Saul at the Columbus caravan stop:
He really likes his team. Good kids, hard workers, fun to be around.
Doug Taylor came in for special praise. Has worked on developing strength, to the point where his body really looks different. He is expecting Doug to make a big contribution this coming year.
Mentioned Gavin Block as another hard off-season worker. Best passer on team, "but don't tell Simmons I said that."
Said the off season conditioning isn't about simply developing muscles, but developing the strength needed to maximize your talents on the court.
As he has said since the end of the season, defense is the big emphasis. Look for it to be improved, although it may take a while to get it to where he really would like it to be. When he mentioned the two newcomers, Carter and Culver, made it clear that they'll improve the defense.
Expects improved play from Kaminsky, saying shoulder bothered him last year.
Wadly is back because his teammates convinced him he was making a mistake in transferring and they really wanted him back. Saul was very lukewarm on playing prospects for Wadly. Feels the Crohn's disease took a lot out of him, to the point that he was really worn down the second half of the season.
He is not a fan of the graduate transfer rule, but doesn't expect it to be changed. If it were up to him, whenever a kid transfers, for whatever reason, he'd be required to sit for a year. He's combating the transfer epidemic by attempting to develop a tight-knit program where the kids simply won't want to leave.
Great summary! I was going to share some thoughts. You hit a lot of what I was going to type.
I'll add:
He mentioned the serious athleticism he sees in Culver. He also mentioned the physical, tough presence he thinks Jason Carter will provide in the post.
Also, Saul talked about maximizing what players do well, and developing players year by year. I think we'll see Jordy take some steps. I think
He referred to Jaaron as "Elite". No argument from me!
Saul obviously wants to focus on better D, but he also mentioned getting to a point of having usable depth, because he didn't have enough last year in his opinion.
I wish I'd have asked about what he sees coming from Gollon and Dozier. Since it would appear we won't be seeing any redshirt players, competition for PT after Tony, Kenny, Jordan, and Jaaron is going to be fierce.
I also wish I'd have asked about the scheduling thought process for this year.
The last thing I noticed is a difference in demeanor, or approach with Saul. I could almost see a little more focused coach on stage, excited and driven about the prospect of winning a lot. In past years, it's been a little different, maybe more light hearted. Not that he hasn't been focused on winning in the past, just seemed a little different to me.