Jordyn Martin, NAU's best rebounder and reigning BSC defensive player of year, is out for the year with a foot injury. Starting point guard, Jelani Neeley, is out for a few games. 11 freshmen have received pretty significant playing time. Some of them show signs of being ready. Some don't. It's been a rough start. This is not the same Lumberjacks team from last season.
I haven't listened to all of their games on the internet/radio but I've caught 4-5 of them. From what I've heard, the team's playing hard but only having three players with previous experience (Kaluna, Neeley and Yanku) has led to a whole lot of team growing pains. A tough non-conference schedule has not been kind, either.
I think they'll win a few conference games but I'll truly be surprised if the Jacks compete anywhere towards the top of the conference this season. I sat through the 55 point McKale Center loss @ U of Arizona a week or so ago and questioned my fan status and sanity on multiple occasions. Then I remembered how fun the CBI Tournament run was last season and needed a reminder that with the good comes the bad. I hope the ample playing time for freshmen pays off in 2-3 years.
In the meantime....I predict an easy Griz win next week. Hoping to drive up for this one but we'll see if that comes to fruition.
Good luck, Griz fans.
