Reasons for optimism

We underachieved this past season; no denying that. It was very disappointing. Plus, we lose a lot of experience and maturity moving forward. Some will scoff, but notwithstanding those facts, I do see reasons for optimism looking ahead. Not sky-high optimism, but some of the more cautious sort.

First, Deondre Burns showed that he is going to be a good one. He led the team in 3-point percentage among those with over 50 attempts. If he starts for a full season he could put up some really nice numbers. If he can be a career 41% three-point shooter, he will be tied with Nick Zachery for third all-time.

Second, I still think Oliver Black is going to be one of the premier big men in the SBC. Even this year he shot 55% from the field, pulled  down 3.3 boards per game, and was third on the team in offensive rebounds. He should be ready to go from the starting gate this next year, and I think he is going to do well.

Third, we should finally get to see Dayshawn Watkins at the point. He was a 3-star recruit out of high school and was signed by a money conference school. He may take a few games to get the rust out of his system, but I am very eager to see how well he does. If he does solve our problem at point, that will be a huge step forward from where we were this last season.

We have a lot of holes to fill, but those should be three important cogs in the wheel. A bona fide point guard, a play-making scorer, an inside threat and board man. We  really lacked all three of those this year. There is just a chance we might have them next year.

Add to all the above the fact that Wes Flanigan will no longer be a first-year head coach. I don't know how well he will learn from his mistakes, but until I see otherwise I am going to assume that he is able to do what most people can do in that regard, and if so, he will be a better coach next year than last.