of, one of the best three-point shooters we've had in a while. Watch for more fireworks from him this year.
--Isn't Giordan Williams the guy DeCurie jumped in the river to get? Can hardly wait to see him, that's for sure.
--Blake Jones: Finally! Some size! Just what I've been screaming about for years! Another Josh Bannan? Fingers crossed!
--Of course, looking for more improvement from our underclassmen, Nap and Reynolds. That leap from freshman year to sophomore year can often be a big one for young players.
--I know Zack Davidson brings some outstanding high school credentials but I'd guess that with all this talent he takes a redshirt year this year.
No matter. I'm pumped!
Go Griz!!
--I've followed Money Williams throughout his high school career and this kid has a sky-high ceiling, believe me. I know I have doubters on this board but I believe he could be both Freshman of the Year and Big Sky Newcomer of the year.
--Aanen Moody: We all know what he's capable of, one of the best three-point shooters we've had in a while. Watch for more fireworks from him this year.
--Isn't Giordan Williams the guy DeCurie jumped in the river to get? Can hardly wait to see him, that's for sure.
--Blake Jones: Finally! Some size! Just what I've been screaming about for years! Another Josh Bannan? Fingers crossed!
--Of course, looking for more improvement from our underclassmen, Nap and Reynolds. That leap from freshman year to sophomore year can often be a big one for young players.
--I know Zack Davidson brings some outstanding high school credentials but I'd guess that with all this talent he takes a redshirt year this year.
No matter. I'm pumped!
Go Griz!!
I must have a head injury.
Someone help City. He needs to be in a home. The Springs offers excellent memory care.
How about somebody helping the people over at GoGriz. Talk about comatose. Why the hell it takes this long to update a roster, I'll never know. Or why the people on eGriz can do it for free while the paid louts over there are sound asleep. Both God and the Devil are in the details, but when it comes to P.R. for this staff, the Devil always wins.
astutegriz
Well-known member
Well played sarcasm. The difference in intensity level and attention to detail between the head coaches of the football program and basketball program is significant. Bobby hits TONS of fundraisers and events, has each minute of practice planned several months in advance, continually recruits, meets weekly with the QB club which is rocking, etc etc. Basketball.... not so much.
The issue he is referring to has nothing to do with Travis. The communications/sports information side of the Athletic Dept. has continually done a piss poor job updating the roster going back probably a decade at least. It's almost laughable how bad they are it.
City has been lampooning this topic as far back as I can remember.
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