We are senior oriented
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All I know is I'm liking a team with Birt at the helm more and more.
We will be fine if they can play defense. I think we'll see a lot of Henderson at the point with Taplin; TK and Etou out front, Birt probably at the 3. Not sure who we see at the 2 to start, maybe Atson (or maybe Atson goes 3 with Birt sliding into the 2). We should be able to score next year and it shouldn't be a question if we can shoot from the outside. Biggest question will be can we stop anyone?
I was thinking about this topic this morning. After some quick analysis I think we will be a middle of the pack AAC team next year with considerable improvement inside vs this year. As many have said though will we be able to stop anybody? TK will be the only member of the Manning defense on the team and from looking at Haith's teams at Miami and Mizzou defense was not his forte.
Also young teams typically struggle on defense.
Also young teams typically struggle on defense.
Yes....In truth, he is probably responsible for more of our wins than anyone on the
team.....He has been especially effective at crunch time and on the road....A
wonderful combination....He seems to have a Harrington flair for making the right
plays late in the game.....Over this last 12-14 game stretch he has played a quiet
leadership role that is most unusual, given his first year status on a team of four
and five year seniors.....One of his most remarkable performances was at Temple,
where he did everything needed for us to win, but we couldn't make a free throw
at the end....
As to next year's defense....Birt will be fine, as you would predict for TK and Etou..
Henderson is an experienced player that you would expect to give a good effort
on the defensive end.....Taplin needs to get stronger....He has really improved his
footwork, but is still not strong enough physically on the ball.....Both Korita and
Atson are very intense players, and that usually bodes well on the defensive end...
Artison, Igbanu, and Magnay are unknowns as to the defensive end, but have
size on their side.....The key will be how long it takes for the whole group to learn
how to play together.....That's been a given on our team for two or three years....
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Our current seniors had a surprising record as freshmen - I think TU finished over 500 and I know TU won a comeback game at the Mabee Center (which may account for the uninspired efforts the past 3 years). I'm hopeful for next year's team. It will vindicate Haith's decision to redshirt TK if this group makes it to the Big Dance,
We also had a couple of strong performances by guys like Kari Black and Scottie Haralson that first season. I'd still like to see us grab a grad transfer and another center.
Did anyone else catch during the game yesterday when Birt got shoved in the back from Harrison? I thought he was going to turn around swinging, but to the contrary I think he's accepting and appreciating the leadership skills he's gaining this year