I'm all for more games if the kids want to play and I'm aware of what the extra practices/games have led to the following season for some teams. It was an exciting game for the few that came to watch. But honestly, I'm not sure what we learned that we didn't already know going into this game. Not sure what you're expecting to alter within two days of your last game? Happy as I am about the victory, this game reconfirmed my concerns moving forward:
1. SP has no confidence in his bench. Despite saying he would expand the rotation, the bench (with OT) played a combined 37 minutes with Taylor (8 min), Wadley (3), Block (8--is he hurt?), Laster (4) and Harley (14). SP had to quickly reinsert the starters every time this 2nd group let things start slipping. The 5 starter meanwhile each played a minimum of 35 minutes each.
2. We need a playmaker at the #2 or #3 moving forward. Treg was amazing tonight, but guess what, he's leaving. Whose filling in that role and God-bless him that he improved this year to accept that role. Dartis had some nice drive to the bucket, but we need a slasher/attacker/rim attacker. This roster had one tonight, but he's the only one and he's leaving.
3. Related to point #1, even though he had a couple nice buckets and some extended minutes, I don't ever envision Harley contributing to a MAC Championship caliber team. Hate to call him out, but as much as we've waited, I just don't see it. We need to add toughness and he's the opposite of that. I hope I'm eating this comment this time next year.
If we want to contend next year we either need some vast improvement from one of the current non-starters, or a few of the guys who don't have a future with this team to transfer and to fill those spots with a JUCO or two to finish off Tony's and KK careers while we have them. I think with Carter and Company, we have enough young prospects to groom. Need some instant parts that can hit the ground running ASAP--if those exist and are available to us I wish we fill a vacant scholly in this manner.
Last Edited: 3/16/2016 11:41:34 PM by Chicken George