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Date Posted: 12:37:44 06/22/04 Tue
Author: HC1843
Subject: My thoughts...
In reply to: My Opinion 's message, "Hoops - Projected Depth Chart" on 12:06:30 06/22/04 Tue

Agree with Thomas as starting point guard but am not sure I would have KHam run the offense as PG when Thomas is out, but we lack a third option until Doherty proves himself, so, OK I agree with that too.

Agree with KHam at the 2 but not sure about starting Simmons at this point. While he offers more offensively than Kinsey, Kinsey is better on the defensive end and I think Willard will go with Kinsey to start the season but project Simmons ultimately starting at the 3 unless Kinsey just rips up his senior year.

Hurley definitely at the 4. Let's pray he's learning how to shoot from the charity stripe this summer. He is the guy other teams go to when it is the last 2 minutes of a close game and they need to stop us from scoring. Hyland, young, kramer as backups...need to see more as the year progresses.

Lufkin definitely at the 5, but let's hope he is learning to bring his A game to every game this summer, and how not to get in foul trouble early on. Hyland appears like the most obvious early back up unless Clifford just brings it hard in practice and when given minutes. Either way, unless Nate improves upon my 2 earlier comments, expect these guys to get minutes as a default.

Question Marks:
1) Who other than Hamilton can we count on this year to be an offensive threat? If we don't solve this riddle, then we are likely to see a repeat of last year. Early Answer: Simmons and Kramer (I like the kids shot).
2) Will Lufkin be able to return to his freshmen year glory? Early answer: Hopefully, but this might depend on how much he gets pushed in practice from the underclassmen. Nate doesn't want to lose PT to a freshman, so he better make sure his game is on.
3) Will Coach W promise to never let Hurley take a game deciding shot ever again? God I hope so, UNLESS John shows some true offensive improvement in his jump shot.
4) Who is the sleeper soph/junior player that will surprise us all? Early Answer: Kramer or Young (I don't consider Simmons a sleeper), and I'm leaning toward Kramer but will take either or both.
5) Will Simmons get stripped a lot less this year when driving to the hoop? Early Answer: Yup, the kid was just getting warmed up...this is his season to really show us his stuff.

Thoughts....suggestions...

Cheers.

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Replies:

[> [> Re: My thoughts... -- Non Alum Dave, 20:59:30 06/22/04 Tue

1843, I'm pretty much spot on with your analysis. At a top level, it appears the perimeter game will be the strength of this team. Kham and Simmons combined for about 85 3s last year...that's pretty decent returning firepower.

I would not be surprised if Simmons really takes a major step forward. 1843, you alluded to his major weakness last year: not having the strength to go to the hoop strong. I recall in the opener against BU when he got in trouble time and time again when he tried to take it to the hole. Hopefully, a year of natural physical maturation and some weight training will help him in that area. When he improves in this area - look out.

But still - I also see Kinsey starting. I hope Greg doesn't worry about his offense. I'd like to see him evolve into a Jared Curry senior year type of player - defend the wings hard, be solid with the ball, pick his spots to score when its there. I don't think this is a reach.

I, like most people I've talked to, love Kramer's potential. Various nagging injuries and illness prevented him from getting on any kind of a roll last year, but you can see that this kid knows the game.

My concerns

1. The bigs - they have something to prove, no doubt. Would love to see RW bring in another big body with that last scholarship (to get ready for the following year too!).

2. Leadership/toughness - As noted above, I am hoping Kinsey can take charge, but he could use some help. I was thumbing through a magazine from a couple of years ago where Lafayette's Fran O'Hanlon was speaking of Tim Szatko: "He has terrific poise". We need some of that swagger. A sleeper in this role: Mr. Kramer.

3. Torey in the drivers seat - TT certainly had a nice freshman year, exhibiting tremendous defensive potential and explosiveness. But - can he lead a team, particularly in a halfcourt game? It wouldn't be fair to expect him to play to Jave's steady level right away....the team may have to grow with him.

As for foul shooting - let's make sure the ball is in Keith Simmons' hands in crunch time! He looks like the best bet right now.

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[> [> Re: My thoughts... -- hcnj, 12:10:30 06/25/04 Fri

Heard some excellent reports on Doherty. He may get more time than some think. More of a play maker. SF will be interesting with Greg and Keith. Coach is very supportive of contributors like Greg, and Keith is hugely talented. I want Kham always on the floor. Front line needs some gumption. Nate can't afford to be a slasher like when Pat and Tim were leveling the big bodies. There are huge opportunities for big men who want to step up. A long shot is possibility of a transfer.

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