dogsrus said:
I'm also not one to make predictions......jelling will be this teams biggest hurdle. We have lost alot the last two years but thank goodness Crouch and Ruffin return. It all starts with good guards that can run the team. Neither of these guys are vocal leaders allthough leading by example is a strong point for both.
We have a tough non con so these guys will need to jell quickly. I think with Fears gone it will be easier. Had JL NOT had the kahunas to send him packing we could of had trouble with so many new guys trying to make their mark.
Lots of unknowns but the potential for something special. JL will have to work some magic building a TEAM like he did last year. Losing JJ, Adams and Franklin was as big as losing some of the guys the year before. Talent can be replaced but heart and desire is tougher to find.
Who will be our Franklin and who will be our JJ.....?
I agree about the 'gelling' (sp?) aspect of the team...although I think it might not be as big of a hurdle as we think for a few reasons. First, we return 4 core players from last year in Ruffin, Crouch, Warren, and Salley, and 2 guys with multiple years in the program in Singh and Brown. Those 6 players can and will set the tone, as they know what the expectations are for this team and program, and know what it takes to get the job done. That's nearly half the team. Second, our incoming JUCO's (with the exception of Williams) come from successful JUCO programs where numbers weren't necessarily the driving force. Our experienced core should allow them to excel in their roles without feeling the burden to have to 'do it all'. Lastly, we have 3 freshman who likely won't push for minutes (and we won't need them to). I suspect, like most freshmen, they'll be doing all they can to just 'fit in' and help out where they can.
So, the only chemistry issue I can really foresee is DeAaron Williams. He was the star in HS, redshirted and didn't do much at Wisconsin, and then went back to being the star. I'm not saying he can't eventually star at BU, but our team is deep enough that we don't and won't need him to. Our system is based on everyone shooting, everyone scoring, and sharing the basketball. I think just about everyone coming in who will be expected to contribute has been in a system like that...except for Williams. Getting him to buy in and be part of what we're building will be the challenge. If he's on board, the potential for next year's team is limitless.