Yeah, a lot of us were expecting too much from this team. 10-8 in conference play and a win in the B12 tourney..... plus beating Florida could possibly get us a dance invitation. Not likely though. I think 10-8 is the best we can hope for in conference play ..... 8-10 might be more likely. There just aren't any gimme wins we can count on ..... even with Texas struggling.
I have seen some positive signs that have exceeded my early expectations. Sheperd and McNeace have been really good. Sheperd seems to have won out over Strong. Doolittle is going to be really good although he seems to have lost some confidence the past couple of weeks. I want him to mix it up more down low. I like what all 3 of those guys are doing.
Woodard is Woodard. I expected good things from him and he is delivering. Odomes is what I thought he would be: great slasher and defensive specialist. I think he will continue to improve offensively.
My disappointments? I expected more from Lattin. He just doesn't play smart sometimes, and can't stay out of foul trouble. I also honestly thought McGusty would be a key part of the rotation by now. I think nagging injuries have held him back. We need him. What do I say about Christian James? My expectations skyrocketed after hearing he scored 32 in the secret Oregon scrimmage. He just needs to quit making silly fouls on defense. Buford is a step slow to play a wing and doesn't bang inside.... I've lost confidence in him.
I think Freeman might be a key to how far we go in B12 play. We need his offense. He and McGusty both.
As a team, we're weak in the post. Lattin and McNeace need more girth. They both get bullied on defense. They're good help defenders but not very good when they get posted up. Doolittle needs more confidence and to get more aggressive. He needs to bang more. No more Mr. Nice Guy. I'm looking forward to the big-body that Polla will bring next year.
On offense, I think we're limited to 2 scrorers with the starting lineup of Woodard, James, Odomes, Doolittle, and Lattin. I think they're our best defensive group, but I am only confident in Woodard and James as consistent scoring threats. We need a 3rd option..... and Lattin ain't it.
Those are my thoughts. JMHO.
