Friday, June 22, 2018

Any real reason for optimism?

I am battening down the hatches to wait out a sad season, hoping that things will get better after Walker has a full year under his belt. That remains to be seen, of course. However, is there any reason for optimism this season, assuming Walker can indeed coach at the D1 level? Well, it admittedly takes some rosey glasses, but here goes.

Ryan Pippin showed enough flashes that he may be a player. He ended up shooting 42% from the arc and acted like he knew his way around the court. But his numbers did not indicate a D1 point guard. But if he can shoot at that rate, there will be a place for him.

Even though his numbers were dismal, Jaizec Lottie at times showed potential. Maybe Walker can help him realize his potential - IF he gets on the court much.

Damir Hadzic has nice size for an SBC PF, but he hadn't done much on the court. Still, if his shot comes around, and if he shows himself willing to get his uniform dirty, he could play an important role for us.

Kris Bankston's potential is outstanding. He could be the blue collar guy underneath that we desperately need.

Rayjon Tucker was a 3-star coming our of high school. If he can keep his nose clean off the court, he could be a nice scorer for us.

Nowell Markquis looks like the real deal at point. He has not played a minute of college ball, but he arrives with the most fanfare of any player since Will Neighbour.

That amounts to a large group of pretty weak IFs, but stranger things have happened. Sometimes a new coach brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm into a program, and it is very possible that we had a lot of underperforming players under Flanigan's laid-back style. Walker seems to connect well with the players, but whether or not he can/will crack the whip to realize the potential remains to be seen.

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