End of year wrap up

[roos34]

A little early, but looking forward to an end of the year wrap up/“State of the Union” from 28 and any other contributors. What we have, where we are going, and any info on how our NIL program is doing.

[section28]

Almost like a whole new team this year.. the guys we were excited about last year, Sidy, Allan, Jeff, the twins, Jevin, Tyler....did not play that much if at all. It appears they all got better but brand new guys... The only guys that played last year on that Sioux Falls court were Jeff and Tyler... wow.

Coaching. We are recruiting guys that we can develop,,,
All players get better with very little regression. The entire staff is thrilled with the recruiting class and I think a few surprises...The Indian Hills kid has been great up there in Iowa. GoGob had good numbers too... the other guys dunno...
Development was good for about everyone... don't know how big a deal that is since guys leave at will. Being close to the team, Marv is FAR superior to our other coaches in past 20 years at genuine team building and consistency . Joe Esposito brought in the newcomer of the year and Freshman of the year... checkmate for best recruiter,
Offense. IMO we need more paint touches ... we did better passing this year and can reverse the ball which moves the defense... paint touches whether by drive or pass collapse the defense.... When we toss it into the big men... it goes there to die... whereas if we toss it in more and then back out... better shots for all... penetration can be the same thing but kick it out more...
Rebounding... Jamar is a Savant and JEFF/ALLAN are tough on boards
Defense. Something we all could be proud of... swarming and helping everyone... not quick enough on the perimeter for any scary stuff.
Press... our less than average
Against press... very poor. It was almost a guaranteed 4 point swing since our PGs never seemed ready and our team had their back turned.
PG... better by year end but not a tough scoring threat and when behind or under pressure, back to the ball screen addiction...
BaBa saved the year by playing PG.. he can improve offensively... but turned out to be a good decision maker and great defender
Kc.. lightweight for driving, better at end of the year... close games wants to be the man when that is clearly the job of Jamar
Artese.. OK player but not a championship PG
Malik.. high hopes here as he is very quick, should be able to guard, and we know he can score to the tune of 2300 in HS
Jamar.. what else can be said... except.. a DOG!!!
JP... hope there is great upside here... amazing the start to finish development on both ends
Twins are still lumped together for me but they are clearly better... hit the weights and protein bars
Jevin working his ass off but you never know.. playing may be a big deal to him... love him for sure
AK is returning... We don't need 30 minutes from him.. we need 10 SMART minutes... he gets to the line controls the game and knows what to do.. Not a good perimeter defender but could be fixed if we use rim protector... he would be nice to have at game end.
Tyler.. much better but then needs much more... drive to the basket and slam it.. make guys get in from of you instead of slowing down to wait for that. Rebound better.. but that can be helped.
Cam... I am tough on guys that have unfulfilled talent. One of the best shooters you would ever see... but seems more concerned about his shot percentage than winning... sometimes you have to take bad shots.. and it should be the best shooter to do so. He cannot get himself open.. so he can commit to something else... getting in elite physical condition, lose a few lbs and be able to run your defender into the dirt... run off picks all over the court... and keep going.... and not at the practice speed we saw this year.. bust your ass.
Melvyn... as much a reason as any we finished second... he was very solid... can get better everywhere but is solid except FT shooting.
Jeff... took his lumps this year. Needs to stay over the summer and improve his chemistry with teammates on the court... he is absolutely a fantastic teammate from the bench
Allan. Also need to get in elite condition .and stay over the summer.. so he can play hard longer... listen to coaches, limit fouls and don't try to do impossible stuff on offense. Learn about team offense and defense... he could get 5 assists a game if you watch how they collapse on him.
Cole.. not gonna play so I guess he leaves...
Our NIL is terrible about a tenth of the top team (unofficial)
Portal will kill us and start a new team
Portal will save us and don't start a new team

[true2theroos]

From speaking with the guys I know on the team, they feel like they can win the Summit League next year *if* everyone returns + the incoming recruiting class remains intact. I know that’s asking a lot in the age of the transfer portal, but from listening to some of you guys talking about the Mid-Continental days, it sounds like that’s the last time we had these types of expectations?

I’d say we underperformed in year one under Menzies but got back on track in year two. I like where the program is headed, between our staff and the potential on-campus stadium.

[section28]

We got caught with our pants down last year on the portal.... we only have one scholarship officially leaving so something gotta give if we want. I think we need to get some committment on some guys like Faas ... not on transferring but being all in and truly committed to making his senior year special.. Same for Jeff and Allan.... those two missing the summer last year really set them back even though Allan was rehabbing an injury...I think the coaches feel much more prepared for the Portal this year