So who we want coming back in 22-23

[BrakingAnkles]

might as well look towards next season…..

Ellis
Curry
Davis
Wheeler
Withers
Cross (when he’s battling)
JJ (hard to know since hasn’t played much, played good tonight
James (hard to know since haven’t seen him play at all)

Incoming Freshman:
Davis signed
King signed
Lands committed

That’s not much backcourt, so recruit freshman and play through the mistakes or hope get better luck in portal?

 

[achilles992000]

recruit at least one point guard. and go to transfer portal for the other. this way the recruit can learn.
ACC is too tough for most rookie point guards.

 

[Thecycle27]

In this new world who cares who stays or goes? With this roster who really has a high ceiling?

They all have significant flaws.

Sad to say I won’t care if they all leave. If I have to pick

1) Ellis
2) Wheeler
3) James
4) Davis
5) Withers-last 5 games
6)JJ

 

[2330859]

Still just kids.

In truth, there have been games, and brief periods in games, where virtually everyone on this roster have demonstrated some evidence of contribution. Regrettably, the overall inconsistency has doomed this team the entire year.

Last night at ND served as a capsule of that observation; as the ability to come from behind in the 2nd half to take a small and brief lead (55-54) was an example of what enthusiasm, defensive effort and efficiency on the offensive end can produce. The last 9 shots speaks to the inconsistency and why the team lost.

 

[earsky]

The last 9 shots speaks to the inconsistency and why the team lost.

We've actually seen this time and time again this season. There's just no mindset that you finish the game with what got you there. They have yet to grow as a team. It's kind of mind boggling to tell you the truth. It wouldn't be if it were the first time.
We need a true general on the floor.

 

[shadow force]

Definitely need a legit point guard like achilles said. We've seen what happens when we don't have a great option at PG and it isn't pretty.

Of the current players I'd like to see return are:

Ellis
Curry
Cross
Wheeler
Davis
James

Maybe Withers and JJ.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

You may not think you want them, but they might be better than your alternative. If you find a way to add 1-2 big pieces you have a major upgrade if you bring back 3-4 guys.

What if you add a top 3 true PG out of the portal, or a beast in the paint that blocks shots, had a high motor, and an NBA profile?

Suddenly some of these role players look a lot better in an actual role they belong in.

 

[Thecycle27]

They won’t lose them all but whoever ends up leaving isn’t going to be hard to replace. That is my point. Just go down the list they are all basically the same.

It depends on the coach. We have seen what Withers is like when he likes his coach. Yeah I want that guy. We have no idea which kids will fit with the new coach.

It is a good question but the reality is if the incoming coach losing “our” list of players we make some irrational judgement of coach and player.

 

[2330859]

I must confess that I thought Chris Mack was the sort of young coach who could raise this basketball program back up to its elevated national prominence; his beating of quite possibly the most disappointing UK team in its history during the 2020-2021 season, turns out to be “fool’s gold”.

We can beat up on this roster, but I believe there is now sufficient evidence that Mack’s coaching explains a great deal about the poor performance. The improved performance by Withers in recent games is just another example of why it is so difficult to assign “lack of talent” to these kids.

I for one will acknowledge now that for reasons that may not be totally clear …….. Chris Mack not only failed to win games, he failed at getting these kids prepared to perform up to their ability. All four (4) D1 transfers; West, Faulkner, Cross and Locke exhibited the level of talent to compete successfully at this level prior to arriving at UL ……. it’s on the coach.

I am not writing off any of those eligible to return right now.

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

When you shop for a HC and find a guy like Mack who has what appears to be an experienced resume, there's a few things in it that aren't there. Can they recruit at a bigger program? Does their system translate to a bigger program? We just didn't know, with Mack.

The biggest thing we didn't know about Mack when looking at his resume, and this was the back breaker for his tenure here - How will he handle adversity? When you are consistently winning at a cut level below you can afford the "off" year, because you're consistently making NCAAs and doing the job expected.

But if you then move to this higher level, how do you hold up against pressure and adversity under a large microscope? This is where Mack just flunked and tapped out.

So it is true, when the HC just bails, or folds there are some questions about just "how bad" or "how good" the players are.

I still believe heading into next season, while it is true none of these guys are irreplaceable, I'd still rather have as many back as we can. If anything we need competitive practices.

We shall see!

 

[J_Lewis0117]

At this point, I want Ellis, Davis, Cross, Withers, Curry, Wheeler, James, and Traynor back. I don’t know if Sam would want to come back, but I’m not giving up on him. I would understand if he would want a fresh start. Same with Gabe.

 

[nccardfan]

At this point, I want Ellis, Davis, Cross, Withers, Curry, Wheeler, James, and Traynor back. I don’t know if Sam would want to come back, but I’m not giving up on him. I would understand if he would want a fresh start. Same with Gabe.

Well, basically what you’re saying is that you think a new coach can do wonders with this group because you’re only leaving off Malik, West, Locke and Faulkner, who will be gone anyway. I could be wrong about Locke having another year. I think Sam needs to move on as well. He may thrive somewhere else and I know he won’t leave but can’t see where we can’t replace Cross.

 

[Thecycle27]

Of all the sports basketball requires the most athletic ability and skill. On top of that you have to understand how to play. Start with the elite athletes. Coaching can’t make you more athletic.

Athletically these can play at this level.
1) Ellis
2) James
3) Wheeler
4) JJ
5) Withers

Keep those 5 new coach has something to work with. Lose some then Davis, Curry and Cross are worth keeping if they want to stay.

 

[J_Lewis0117]

Ye

Well, basically what you’re saying is that you think a new coach can do wonders with this group because you’re only leaving off Malik, West, Locke and Faulkner, who will be gone anyway. I could be wrong about Locke having another year. I think Sam needs to move on as well. He may thrive somewhere else and I know he won’t leave but can’t see where we can’t replace Cross.

Yeah, there’s definitely potential with that group. You’ve seen flashes from every player. It just comes down to coaching and play style at the end of the day. Have to play a way that fits their skillsets

 

[nccardfan]

Ye

Yeah, there’s definitely potential with that group. You’ve seen flashes from every player. It just comes down to coaching and play style at the end of the day. Have to play a way that fits their skillsets

You’re basing that on bits and pieces. Ellis is not a PG and plays little defense. James hasn’t played a minute. Wheeler has upside but hasn’t play a ton of minutes. The more Curry plays, we find he gets lost on defensive switches. JJ - same thing, he’s played one meaningful game. Why? It’s ok to be optimistic. That’s what fans are but I have taken a wait and see approach here lately with both basketball and football.

 

[KerryRhodes]

Withers
Curry
Wheeler

Plus James and the freshman.Everyone else can bounce. Bring in 7 new players. Need a 5 star point guard.

 

[achilles992000]

nearly all of the top 200 high school players have signed already. transfer portal might be only option.
offense is our big issue. we are well below average.

 

[J_Lewis0117]

You’re basing that on bits and pieces. Ellis is not a PG and plays little defense. James hasn’t played a minute. Wheeler has upside but hasn’t play a ton of minutes. The more Curry plays, we find he gets lost on defensive switches. JJ - same thing, he’s played one meaningful game. Why? It’s ok to be optimistic. That’s what fans are but I have taken a wait and see approach here lately with both basketball and football.

I see things the same way. I’m not necessarily putting expectations on next years team because of the performance this year, but like I said I was just saying there’s potential in several players with a new coach. I’ve seen building blocks for the future with guys like Withers, Curry, Ellis and Dre. I hear you though