Clark or Neal

[Stikboy]

I appreciate what the young guys will bring to the table. We are replacing Clark/Neal with great size and athleticism. But also inexperience. I believe it all boils down to how ready the 3 new guys are to jump in, and what kind of summers they have. There will no doubt be a pain phase that all frosh go through, it will be just how much, and how soon can they become plus players. My thing is, Neal has really had a very good year for him and brought a nice mix of scoring sometimes inside, and a tremendous 3 point shooting percentage and he has knocked down some shots when we needed it. Cam, he has carried us in a few huge games but done his usual disappearing act in more. I hope I can have no doubt that the newbies can come in and replace, but when? It would stand to reason that two out of those three won't be able to come in and replace their scoring next season. Now, will it be offset by vastly better rim protection, athletic defense, and rebounding? Hopefully Buford has some range and can score. And Lattin can bring some offense eventually. But right off the bat, it may not be pretty. I sure hope we are better next year. I think we will pass the "eye test" more.. I'm resigning myself that we may get it handed to us in the Bahamas, but that's ok if we learn. I'm contemplating going... Pretty stiff competition. But I digress.. With Kruger I have no doubt the young guys will improve, but it may not be pretty early. If we signed a big, scrappy scorer in the LSP i'd rest a little easier.. But again, if these guys get in in the summer, are gym rats, and come out with no fear then I agree we will be even better next year. Lots of unknown variables..

 

[KBaden145]

I think that they have both done a good job. We wouldn't be in the spot we currently occupy without them. But, what do you guys mean when you say the they will be missed? Do you mean that this time next year we will be lamenting their absence and wishing the season could have been better as it surely would have been if only Cam and Tyler were still here?

I doubt that will be the case. I'll say the same thing now that I said a year ago. Next years team will be better than this years team.

This. Gary is spot on, as always. I think we are potentially a 27+ win and a top 4 seed tourney ball club next season. We lost a lot more prior to this season and look where we are now. IMHO, what Neal provides off the bench is the most valuable asset of the 2 but we won't really miss either of these guys.