Post by SaintMisbehavin on Apr 7, 2015 21:16:48 GMT -5
No one in their right minds would consider last season a success. In fact, pessimistic folks would consider it an unmitigated disaster, and I wouldn't blame them for that viewpoint.
And yet, here I sit, cautiously optimistic for next season. Why?
- Brett Bisping is back. I know that there's been much consternation surrounding Patsos' ability to motivate and develop players, but Bisping has flat out said that his Sophomore season Renaissance was because of Jimmy's coaching. If he's fully healthy, he is immediately a top 10 front court MAAC player. I don't care about foot speed, athleticism, etc. He is still an elite front court MAAC player.
- Oliver becomes the new Poole. I know that Ryan Oliver's game has limitations, and that's fine. It also has incredible strengths. He ended last season with an incredibly strong output, and it had nothing to do with scouting reports, I simply think he's going to "nut up" his senior year.
- The Kids Are all Right - this year's Freshman class is one of the most highly touted siena has had in the past decade. While I don't expect immediate impact from even the highly touted Clareth and Fisher, I think that LaRose and Wornley also both fit needs on this team that will pay dividends.
- Let Freshman grow - I feel like there is some reticence that Paige and Brandwijk underperformed last year. Yet we all agree that players 6'8 or taller always take some time to develop at this level, and Paige was forced to play PF all season. Both showed flashes last season. Dare I say Jimmy Paige was one of the only players who would go up hard to the basket on cuts. It's not sexy but it's a necessity, and it's something you should value out of any position. Brandwijk reminded me a lot of JO his Freshman year, and if he can make just a fraction of a jump that JO made from his freshman to sophomore years, I think we will all be pleasantly surprised.
- Juniors. Our Junior class is suddenly extremely strong with Wright, Long, and Bisping. If all three are 100% healthy, then I love that foundation to establish the next two years.
- the Silas Asylum - if healthy, Imoh Silas may be the best defensive big in the MAAC next season. Even if he is only getting 20 minutes a game (and his tendency to foul may dictate that) he could still be an effective piece down low that allows a more athletic team to press more often.
- let transfer marination begin. No teams have a 10+ player rotation. Even a team that is desperate to reload can afford to have a transfer player waiting in the wings, especially if it Adresses athleticism.
- Jimmy Thing - I won't vouch for nor admonish Jimmy Patsos. What I will say is that I like what he is addressing in his team's roster. Does he have shortcomings in some of his in-game decisions? Maybe. But does he knows what he needs to get better? Absolutely. I promise that he isn't content with another ho hum underwhelming season. Dude isn't an underwhelming guy.
- I wish JO the best. I don't know him personally at all, but sincerely enjoyed watching him grow as a competitor this year. Go destroy whatever league you end up in, big guy.
And yet, here I sit, cautiously optimistic for next season. Why?
- Brett Bisping is back. I know that there's been much consternation surrounding Patsos' ability to motivate and develop players, but Bisping has flat out said that his Sophomore season Renaissance was because of Jimmy's coaching. If he's fully healthy, he is immediately a top 10 front court MAAC player. I don't care about foot speed, athleticism, etc. He is still an elite front court MAAC player.
- Oliver becomes the new Poole. I know that Ryan Oliver's game has limitations, and that's fine. It also has incredible strengths. He ended last season with an incredibly strong output, and it had nothing to do with scouting reports, I simply think he's going to "nut up" his senior year.
- The Kids Are all Right - this year's Freshman class is one of the most highly touted siena has had in the past decade. While I don't expect immediate impact from even the highly touted Clareth and Fisher, I think that LaRose and Wornley also both fit needs on this team that will pay dividends.
- Let Freshman grow - I feel like there is some reticence that Paige and Brandwijk underperformed last year. Yet we all agree that players 6'8 or taller always take some time to develop at this level, and Paige was forced to play PF all season. Both showed flashes last season. Dare I say Jimmy Paige was one of the only players who would go up hard to the basket on cuts. It's not sexy but it's a necessity, and it's something you should value out of any position. Brandwijk reminded me a lot of JO his Freshman year, and if he can make just a fraction of a jump that JO made from his freshman to sophomore years, I think we will all be pleasantly surprised.
- Juniors. Our Junior class is suddenly extremely strong with Wright, Long, and Bisping. If all three are 100% healthy, then I love that foundation to establish the next two years.
- the Silas Asylum - if healthy, Imoh Silas may be the best defensive big in the MAAC next season. Even if he is only getting 20 minutes a game (and his tendency to foul may dictate that) he could still be an effective piece down low that allows a more athletic team to press more often.
- let transfer marination begin. No teams have a 10+ player rotation. Even a team that is desperate to reload can afford to have a transfer player waiting in the wings, especially if it Adresses athleticism.
- Jimmy Thing - I won't vouch for nor admonish Jimmy Patsos. What I will say is that I like what he is addressing in his team's roster. Does he have shortcomings in some of his in-game decisions? Maybe. But does he knows what he needs to get better? Absolutely. I promise that he isn't content with another ho hum underwhelming season. Dude isn't an underwhelming guy.
- I wish JO the best. I don't know him personally at all, but sincerely enjoyed watching him grow as a competitor this year. Go destroy whatever league you end up in, big guy.
