citay said:
Here are the questions I have for this year:
--Will Gaskin be eligible?
--Which of the true freshmen will contribute?
--Can Samuelson adjust back to this level, especially on the boards?
--Will Pridgett improve on last year's stellar break-out year?
--How much has Anderson's game improved?
--Will anybody else majorly surprise, such as Freddy Brown or Eddie Egun?
--Finally, will DeCuire lengthen the bench?
As everybody here knows, I'm not big on seven or eight-man rotations. Listen, if a kid is good enough to get a scholarship at this level, he should be good enough to play, and contribute, especially given the recruiting prowess of this staff. A deeper rotation is a hedge against injury, and also the fatigue of Big Sky travel and the rigors of a season-ending three-game tournament. A deeper rotation keeps all players mentally alert and in the game. I can't argue with the success DeCuire has had with shorter rotations, but this year, with so much talent in the pipeline, I'm hoping he lengthens our bench. As Steve Kerr has proved, there really is "strength in numbers."
--Will Gaskin be eligible? We have no control over this. I like his chances though. His redshirting last season, combined with some troubles at Utah, certainly help his case. I know, he is chomping at the bit to play this season.
--Which of the true freshmen will contribute? I believe, Carter Hollinger, Carter, and Vasquez will all be part of an 8 or 9 man rotation. They are all extremely talented. I think they are ready to play now! Of course, it will take time to justify their minutes. I hope Travis has the patience to develop each of them this season.
--Can Samuelson adjust back to this level, especially on the boards? He did a solid job as a Freshman. Just with maturity and experience, he should be much improved in every aspect of his game.
--Will Pridgett improve on last year's stellar break-out year? Yes, NO DOUBT. I expect him to have a truly dominant SR season. He will not only be one of the top players in the conference, but will get some consideration for Honorable Mention All American. I won't be surprised to see him put up 18+ points per game, 6+ rebounds per game, 2 to 3 assists per game, 2 steals per game. He will be the jack of all trades and 1 of the most versatile players in the nation.
--How much has Anderson's game improved? OF all the returning players, I have heard the most about his offseason improvements. Yes, weight is not where we want it to be. For him, it will be a slow process. His body isn't the kind that can put on weight and muscle rapidly. I do know, the coaches love how he is always in the right place, at the right time, and always doing the right things. He makes very few mistakes within the GRIZ schemes. That alone, goes a long way with Travis.
--Will anybody else majorly surprise, such as Freddy Brown or Eddie Egun? There are so many guards on this team. I think, Brown is a year or 2 away from being a major contributor. Egun will be in the mix for playing time from the get go. I expect him to get solid minutes. He is intelligent and has a terrific attitude.
--Finally, will DeCuire lengthen the bench? Considering the number of new players, I think Travis will be somewhat forced to extend the bench in out of conference play. He needs to learn which players are game ready to contribute, and which ones aren't. Evaluating that in non game activities, practices, and scrimmages is difficult. Some players are terrific practice players, but not so good in games. Other players are questionable practice players, but step things up in games. As for how long DeCuire will stick to a more extended bench, your guess is as good as mine. It will be determined on the court. Right now, all we know is, Pridgett and Manuel are going to start the season as the center pieces and foundation of this year's team. A lot of the offense will be designed around them. Everyone else has a lot to prove, learn, and earn. With the circumstances at hand, how can Travis not extend the bench, at least during out of conference play?
