Depth.......... Recruits and transfers

[Chescat]

Narduzzi's recent comments about depth at the ACC meeting got me thinking of the
Bball team's depth. IMO last season we had very little viable depth. It was basically
N'dir, Chuka, Davis, Ellison, and George. I feel that N'dir was an excellent backup.
Ellison was a major disappointment, Davis worked hard and hustled but wasn't a
player at this level. Chuka really surprised me with his effort, and willingness to fight
inside, but was not all that effective. George, again...not at this level.

I feel Hamilton and Murphy are major upgrades as substitutes. Who knows either
or both might crack the starting line up. The next two appear to be Coulibaly and
Drumgoole. I believe that both of them will play and contribute. That's
four off the bench that should really improve us. I didn't even mention Champagnie
who also might contibute. Unlike last year, there might not be such a major drop off
when one of of the starters leaves the floor. Even the walk ons appear to be an
upgrade. I don't expect them to see the floor, but they'll help in practice as will
Horton. I'm expecting a turnaround this coming season with the added experience
of our returnees, plus a big upgrade in availbale depth.

 

[pittchagg]

We certainly have more and better depth than last year. We’ll have nine guys who can give us actual minutes (ten if/when Kene comes back) in X, Trey, Murphy, Toney, Drumgoole, Champagnie, Brown, Coulibaly, and Hamilton. That’s three guards, three wings, and three (four) forwards, which is really where you want to be as far as roster management, especially in a two guard, two wing, one forward system.

Last year, we also had nine guys getting minutes in X, Trey, Sidy, Davis, JWF, Ellison, Toney, Kene, and Brown...but I think the floor is a whole lot higher with the group we have now, especially given that those guys who were key players last year are older and stronger now.

 

[lilspainishflea]

We certainly have more and better depth than last year. We’ll have nine guys who can give us actual minutes (ten if/when Kene comes back) in X, Trey, Murphy, Toney, Drumgoole, Champagnie, Brown, Coulibaly, and Hamilton. That’s three guards, three wings, and three (four) forwards, which is really where you want to be as far as roster management, especially in a two guard, two wing, one forward system.

Last year, we also had nine guys getting minutes in X, Trey, Sidy, Davis, JWF, Ellison, Toney, Kene, and Brown...but I think the floor is a whole lot higher with the group we have now, especially given that those guys who were key players last year are older and stronger now.

The replacements' floor and ceiling are both higher than what we had. No disrespect to the backups last year, but aside from JWF they were all below-average ACC players. Add in that all of the replacements will be with us for multiple years and I'll gladly take each one of them over what we had.

Hamilton/Coulibaly > George (who might have played single-digit minutes last year)
Drumgoole > Ellison (tried hard but 0 offensive threat)
Champagnie = or > Davis (JC is bigger and I assume can post-up and hit a corner 3 which is all Davis seemed able to do on offense)

I guess Murphy might be worse than JWF but the overall infusion of team-talent should make that irrelevant.

 

[Drew1208]

I'd

The replacements' floor and ceiling are both higher than what we had. No disrespect to the backups last year, but aside from JWF they were all below-average ACC players. Add in that all of the replacements will be with us for multiple years and I'll gladly take each one of them over what we had.

Hamilton/Coulibaly > George (who might have played single-digit minutes last year)
Drumgoole > Ellison (tried hard but 0 offensive threat)
Champagnie = or > Davis (JC is bigger and I assume can post-up and hit a corner 3 which is all Davis seemed able to do on offense)

I guess Murphy might be worse than JWF but the overall infusion of team-talent should make that irrelevant.

I agree with you but would more compare Drumgoole over Davis....a 3 pt shooter with good D.
And I look at Champagnie as a much better Ellison.
But whatever.
The depth and upgrades should be obvious.

 

[pittchagg]

As Drew1208 said, I look at the comparisons a little differently:

2018 vs. 2019

Guards
Xavier vs. Xavier
Trey vs. Trey
Sidy vs. Murphy
Davis vs. ???

Wings
Toney vs. Toney
JWF vs. Drumgoole
Ellison vs. Champagnie

Forwards
Brown vs. Brown
Kene vs. Kene
George vs. George
??? vs. Coulibaly
??? vs. Hamilton

So there, there are a few question marks that aren’t in the “how much will the returning players improve” category. The way I see it, it’s (1) how well Drumgoole will fill JWF’s role, (2) how well Champagnie will fill Ellison’s role, (3) what we’ll get from the combination of Hamilton and Coulibaly that we either didn’t have before (or what Peace and Stevenson gave us) or what we’ll be missing while Kene is hurt, (4) how things will look replacing what Sidy gave us with what Murphy, a very different type of player, will give us, and (5) what combination of roles will fill what Davis gave us last year. On the balance, though, those are questions that I’m (mostly) optimistic that we’ll get good answers for, particularly 2, 3, and 5.

 

[rockypanther]

I think it all depends on the 4 and 5 this year. We need more from them offensively. Too many times we were helped out by a JWF 3 pt shot or X driving because there was too much standing around on offense and the other team didn’t have to worry much about playing defense on our front court. I really didn’t see much of an offensive system but I hope that changes when we have more guys on the floor that can compete offensively at the ACC level.

 

[rockypanther]

As Drew1208 said, I look at the comparisons a little differently:

2018 vs. 2019

Guards
Xavier vs. Xavier
Trey vs. Trey
Sidy vs. Murphy
Davis vs. ???

Wings
Toney vs. Toney
JWF vs. Drumgoole
Ellison vs. Champagnie

Forwards
Brown vs. Brown
Kene vs. Kene
George vs. George
??? vs. Coulibaly
??? vs. Hamilton

So there, there are a few question marks that aren’t in the “how much will the returning players improve” category. The way I see it, it’s (1) how well Drumgoole will fill JWF’s role, (2) how well Champagnie will fill Ellison’s role, (3) what we’ll get from the combination of Hamilton and Coulibaly that we either didn’t have before (or what Peace and Stevenson gave us) or what we’ll be missing while Kene is hurt, (4) how things will look replacing what Sidy gave us with what Murphy, a very different type of player, will give us, and (5) what combination of roles will fill what Davis gave us last year. On the balance, though, those are questions that I’m (mostly) optimistic that we’ll get good answers for, particularly 2, 3, and 5.

We can’t rely on George and Kene is a real crap shoot cuz of his health. We better hope Couilbay and Hamilton can play big productive minutes. Especially, when TB has one of the games where he picks up a lot of dumb fouls.

 

[pittchagg]

We can’t rely on George and Kene is a real crap shoot cuz of his health. We better hope Couilbay and Hamilton can play big productive minutes. Especially, when TB has one of the games where he picks up a lot of dumb fouls.

Totally agree on Kene; George was included on my list because he’s a scholarship player, even if he’s going to give us the contribution on the court that you’d expect from a walk-on. Either way, we’ll get the same out of George this year that we got last year.

At the end of the day, though, at forward we’ll be replacing Brown and Kene with Brown, Hamilton, Coulibaly, and whatever we can get from Kene. It’s hard to see that as anything other than a step up - how much of a step up remains to be seen, but I think there’s a whole lot to like about both of the new guys at forward, and the picture from last week that showed Kene at practice in practice clothes is definitely encouraging even if he isn’t a full participant.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

We certainly have more and better depth than last year. We’ll have nine guys who can give us actual minutes (ten if/when Kene comes back) in X, Trey, Murphy, Toney, Drumgoole, Champagnie, Brown, Coulibaly, and Hamilton. That’s three guards, three wings, and three (four) forwards, which is really where you want to be as far as roster management, especially in a two guard, two wing, one forward system.

Last year, we also had nine guys getting minutes in X, Trey, Sidy, Davis, JWF, Ellison, Toney, Kene, and Brown...but I think the floor is a whole lot higher with the group we have now, especially given that those guys who were key players last year are older and stronger now.

A question that Italy might provide insight on--

Did Capel use the "two guard, two wing, one forward system" last season because it is the system he really prefers? Or, did he use it only due to last season's roster having only two viable bigs (Brown and Kene)?

During this season might we be going to see primary, or at least some, use of a system of two guards, one wing, and two bigs given the addition of Hamilton and Coulibaly? Perhaps experimentation in Italy will shine some light on Capel's thinking one way or the other.

 

[Jeffburgh]

The depth is a bit better.

Murphy should

I think it all depends on the 4 and 5 this year. We need more from them offensively. Too many times we were helped out by a JWF 3 pt shot or X driving because there was too much standing around on offense and the other team didn’t have to worry much about playing defense on our front court. I really didn’t see much of an offensive system but I hope that changes when we have more guys on the floor that can compete offensively at the ACC level.

Actually prior to ACC play, the offense and passing was pretty darn good. But, once the competition level increased the extreme lack of talent around X and Trey, and Trey's youth, were exposed.

X was not a super precise passer, but the system was like a 6 cylinder that lost four cylinders.

Absolutely no option to even throw it into the post for any kind of back the basket/up and under or power post move. He did put some dishes on Brown and Kene's hands that they either should or could of converted, and Kene was able to do some of the pick and rolls, but otherwise limited ROI there.

Trey lost his touch/confidence on his three ball, and did not have an in between game, and outside of JWF there were not enough three point threats, so the defense was able to pack in on X and Trey's drives.

Gotta hope that a year's experience helps with X, Trey and Toney, Murphy can functionally replace JWF, and Hamilton and Brown can convert inside like Brown was unable to outside of a few games.

 

[Chescat]

The depth is a bit better.

Murphy should


Actually prior to ACC play, the offense and passing was pretty darn good. But, once the competition level increased the extreme lack of talent around X and Trey, and Trey's youth, were exposed.

X was not a super precise passer, but the system was like a 6 cylinder that lost four cylinders.

Absolutely no option to even throw it into the post for any kind of back the basket/up and under or power post move. He did put some dishes on Brown and Kene's hands that they either should or could of converted, and Kene was able to do some of the pick and rolls, but otherwise limited ROI there.

Trey lost his touch/confidence on his three ball, and did not have an in between game, and outside of JWF there were not enough three point threats, so the defense was able to pack in on X and Trey's drives.

Gotta hope that a year's experience helps with X, Trey and Toney, Murphy can functionally replace JWF, and Hamilton and Brown can convert inside like Brown was unable to outside of a few games.

That's a pretty good review of our offense last season; or at least a review of what went wrong offensively. I expect the inside game to improve immensely. I feel
we'll see a reinvigorated Brown with Hamilton giving us more than Chuka,
especially on the boards, defensively, and maybe with some putbacks.
Murphy replacing JWF will be interesting. Most on here see Murphy as a
a substitute. I have no idea, but he might surprise and be a starter like JWF.
Also, it's no given that Brown starts....Italy will show us how Hamilton compares
to Brown. Either way, both of these guys make us better than last year. I liked
JWF, but we had basically nothing inside. When a SF, Toney is the leading
rebounder, that's a problem.
I hope besides working on his motor this summer, Brown also learns how to
catch and convert when the guards dish. That alone will be a major upgrade
freeing the guards to not be so one dimensional.
I feel good about our chances. I really believe Capel will get Brown to change
his outlook and his game. Murphy should give us the outside shot, and I
really expect to see improvement with X and Trey. Pitt .....much better in 2019.

 

[Chescat]

A question that Italy might provide insight on--

Did Capel use the "two guard, two wing, one forward system" last season because it is the system he really prefers? Or, did he use it only due to last season's roster having only two viable bigs (Brown and Kene)?

During this season might we be going to see primary, or at least some, use of a system of two guards, one wing, and two bigs given the addition of Hamilton and Coulibaly? Perhaps experimentation in Italy will shine some light on Capel's thinking one way or the other.

I've wondered about the "two guard. two wings, one forward system" myself. It's
a 1-4, and I feel many on here saw that as the system Capel preferred. Obviously
I don't know his preference, but IMO he went with the 1-4 because of the players
he had. There was no way he could afford to have Brown and Chuka on the floor
at the same time. Neither one gave us an inside threat, and he had to protect
them both because of fouls. He went with X, Toney, Trey, and JWF because they
were his best. IMO it made little difference if they were both on the floor
together, or only one at a time.
This year might be different, maybe we'll see Capel remain in the 1-4, or maybe
we're gonna see two Bigs out there together. Coulibaly and Hamilton give Capel
that option. If Chuka somehow returns and can play like he did last year, we'll
be even better inside. Yup, "experimentation in Italy".....we'll see soon enough.

 

[rockypanther]

I think what ever offense we use just has to be focused on getting some more high percentage shots earlier in the shot clock. Rebounding is not our strength and neither is outside shooting. Need more picks and cutting and movement without the ball. Did a lot of standing around and watching last year.

 

[Jeffburgh]

That's a pretty good review of our offense last season; or at least a review of what went wrong offensively. I expect the inside game to improve immensely. I feel
we'll see a reinvigorated Brown with Hamilton giving us more than Chuka,
especially on the boards, defensively, and maybe with some putbacks.
Murphy replacing JWF will be interesting. Most on here see Murphy as a
a substitute. I have no idea, but he might surprise and be a starter like JWF.
Also, it's no given that Brown starts....Italy will show us how Hamilton compares
to Brown. Either way, both of these guys make us better than last year. I liked
JWF, but we had basically nothing inside. When a SF, Toney is the leading
rebounder, that's a problem.
I hope besides working on his motor this summer, Brown also learns how to
catch and convert when the guard dish. That alone will be a major upgrade
freeing the guards to not be so one dimensional.
I feel good about our chances. I really believe Capel will get Brown to change
his outlook and his game. Murphy should give us the outside shot, and I
really expect to see improvement with X and Trey. Pitt .....much better in 2019.

I do think Brown will be better, marginally.

I stuck up for him a lot after his frosh year, his size is good and he seemed to have some skill.

But, boy his hands were real disappointing, and his feet and explosion disappointing.

He is going to have to learn to use his body and do T-Boost IVs multiple times a day to up his intensity and aggression.

Hamilton looks promising in his video, but his track record is fairly long and modest. Still, agree he should give more than Kene at least, who had heart but not the tools.

As the season progressed JWF really got good with shuffling his feet to get his shot off, that is a skill/art that can make a big difference for someone who has some size. But, for someone who could jump a bit, he was kind of stiff and very limited in his ability to score in other ways.

Murphy will not be able to just stand on the perimeter and shoot as much, will have to get some drives to the basket and dishes to make the defense not just play him hard on the shot.

Depth is better, but still a heavy reliance on the back end of the rotation with three decent, but not high end frosh. they won't be as exposed, but will face the same freshman wall as Trey and Toney.

But, X, Trey and Toney will have a year under their belts, and that will make a difference in winning games.

Schedule also will not be quite as off with the home and away part.

 

[joeydavid]

The depth is a bit better.

Murphy should


Actually prior to ACC play, the offense and passing was pretty darn good. But, once the competition level increased the extreme lack of talent around X and Trey, and Trey's youth, were exposed.

X was not a super precise passer, but the system was like a 6 cylinder that lost four cylinders.

Absolutely no option to even throw it into the post for any kind of back the basket/up and under or power post move. He did put some dishes on Brown and Kene's hands that they either should or could of converted, and Kene was able to do some of the pick and rolls, but otherwise limited ROI there.

Trey lost his touch/confidence on his three ball, and did not have an in between game, and outside of JWF there were not enough three point threats, so the defense was able to pack in on X and Trey's drives.

Gotta hope that a year's experience helps with X, Trey and Toney, Murphy can functionally replace JWF, and Hamilton and Brown can convert inside like Brown was unable to outside of a few games.

Trey's play dropoff coincided with him getting injured/ beat up from playing with such recklessness. Hopefully, he learned a bit about keeping his body healthier.

 

[VincePITT]

Starters
PG Johnson
SG McGowens
SF Toney
PF Champagnie or Coulibaly
C Brown
At least in Italy and maybe the start of the season.

 

[gary2]

That's a pretty good review of our offense last season; or at least a review of what went wrong offensively. I expect the inside game to improve immensely. I feel
we'll see a reinvigorated Brown with Hamilton giving us more than Chuka,
especially on the boards, defensively, and maybe with some putbacks.
Murphy replacing JWF will be interesting. Most on here see Murphy as a
a substitute. I have no idea, but he might surprise and be a starter like JWF.
Also, it's no given that Brown starts....Italy will show us how Hamilton compares
to Brown. Either way, both of these guys make us better than last year. I liked
JWF, but we had basically nothing inside. When a SF, Toney is the leading
rebounder, that's a problem.
I hope besides working on his motor this summer, Brown also learns how to
catch and convert when the guards dish. That alone will be a major upgrade
freeing the guards to not be so one dimensional.
I feel good about our chances. I really believe Capel will get Brown to change
his outlook and his game. Murphy should give us the outside shot, and I
really expect to see improvement with X and Trey. Pitt .....much better in 2019.

From what I have seen of Murphy's video, he reminds me of Ashton. He is non stop movement to get open for his shot. He uses teammates well.

 

[Tonyt66]

VincePitt I pretty much agree with you on that.
Man we need 2 bigs in 2020.
Either 2 centers or 1-C an 1-PF and they need to be at least 6'9 or taller because IMO we're still undersized and with Kene and Ham leaving its going to be tough to Rebound in the ACC.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Absolutely!! Need 2 good bigs in 2020 class given that Brown and Coulibaly will be our only returning bigs barring a Chukwuka redshirt year.