Different Team than any Previous

[Zaratoughda]

Yeah, every year the cast of players is different and thus every year the team is different but with THIS team, I don't think Dixon has ever had the number of quality players coming off the bench as he has this year. Jones, Slim, Jeter, and hopefully one (or both) of Wilson and Milligan. Jones and Slim, in particular give you a high level of energy coming off the bench at SF and SG and that is something that a lot of teams are going to have difficulty dealing with. Luther and Maia have potential to be impact players as well.

It is pretty clear now that the starting lineup is gonna be, I would guess for the rest of the year, Robinson, Smith, Artis, Young and ANO. But, what is the lineup down the stretch? My guess is it will be Robinson, Jones, Artis, Jeter and Young, if the game is close or we are behind. If we have a lead, then probably the same as the starting lineup.

Still LOTS of questions to be answered (Artis at SF, can ANO play without fouling, etc, etc). But otherwise, we will just have to see how far this team can go.

The season really begins TOMORROW.... with the 3 previous games and scrimmage really being exhibitions more than anything else.

 

[DC_Area_Panther]

Detroit is according to Sagarin's ratings slightly better ( +5?) than the Northern Arizona team Gonzaga beat by 39 last night. Hopefully Pitt will beat Detroit handily tomorrow. If we are as improved as many of us think we are we should win by about 20, or so. If we win by low double digits or less and don't put them away early then it will raise the question as to whether we are not any better than last year.

 

[heybandguy]

Yeah, every year the cast of players is different and thus every year the team is different but with THIS team, I don't think Dixon has ever had the number of quality players coming off the bench as he has this year. ...Still LOTS of questions to be answered (Artis at SF, can ANO play without fouling, etc, etc). But otherwise, we will just have to see how far this team can go.

This for me is the really interesting part. Dixon and staff may be able to develop a very deep rotation that can be used against the OOC and the bottom of the ACC. A deep team with plenty of options depending upon the flow of the game. Still I want the best 5 on the floor when it comes down to winning the game - whoever that is on that night.

 

[Zaratoughda]

Detroit is according to Sagarin's ratings slightly better ( +5?) than the Northern Arizona team Gonzaga beat by 39 last night. Hopefully Pitt will beat Detroit handily tomorrow. If we are as improved as many of us think we are we should win by about 20, or so. If we win by low double digits or less and don't put them away early then it will raise the question as to whether we are not any better than last year.

DC... I don't think it is fair to compare us to Gonzaga in this regard. For Gonzaga, they usually play much better than most in their OOC schedule, because when they get to conference play it is all cupcakes. The fact that we were leading them at half is a good sign but for now.... Dixon is gonna concentrate on getting Ws but otherwise the continued improvement of the team... leading into the ACC schedule.