Realistic optimism

I usually am optimistic as a fan. After all, it costs nothing and it makes my "job" much more enjoyable. If my enthusiasm doesn't pan out, so what? And (my last-place prediction notwithstanding) that is how I am approaching this season. We could have one of those really special seasons where everything just comes together - but probably not. So, if not that, what might actually happen that would be on the positive side. Let's take it alphabetically: what might happen this year - realistically.

1. Oliver Black could break out. He has some impressive physical tools and just needs to refine his game a little and get more confident. Having Mompremier available can only help him.

2. Deondre Burns shot 41% from the arc last season - but the focus was not on him. This year it will be much more so, but he rises to the challenge.

3. Cezanne Carson/Khari Harley/K. J. Gilmore. I look at these guys as gravy. Anything we get from them is a plus. But let's suppose that they do turn into significant contributors, and maybe even a starter from among them.

4. Damir Hadzic. Being a coach's son and having international experience and a semester with the team, he is ahead of the curve for a true freshman.

5. Andre Jones. He gets his considerable athletic ability under control and learns to play better basketball - particularly to take better shots - and becomes a consistent offensive force.

6. Jaizec Lottie. He is only a true freshman, but let us suppose he compares, even loosely, to Josh Hagins' freshman season, which was solid but certainly not overwhelming.

7. Ben Marcus. He shoots 57% from the field again and forces Wes to seriously consider putting him on scholarship to keep him on campus.

8. Wadly Mompremier. He is as advertised: a veteran shot-blocker and rebounder who leverages Black's ability inside.

9. Ryan Pippins. He demonstrates why he is still on the roster.

10. Camron Reedus. He is a legit juco scorer who complements Burns perfectly to make a potent tandem at guard.

None of these things is a stretch. I can see any of them happening. It would be a big stretch to see ALL of them happening, and that is why we probably won't win the league. But some of them will happen. Anticipating which ones and how many will happen is what makes this time of year lots of fun.