Playing devil's advocate - what makes you so confident and certain about the last sentence? Just curious why for the sake of discussion.

(note - I'm not being critical - I'm excited for this season too)

For the record, I didn't say we'd finish first in the east or even in the top three. I just don't believe we'll finish last. I'm basing this on the return of Jordan Dartis, along with Ben Vander Plas and Jason Preston taking the next step which, to me, potentially puts three all-MAC-level players on the court. I agreed with coach Boals' opinion of Connor Murrell even before I read it; I think he's gonna score for us. I've always been high on Nate Spriggs in the long run. I know coach Phillips was; we talked about that several times. Don't know what Nate is ready to produce this season, but I'm confident he'll contribute.

That being said, what I perceive taking us out of the cellar at the very least will be the production of at least two of our freshmen. I don't know which two, but by the time we get to the MAC part of the schedule, I do believe more than one of them will be ready to rock and roll and make significant impacts.

Finally, don't sleep on Jeff Boals' coaching style and ability to put people in the correct places to maximize their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

I'm not overly confident and wouldn't bet any money on it, but my gut feeling is that Boals will have them competitive and peaking during the MAC tournament. Boals was a scrappy player and guessing his teams will battle each and every night.

This team is clearly rebuilding. Very low expectations for this year and probably next year as well. Its going to be worse this year before we get better next few years. My prediction is 7-24 3-15 MAC with first round exit in MAC tournament. 2 of eight wins will be Heidleburg and Rio Grande. Boals will have good teams in years 3 and 4, but its going to take a little time to develop and recruit impact players. Dartis return should help mentor the young players. It won't show up in the standing this year, but his impact will be felt two years from now when this team is a contender again and returning to the level expected of this program. Very young team with 2 seniors and 1 junior. The good news is there is plenty of playing time for the young players to show what they got. This season is about development.

There are no signs that we will be world beaters but I think seven wins is a bit low so I agree with you. The knowns (Dartis, BVP, Preston, Murrell, McMurray) have all had some time and have shown they are decent to excellent (McMurray did play some before he got hurt). You have to figure that Ogbanda is going to be decent right? ACC, big guy, seems athletic. Now you just need a couple of Price, Brown, Brown, Roderick, McDay and Foster to be able to play which isn't out of the question. Many MAC teams have excelled with freshmen playing big minutes. I remember Kron with some great freshman tandems at guard. We could go 7-24 but I could see this team rallying and taking pride and going 16-15 or better.

Listen if this team goes 7-24 (3-15) I will swear off all sports. NO WAY. Its the freaking MAC. Even with how average Saul was as a coach he still did better than this… I am good with people thinking the worst but man no way that happens. 12 wins overall- I can see… lots of close losses etc. But 7? Seriously? Yes rebuilding but 7 wins???

Larry’s first year he inherited nothing and went 12-16. My god...he won 12 freaking games with football player walk-on Jerry Lebold at center and Dave Jamerson shooting as soon as he crossed the half court line. Boals is same sort of coach. Groce won 15 games in year 1- and his team was young with only 1 senior that played (I think) and average Saul even won 10 games year 1. No way Boals only wins 7. Save this post and let's revisit in March. Go Bobcats!

Was thinking the same thing. We'll have growing pains and all the hallmarks that playing such an inexperienced roster brings but I can't imagine we won't be better than last year. I just can't imagine Boals putting up with what Saul allowed the last couple of seasons. If we go 3-15 I am going to be very worried.

The majority of our free throws will be shot by our guards/wings driving. I don't think our bigs will draw too many fouls inside (except when the driver dishes off). So that should help our percentage.