Scoring

[Tommy]

So who is going to fill the huge void we lost with our scoring when Terry left, or are we hoping for a bounceback from some of our other players. I just remember how much we struggled to score at times last year and Terry always came through when we couldn't get anything to fall.

I do think Rienk is going to be a beast this year as he continues to mature, but if we can't get an outside game, they'll be all over him on the defensive end.

 

[Da Coach]

Terry Roberts took 382 shots last season, by far the most on the team, and nearly 100 more than the next highest shooter, yet he was not nearly the best overall shooter, nor the best 3-point % shooter. The next 3 in shot attempts (Mast, Leons, and Henry) all shot a higher percentage overall compared to Roberts. Plus, other top 3-point volume shooters (Leons, Hickman, Tahvanainen) shot the three at a higher percentage compared to Terry. So the key will be to get more shots from the better percentage shooters.
My point is that whoever among the better shooters takes the extra shots that Terry took last year should see their scoring average rise. Plus, we can expect some added production from Zek, Cody, and Pop, and hopefully a bit from Christian Davis, Darius Hannah, Goanar Biliew, and others. So IMO, it will be a team effort to replace Terry's 14.5 ppg, and it will vary each game.

I also expect the team's defense to be better, and that will also help compensate for Terry's absence. The top 6 scorers in MVC games are gone this year (Green, Mosley, Reeves, Prim, Carter, & Williamson), as well as 7 of the top 10 opponent three point percentage shooters. Those were among the toughest opponents to guard, and hopefully, that will make the defense appear more effective as well.
2021-22 MVC Conference individual stats- http://www.mvc.org/mbb/stats/ind-conf.pdf

 

[BUfan17]

I think our returning guys will step up with the scoring, but I have a feeling we might see one or two newer guys step up and play a significant role.

I feel like Leons has the potential to score 15+ ppg, but it seemed like last season he passed on quite a few shot opportunities. I am hoping he gets a little more aggressive this year and just take over games, he has the shot and athletic ability to make plays. Henry, Hickman, and Mast should all be reliable scorers as well.

 

[bradleyfan124]

I think our returning guys will step up with the scoring, but I have a feeling we might see one or two newer guys step up and play a significant role.

I feel like Leons has the potential to score 15+ ppg, but it seemed like last season he passed on quite a few shot opportunities. I am hoping he gets a little more aggressive this year and just take over games, he has the shot and athletic ability to make plays. Henry, Hickman, and Mast should all be reliable scorers as well.

I have heard Leons, Hickman, and Hannah have improved tremendously

 

[️ Fanatic]

I have heard Leons, Hickman, and Hannah have improved tremendously

My "little birds" have said the same... Da Coach is correct the scoring will be spread out amongst the team.... I think the "BIGGER Question" is who does Wardle go to when the game is on the line/ need to make a shot to end a stall... Terry Roberts definitely had value when a bucket was needed... there were times, when the defense tightened up and he seemed to be the only player to create offense... And/Or make that key shot at the end of the game. Ideally Leons has the skills/athleticism to create open shots, (yet as mentioned above, he passed on those opportunities last year: more aggressiveness in his game will be key), hopes were Henry would carry the offense down low (create shots), yet at times he seemed to force offense ineffectively... Perhaps Hickman will be able to create space OR if we can have Dean penetrate to collapse the defense, that could create an opening for an outside shooter. We have a deep team, ideally we get offensive contributions from everyone

 

[Tommy]

I have heard Leons, Hickman, and Hannah have improved tremendously

If Hannah can become an offensive threat, that would be a game changer. His rebounds and blocks per minute played is through the roof, but he was always an offensive liability. If he changes that, there's no telling what kind of season he could have. Hope you're right 124 (you usually are!).

 

[LittleBrave]

I have heard Leons, Hickman, and Hannah have improved tremendously

I wouldn't be surprised at all by this.
Leons was already very good, but if he can get more scoring punch, that would be big.
Hickman we already knew would be a stud, and he had a nice Freshman year. You can tell he is motivated to help his team.
Hannah - very happy for the kid. I really hope the best for his success this year for all his hard work and persistence!

 

[LittleBrave]

My "little birds" have said the same... Da Coach is correct the scoring will be spread out amongst the team.... I think the "BIGGER Question" is who does Wardle go to when the game is on the line/ need to make a shot to end a stall... Terry Roberts definitely had value when a bucket was needed... there were times, when the defense tightened up and he seemed to be the only player to create offense... And/Or make that key shot at the end of the game. Ideally Leons has the skills/athleticism to create open shots, (yet as mentioned above, he passed on those opportunities last year: more aggressiveness in his game will be key), hopes were Henry would carry the offense down low (create shots), yet at times he seemed to force offense ineffectively... Perhaps Hickman will be able to create space OR if we can have Dean penetrate to collapse the defense, that could create an opening for an outside shooter. We have a deep team, ideally we get offensive contributions from everyone

I'd go with Hickman or Mast with game on the line. They have no fear and can draw a foul at the very least.