Outgoing Portal

[zykarious]

They wouldn't be playing the 5 in the traditional way. We'd have four 6'6" or taller quick athletes on the floor to switch or trap on defense. And Reed could be part of that, so not relying on the freshmen so much.

I think your list of additions is most likely what we go after though.

Which works until you face a team with a 6'11" banger who's skilled on offense and Aziz either needs a rest or gets into foul trouble. Not saying the Tyler's can play some 5, but freshmen big men usually struggle on defense and there are going to be some matchups that they likely won't be ready for.

I know not too many teams have that sort of guy, but enough in the Big 12 do that it's a concern. I also wonder if the trend is going to change a bit, this year is kind of a "year of the big man" with three teams in the final four (and both of the top two teams) being carried by their big.

[zykarious]

Hard to get rid of a local. especially one with family connections.

It's also possible that Fredrick will manage to get healthy, avoid injury and have a John Newman like final year (or maybe two years if he can get another medical redshirt for this year). If Fredrick isn't ready to give up basketball I don't mind taking that chance, but we also need another CG because it is a gamble.

[bearcatbret]

There is actually a better article on this on Fan ReCap but I could not find it outside of social media. Here is one take on Coach Miller. Look: Former Cincinnati Player Compares Wes Miller to UConn Head Coach Dan Hurley (si.com)

[leo from jersey]

It's also possible that Fredrick will manage to get healthy, avoid injury and have a John Newman like final year (or maybe two years if he can get another medical redshirt for this year). If Fredrick isn't ready to give up basketball I don't mind taking that chance, but we also need another CG because it is a gamble.

That would be my wish as he is a fine player and leader. It is just a hard thing considering his injury history. One wonders why X didn't recruit him last year considering the family ties. Maybe they did. I hope it works out for the team and especially for CJ. Newman only had one injury and while it was serious, he only lost 1 season and not three. I hope for a full recovery because he adds as I said leadership and great shooting.

[sedz]

Which works until you face a team with a 6'11" banger who's skilled on offense and Aziz either needs a rest or gets into foul trouble. Not saying the Tyler's can play some 5, but freshmen big men usually struggle on defense and there are going to be some matchups that they likely won't be ready for.

I know not too many teams have that sort of guy, but enough in the Big 12 do that it's a concern. I also wonder if the trend is going to change a bit, this year is kind of a "year of the big man" with three teams in the final four (and both of the top two teams) being carried by their big.

I don't think you combat skilled bigs with unskilled size. Edey and Burns are scoring over bigs who aren't good shot blockers. Look at what Burns just did to Filipowski. The only team that really dominated NC St this year was Ole Miss - they had a 7 footer play 20 minutes but the rest of the game they had a 6'8" guy at center and a 6'6" guy led in blocked shots. They held Burns to 5 points with 3 turnovers. UConn runs a lot of high sets with Clingan to get him looks on slips. You're better off having quick guys who can rotate. The only teams that Clingan has struggled against are St Johns and San Diego St. St Johns only plays two guys over 6'7" in a deep rotation and the Aztecs don't play anyone over 6'9".

If we can find another big who is as good defensively as Aziz, I'm ok with that. Or a guy who can score in the post like Burns. But I'd rather run long, quick lineups out there than have bigs whose only qualities are size and vertical, like Jamille was for us this year.

[leeraymond]

They wouldn't be playing the 5 in the traditional way. We'd have four 6'6" or taller quick athletes on the floor to switch or trap on defense. And Reed could be part of that, so not relying on the freshmen so much.

I think your list of additions is most likely what we go after though.

Check out all the teams in the Final Four. They all start the traditional two big men, especially NC State. UCONN has a 4 that plays a lot on the perimeter. However, their other bigs play inside. It's funny that in the world of positionless and small-ball basketball, the teams in the 2024 Final Four play with traditional lineups.

[sedz]

Check out all the teams in the Final Four. They all start the traditional two big men, especially NC State. UCONN has a 4 that plays a lot on the perimeter. However, their other bigs play inside. It's funny that in the world of positionless and small-ball basketball, the teams in the 2024 Final Four play with traditional lineups.

Karaban is a stretch 4, he doesn't rebound, block shots, or score back to the basket in the post like a traditional big. Purdue plays 4 guards. Pringle is the only traditional big on Alabama, the others are 6'10" but athletic and play more like wings. NC St is the only team that plays a traditional two big lineup.

But look at how good the final four traditional big men are. None of them are one dimensional. Clingan and Edey dominate at both ends. Alabama's guys can all create their own shot. Burns is one of the best creators in the game as a post player. The problem is big men like that are rare in college basketball. If you can find one, of course pick him up. But running bigs out there just because they are big is not a great recipe. That's my argument. We don't HAVE to roster big men. We need guys who can score and defend. There are a lot of players like that under 6'9", and I would much rather have four of them on the court than a one dimensional big.

[leo from jersey]

Kenyon recorded a triple double as a sophomore and averaged about 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Sage has a total of 5 points, 3 rebounds and 1 block over two seasons.

hard to get rid of a local.

[leo from jersey]

I think CWM saw the experiment with a couple of the BIGS failed. It may just have been the players maturity though or even what was promised. I also see that he knows you need at least two, He has plenty of space to keep the second for the right game. The problem will be to keep the second happy in his role. I also see that CWM and a couple on this board recognizes that a ball handler is needed,
and needed badly. I didn't watch the tourney, but did the teams have floor leading/ball handling guards directing the offense and defense?

[leo from jersey]

My wife said the guard for Purdue did a couple things very well. Beat the trap and was able to get the ball down low to their scoring machine. Simple, but it got them into the final 4.

[GoBearcats31]

hard to get rid of a local.

His spot at the end of the bench next to the walk-ons is surely still available for him if he wants it.

[leo from jersey]

His spot at the end of the bench next to the walk-ons is surely still available for him if he wants it.

It was a great idea especially for a new coach to bring in a local hero. I would love for him to be the missing piece as Jeff Scott was . The excitement that a local hero brings is amazing. If not, as you said, there is a seat available. I hope he works out though.

[leo from jersey]

Here is some wild thinking. In this day of unlimited transfers, have him go to a school such as Cincy State. He might could start there and get plenty of practice. If he excels, he can return. This is a whole new age in college ball and I am sure this will become a normal way.

[sedz]

I didn't watch the tourney, but did the teams have floor leading/ball handling guards directing the offense and defense?

NC St runs everything through their big DJ Burns, who leads their team in assist rate and has a higher usage rate than any final four guard. UConn and Alabama have great 5th year senior guards. We saw a lot of Tristan Newton when he was at East Carolina, and we saw Aaron Estrada when he was at Hofstra last year. Purdue has a very good sophomore PG, who has a high assist rate but his turnover rate is higher than anyone on our team except Jamille.

As for "floor leaders", Burns clearly fills that role for NC St. I'd say 4th year senior guard Mark Sears is that guy for Alabama. UConn and Purdue are tougher to pin down. Their traditional big men are the focus of their teams. Everything starts and ends with them, but they aren't vocal leaders. I wouldn't say they really have a floor leader who stands out.

[Oldtimer_UC_fan]

It's also possible that Fredrick will manage to get healthy, avoid injury and have a John Newman like final year (or maybe two years if he can get another medical redshirt for this year). If Fredrick isn't ready to give up basketball I don't mind taking that chance, but we also need another CG because it is a gamble.

And I might win the lottery.