What a season right? Not in a good way either. No matter what way you look at it, this year was a failure. On paper, I believe we were good enough to make the NCAAT, or at least be a bubble team w/ NIT guaranteed. Our weak OOC schedule definitely hurt us, as we didn't have time to gell against good teams. Even Ham said it in an interview with ACCN before the game last night, that it is still March and there are people not knowing where to go on all plays, etc.. Not sure how a D1 team, 30 games in still has trouble gelling with one another, but that's mute. Anyways, lets look at next years players. And this is all just my opinion and would like to hear yours as well :
Malique Ewin - He is a head scratcher for me. At times, he looks unstoppable on the offensive side of the floor. But he can, and has gotten exposed defensively time and time again. Also, as mentioned in the broadcast last night, at times his energy meter was real low. We actually looked better with an 18 year old Maluk on the floor last night. He just looked disinterested. Was it the injury nagging back up? (Even though he played amazing vs SMU) Or does he already have one foot out the door. For the right price, I would keep him. But if he asks for an astronomical amount, I'd bring in someone else.
Chandler Jackson - I respect Chandler. He has been here the longest, but for some reason he regressed heavily this season. Not sure if it was the injury or not midway through the year, but his offensive output took a major decline. He only hit double digits twice since Christmas and has only hit 4 three pointers since the end of November. Defensively and effort wise, I have nothing negative to say. And he seems to be a good leader. I'd keep him, but honestly, I'd bring him off the bench.
Justin Thomas - Another guard that just wasn't what we hoped for offensively. A good 3pt shooter from what we were told but numbers tell us otherwise. For the amount of minutes he was getting, he only hit double digit scoring 3 times all year. Didn't look confident on the ball. I do see good effort and hustle though, so I wouldn't mind keeping him, but again as a player off the bench.
Taylor Bol Bowen - Flirted with the transfer portal last season, and I believe he will again. I do not think he will be on the roster next year from what people are saying. He has potential and seems like a good teammate, but just too consistent to make big time NIL money. Against good teams, he struggled. Was interesting to see Ham basically sitting him for the whole second half yesterday, maybe a sign to come?
Jerry Deng - I am very high on Deng. I think with starter minutes he can be a double digit scorer. Can shoot it at all levels, but needs to work on defensive side of the game. Kept getting exposed and that's something L.L won't accept. Wouldn't mind him starting at the 3 next season with the right people around him.
Daquan Davis - Again, another player I would keep. Consistently worked hard, needs to work on his game offensively but I believe he will become an all league caliber player. Will definitely flirt with the portal, but I hope LL and the staff gives him enough $ to stay. Seems like a player who will go to a Big 10 school.
Alier Maluk - Keep. Has great potential, and I love his game. Not sure he starts next season, but definitely will be an important piece moving forward.
AJ Swinton - Another player with tons of potential. Will get good minutes off the bench next year. I like his game, needs to become more of a consistent scorer but i believe he will get there.
Christian Nitu - Keep. But will be limited again. Had flashes offensively, but way behind defensively.
Malique Ewin - He is a head scratcher for me. At times, he looks unstoppable on the offensive side of the floor. But he can, and has gotten exposed defensively time and time again. Also, as mentioned in the broadcast last night, at times his energy meter was real low. We actually looked better with an 18 year old Maluk on the floor last night. He just looked disinterested. Was it the injury nagging back up? (Even though he played amazing vs SMU) Or does he already have one foot out the door. For the right price, I would keep him. But if he asks for an astronomical amount, I'd bring in someone else.
Chandler Jackson - I respect Chandler. He has been here the longest, but for some reason he regressed heavily this season. Not sure if it was the injury or not midway through the year, but his offensive output took a major decline. He only hit double digits twice since Christmas and has only hit 4 three pointers since the end of November. Defensively and effort wise, I have nothing negative to say. And he seems to be a good leader. I'd keep him, but honestly, I'd bring him off the bench.
Justin Thomas - Another guard that just wasn't what we hoped for offensively. A good 3pt shooter from what we were told but numbers tell us otherwise. For the amount of minutes he was getting, he only hit double digit scoring 3 times all year. Didn't look confident on the ball. I do see good effort and hustle though, so I wouldn't mind keeping him, but again as a player off the bench.
Taylor Bol Bowen - Flirted with the transfer portal last season, and I believe he will again. I do not think he will be on the roster next year from what people are saying. He has potential and seems like a good teammate, but just too consistent to make big time NIL money. Against good teams, he struggled. Was interesting to see Ham basically sitting him for the whole second half yesterday, maybe a sign to come?
Jerry Deng - I am very high on Deng. I think with starter minutes he can be a double digit scorer. Can shoot it at all levels, but needs to work on defensive side of the game. Kept getting exposed and that's something L.L won't accept. Wouldn't mind him starting at the 3 next season with the right people around him.
Daquan Davis - Again, another player I would keep. Consistently worked hard, needs to work on his game offensively but I believe he will become an all league caliber player. Will definitely flirt with the portal, but I hope LL and the staff gives him enough $ to stay. Seems like a player who will go to a Big 10 school.
Alier Maluk - Keep. Has great potential, and I love his game. Not sure he starts next season, but definitely will be an important piece moving forward.
AJ Swinton - Another player with tons of potential. Will get good minutes off the bench next year. I like his game, needs to become more of a consistent scorer but i believe he will get there.
Christian Nitu - Keep. But will be limited again. Had flashes offensively, but way behind defensively.
