2020 prediction

[PZAZ]

Count me nuts, but I think we'll surprise a lot of people. Why?

1. Nance and Kopp make a significant jump between the 1st and 2nd years - not uncommon for people to do. They'll be good contributors and Nance will do well on the boards (and be 20 lbs heavier).
2. Gaines continues to improve and adds more offense in the offseason to his stellar defense
3. Turner plays not hurt (we saw what he could do near the end when he'd gotten better)
4. Beran and Jones come to play, and start.
5. Buie surprises, and Greer improves (he was basically a senior in high school last year who enrolled early to help with the Lathon issue).
6. Young surprises too, a la Skelley, and gives some good minutes.
7. We get a contributing grad transfer or two.

I'm predicting at least NIT, and at least 7 wins in the conference.

 

[catcrazy]

I think that the most important possible grad transfer is Charlie Moore. If we get him I think we are a bubble team. Getting Pierce and Freeman would be great too

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

I think that the most important possible grad transfer is Charlie Moore. If we get him I think we are a bubble team. Getting Pierce and Freeman would be great too

Don’t see us sniffing a tourney bid next season unless we hit a miracle immediately eligible transfer stud.

 

[NJCat]

Don’t see us sniffing a tourney bid next season unless we hit a miracle immediately eligible transfer stud.

Let me check my hindsight meter and get back to with a prediction in about 11 months......

 

[PZAZ]

Did anyone see Texas Tech this year? Or us 2 years ago? I look at our last game without Law, and yes, it was against Ill but we played reasonably well. I look forward to the hindsight meter 9 months from now (we'll already know by then I think)....

 

[IGNORE]

Let me check my hindsight meter and get back to with a prediction in about 11 months......

So, how do they pick the CEOs, the CFOs and such in this country? How can anyone be so confident that Machado or Harper are worth big contracts?

Oh, wait, you mean somebody looks at past performance to predict future results? Here I thought they hired CCC simply because he was a local... And why did they fire BC? Please tell me it was not do to his past performances. Such hindsight is so caveman like.

 

[its_the_sauce]

Beer at W-R?

 

[NJCat]

So, how do they pick the CEOs, the CFOs and such in this country? How can anyone be so confident that Machado or Harper are worth big contracts?

Everyone promoted to CEO or CFO, and every athlete who gets a huge contract has been successful in the past.

Does every promoted CEO or CFO or highly paid athlete succeed?

 

[IGNORE]

Everyone promoted to CEO or CFO, and every athlete who gets a huge contract has been successful in the past.

Does every promoted CEO or CFO or highly paid athlete succeed?

Nope. But should we examine statistics? Want to make some sort of wager on the predictive value of past performance?

 

[freewillie07]

I think that the most important possible grad transfer is Charlie Moore. If we get him I think we are a bubble team. Getting Pierce and Freeman would be great too

Totally agree with this (though I’d say NIT not the bubble). NU needs a veteran lead guard to have any chance at making a bit of noise next season. And probably a center, if we’re being honest. But I like Young and Jones (as of now) more than Greer and Buie.

Can’t make any sort of guess at how next season will turn out before seeing the full roster. Really hope it includes Moore.

 

[Username Not Available]

Now is a great time to be hopeful! The future is wide open...

 

[ColumbusCatFan1_rivals]

Count me nuts, but I think we'll surprise a lot of people. Why?

1. Nance and Kopp make a significant jump between the 1st and 2nd years - not uncommon for people to do. They'll be good contributors and Nance will do well on the boards (and be 20 lbs heavier).
2. Gaines continues to improve and adds more offense in the offseason to his stellar defense
3. Turner plays not hurt (we saw what he could do near the end when he'd gotten better)
4. Beran and Jones come to play, and start.
5. Buie surprises, and Greer improves (he was basically a senior in high school last year who enrolled early to help with the Lathon issue).
6. Young surprises too, a la Skelley, and gives some good minutes.
7. We get a contributing grad transfer or two.

I'm predicting at least NIT, and at least 7 wins in the conference.

I’d be very pleased if this scenario came to pass, however, I’m not sure how plausible a NIT bid would be with only seven conference wins.

In order for this to happen the Cats’ might need to run the table in the non conference and or knock off a few tier 1 or 2 type squads out of conference.

I’m not sure I see the necessary slate of games on the schedule considering the amount of youth and new faces in Evanston for 2019-2020.

 

[TheC]

Count me nuts, but I think we'll surprise a lot of people. Why?

1. Nance and Kopp make a significant jump between the 1st and 2nd years - not uncommon for people to do. They'll be good contributors and Nance will do well on the boards (and be 20 lbs heavier).
2. Gaines continues to improve and adds more offense in the offseason to his stellar defense
3. Turner plays not hurt (we saw what he could do near the end when he'd gotten better)
4. Beran and Jones come to play, and start.
5. Buie surprises, and Greer improves (he was basically a senior in high school last year who enrolled early to help with the Lathon issue).
6. Young surprises too, a la Skelley, and gives some good minutes.
7. We get a contributing grad transfer or two.

I'm predicting at least NIT, and at least 7 wins in the conference.

That's an awful lot that all has to go right. Its fun to dream but even if this all happens we still play in a tough damn conference.

 

[combes]

I think that the most important possible grad transfer is Charlie Moore. If we get him I think we are a bubble team. Getting Pierce and Freeman would be great too

Moore is not a grad transfer. He played as a freshman at Cal and then got immediate eligibility at Kansas. Two years in college. He will likely have to sit out a transfer year this time.

 

[hdhntr1]

So, how do they pick the CEOs, the CFOs and such in this country? How can anyone be so confident that Machado or Harper are worth big contracts?

Oh, wait, you mean somebody looks at past performance to predict future results? Here I thought they hired CCC simply because he was a local... And why did they fire BC? Please tell me it was not do to his past performances. Such hindsight is so caveman like. [/QUOTEThey might be worth bigger contracts but an awful lot of these big FA signings blow up in the face of the acquiring team. Remember ARod and the Rangers of Soriono and the CUBS or even Puholtz in his most recent contract. One thing for certain those big time contracts handcuff the team acquiring them

 

[hdhntr1]

I’d be very pleased if this scenario came to pass, however, I’m not sure how plausible a NIT bid would be with only seven conference wins.

In order for this to happen the Cats’ might need to run the table in the non conference and or knock off a few tier 1 or 2 type squads out of conference.

I’m not sure I see the necessary slate of games on the schedule considering the amount of youth and new faces in Evanston for 2019-2020.

If they win a couple in the BTT it would get them there. NEB was 6-14 and won two and got there

 

[IGNORE]

Ok, but as a headhunter, what do you base your talent evaluation on for your day job?

 

[hdhntr1]

Moore is not a grad transfer. He played as a freshman at Cal and then got immediate eligibility at Kansas. Two years in college. He will likely have to sit out a transfer year this time.

If he managed to get by sitting out once, why do you think he could not get a waiver again?

 

[mikewebb68]

I think 2019-20 will be a lot like Illinois this year, though not quite as bad since our coach will not insist on running a scheme doomed to failure nearly all season, wins and losses notwithstanding. Thinking along the lines of another 15-17 year. But, given the preductive value of our recruiting rankings (albeit with a limited sample size), 2020-21 and 2021-22 are shapimg up to be something special...

 

[ColumbusCatFan1_rivals]

If they win a couple in the BTT it would get them there. NEB was 6-14 and won two and got there

I wouldn’t automatically assume BIG will have a banner year again in 2019-20.

The ‘Cats won 20 games with (8 of them in conference) in 2015-16 and didn’t go anywhere.

I’m guessing the non-conference schedule will be somewhat light too with all the new faces.

 

[freewillie07]

Moore is not a grad transfer. He played as a freshman at Cal and then got immediate eligibility at Kansas. Two years in college. He will likely have to sit out a transfer year this time.

Informed speculation is that he will get a hardship waiver. Thanks though.

 

[Vassar69]

Moore is not a grad transfer. He played as a freshman at Cal and then got immediate eligibility at Kansas. Two years in college. He will likely have to sit out a transfer year this time.

He didn’t have immediate eligibility at Kansas. He st there and used his RS year during the sitout. So transferring again, he has two years to play two years of remaining eligibility. If he doesn’t get a waiver, he will lose a year of eligibility during his sit out and only have one season remaining after he sits

 

[Vassar69]

I think 2019-20 will be a lot like Illinois this year, though not quite as bad since our coach will not insist on running a scheme doomed to failure nearly all season, wins and losses notwithstanding.

I agree with your assessment of Underwood’s defensive scheme. I’m not a fan and think that even with continued improvement in the personnel, it is not sustainable in a high major conference.

But what tactical advantages has Collins’ scheme brought? I like the way his team played defense this year, but that offense was atrocious. I’d expect it to improve some with better PG play, but it has a long way to go before it can be counted on in Big Ten games. I know hopes are pinned on Moore or someone else coming to help at PG, but the offense wasn’t even top 200 in Kenpom.

With that defense and pace of play, I think NU could have a chance to win on any given night if they can find a way to get their offense into the top-125. Better PG play will help, but do you think Collins should consider revamping his offense as well?

 

[mikewebb68]

I agree with your assessment of Underwood’s defensive scheme. I’m not a fan and think that even with continued improvement in the personnel, it is not sustainable in a high major conference.

But what tactical advantages has Collins’ scheme brought? I like the way his team played defense this year, but that offense was atrocious. I’d expect it to improve some with better PG play, but it has a long way to go before it can be counted on in Big Ten games. I know hopes are pinned on Moore or someone else coming to help at PG, but the offense wasn’t even top 200 in Kenpom.

With that defense and pace of play, I think NU could have a chance to win on any given night if they can find a way to get their offense into the top-125. Better PG play will help, but do you think Collins should consider revamping his offense as well?

Actually Collins completely overhauled the offensive gameplan during the season, prior to the second Iowa game, I believe. It had only limited success, but it is just not something I see Underwood doing (and CC has changed up things dramatically in prior seasons as well). Other than a halfhearted attempt at zone in the Penn State game late in the season (presumably to silence some critics). BU was pretty much a "darn it, these guys are going to learn MY system regardless of whether I have the players to run it or regardless if it works in the BIG...In BU. defense, many coaches are just like BU this way, unfortunately, but CC has proven in the past that he is willing to change something that isn't working...

 

[Vassar69]

Actually Collins completely overhauled the offensive gameplan during the season, prior to the second Iowa game, I believe. It had only limited success, but it is just not something I see Underwood doing (and CC has changed up things dramatically in prior seasons as well). Other than a halfhearted attempt at zone in the Penn State game late in the season (presumably to silence some critics). BU was pretty much a "darn it, these guys are going to learn MY system regardless of whether I have the players to run it or regardless if it works in the BIG...In BU. defense, many coaches are just like BU this way, unfortunately, but CC has proven in the past that he is willing to change something that isn't working...

Thanks for the insight. Your expertise and fascination with Illinois is... interesting. You either talk out your ***, or you watch more bad Illinois basketball than any healthy person should consume in a calendar year.

Not that it matters, but for the record Underwood actually abandoned this ball pressure D in favor of a pack line D half way through the Big 12 season during his one season at OSU in 2016-2017, because they were getting shredded at the rim and he didn’t think he had the horses to get it fixed. Started the conference season 0-6, switched the defense up, and went 9-3 the rest of the way for a tourney berth. I’m curious why he hasn’t made the same switch at Illinois, or what the difference was at OSU that convinced him to do it then but not now. He’s got some rim protection coming next year, so maybe he’s hoping that will help out. I’m not as confident.

 

[mikewebb68]

Thanks for the insight. Your expertise and fascination with Illinois is... interesting. You either talk out your ***, or you watch more bad Illinois basketball than any healthy person should consume in a calendar year.

Not that it matters, but for the record Underwood actually abandoned this ball pressure D in favor of a pack line D half way through the Big 12 season during his one season at OSU in 2016-2017, because they were getting shredded at the rim and he didn’t think he had the horses to get it fixed. Started the conference season 0-6, switched the defense up, and went 9-3 the rest of the way for a tourney berth. I’m curious why he hasn’t made the same switch at Illinois, or what the difference was at OSU that convinced him to do it then but not now. He’s got some rim protection coming next year, so maybe he’s hoping that will help out. I’m not as confident.

I actually watch a LOT of basketball; nearly every game in the BIG, as well as a number of PAC-12 games due to hilarity of Bill Walton's announcing. Also, watch about 30-40 games from other conference during the regular season, mostly of our opponents. And that doesn't count conference tournaments and March Madness of course! As for BU, I think he didn't change much of anything this season because he truly believed he had the horses to run the system. And, to be fair, for a few games later on in the season, it looked like he might have been onto something with forcing his players to acclimate. But college basketball is a game of momentum and emotion, and after Indiana ran that lay-up line against them, you could just see their confidence deflate.

As an aside, what do you think of this surprise reach for another big man in Kouma? To me, that screams that January is not going to qualify to enter Illinois, but interested to hear your perspective on it. Would have bet $ (and lost) that they would have used that 13th schollie on a grad transfer 4 to fill that need...

 

[Vassar69]

I actually watch a LOT of basketball; nearly every game in the BIG, as well as a number of PAC-12 games due to hilarity of Bill Walton's announcing. Also, watch about 30-40 games from other conference during the regular season, mostly of our opponents. And that doesn't count conference tournaments and March Madness of course! As for BU, I think he didn't change much of anything this season because he truly believed he had the horses to run the system. And, to be fair, for a few games later on in the season, it looked like he might have been onto something with forcing his players to acclimate. But college basketball is a game of momentum and emotion, and after Indiana ran that lay-up line against them, you could just see their confidence deflate.

As an aside, what do you think of this surprise reach for another big man in Kouma? To me, that screams that January is not going to qualify to enter Illinois, but interested to hear your perspective on it. Would have bet $ (and lost) that they would have used that 13th schollie on a grad transfer 4 to fill that need...

January isn’t going to qualify, from what I’ve heard. I think that ship sailed a few months ago. So I think this kid is his replacement. Don’t know a thing about him, but I’d suspect he’s a RS candidate as they’ve got pretty good front court depth next year as long as they can find a grad transfer 4. He’s probably a roll of the dice kid. See what you’ve got, and cut him loose after a couple years if he can’t cut it at this level. Of course, we all said Giorgi was a reach, and he wound up being a really nice surprise. But I don’t think lightning will strike twice. Most likely, this is a depth piece to RS and develop. But I say that with absolutely no information beyond my own speculation.

They’re going to have an additional scholarship open from a RS Freshman who’s apparently got epilepsy (undiagnosed before he got on campus, apparently?). He was a kid they took a flier on like this last June right before summer workouts started but he didn’t play last season due to injury (and illness).

 

[mikewebb68]

January isn’t going to qualify, from what I’ve heard. I think that ship sailed a few months ago. So I think this kid is his replacement. Don’t know a thing about him, but I’d suspect he’s a RS candidate as they’ve got pretty good front court depth next year as long as they can find a grad transfer 4. He’s probably a roll of the dice kid. See what you’ve got, and cut him loose after a couple years if he can’t cut it at this level. Of course, we all said Giorgi was a reach, and he wound up being a really nice surprise. But I don’t think lightning will strike twice. Most likely, this is a depth piece to RS and develop. But I say that with absolutely no information beyond my own speculation.

They’re going to have an additional scholarship open from a RS Freshman who’s apparently got epilepsy (undiagnosed before he got on campus, apparently?). He was a kid they took a flier on like this last June right before summer workouts started but he didn’t play last season due to injury (and illness).

Thanks! OSL is one of those private prep schools that doesn't play in an actual conference, but plays a strong regional/national schedule. However, they lost more games than they won this year, I believe. But at least Kouma is facing quality competition that should prepare him for the next level; could certainly do worse this late in the game, especially if you are correct on January (which I presume you are).

As for the other open schollie, I assume that you're referring to Higgs? If that's the case, makes much more sense to me,since a 4 could still be obtained, presumably via the grad transfer route. (Holyfield, I'm guessing) and perhaps another grad transfer though they could go with 12 schollies if nothing exciting pans out.

 

[Vassar69]

Thanks! OSL is one of those private prep schools that doesn't play in an actual conference, but plays a strong regional/national schedule. However, they lost more games than they won this year, I believe. But at least Kouma is facing quality competition that should prepare him for the next level; could certainly do worse this late in the game, especially if you are correct on January (which I presume you are).

As for the other open schollie, I assume that you're referring to Higgs? If that's the case, makes much more sense to me,since a 4 could still be obtained, presumably via the grad transfer route. (Holyfield, I'm guessing) and perhaps another grad transfer though they could go with 12 schollies if nothing exciting pans out.

Correct, Higgs. Not sure on who they’d want. To be honest I don’t follow recruiting as close as I used to, until a kid commits. Too much chaos for my liking.

 

[IGNORE]

Actually Collins completely overhauled the offensive gameplan during the season, prior to the second Iowa game, I believe. It had only limited success, but it is just not something I see Underwood doing (and CC has changed up things dramatically in prior seasons as well). Other than a halfhearted attempt at zone in the Penn State game late in the season (presumably to silence some critics). BU was pretty much a "darn it, these guys are going to learn MY system regardless of whether I have the players to run it or regardless if it works in the BIG...In BU. defense, many coaches are just like BU this way, unfortunately, but CC has proven in the past that he is willing to change something that isn't working...

I kinda agree - CCC does make changes, but they seem so slow in arriving. I also think he has some of that gonna run my system regardless of the players. Brown was never going to be a distributor - not after a lifetime of being the show. That one seemed very pressed.

 

[IGNORE]

Would have bet $

Glad to hear you are opening up on this angle. Might lead to a scenario that gets my good ole name back

 

[IGNORE]

Correct, Higgs. Not sure on who they’d want. To be honest I don’t follow recruiting as close as I used to, until a kid commits. Too much chaos for my liking.

I have a question - how did you come to choose your user id?

 

[IGNORE]

I think 2019-20 will be a lot like Illinois this year, though not quite as bad since our coach will not insist on running a scheme doomed to failure nearly all season, wins and losses notwithstanding. Thinking along the lines of another 15-17 year. But, given the preductive value of our recruiting rankings (albeit with a limited sample size), 2020-21 and 2021-22 are shapimg up to be something special...

Yup, real special....

 

[NJCat]

Yup, real special....

Metasearch Master.......

 

[flight 33]

I think 2019-20 will be a lot like Illinois this year, though not quite as bad since our coach will not insist on running a scheme doomed to failure nearly all season, wins and losses notwithstanding. Thinking along the lines of another 15-17 year. But, given the preductive value of our recruiting rankings (albeit with a limited sample size), 2020-21 and 2021-22 are shapimg up to be something special...

Illinois finished 84 on kenpom. Will NW be that good? You obviously have little knowledge of illinois’ personnel and Why BU ran the scheme he did on defense ....

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Illinois finished 84 on kenpom. Will NW be that good? You obviously have little knowledge of illinois’ personnel and Why BU ran the scheme he did on defense ....

He has some talent coming back. Let’s see if ole Red *** will screw it up or not?

 

[Vassar69]

He has some talent coming back. Let’s see if ole Red *** will screw it up or not?

Yes, I’m also curious to see if they’re able to meet expectations. Or will they fold under hype and fall flat on their faces?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017–18_Northwestern_Wildcats_men's_basketball_team

 

[mikewebb68]

Illinois finished 84 on kenpom. Will NW be that good? You obviously have little knowledge of illinois’ personnel and Why BU ran the scheme he did on defense ....

What are you babbling about? You broke a school record for losses last year-- you really that that season is something to be proud about? Who cares what scheme you ran on defense, you sucked...

 

[Titanium999]

Count me nuts, but I think we'll surprise a lot of people. Why?

1. Nance and Kopp make a significant jump between the 1st and 2nd years - not uncommon for people to do. They'll be good contributors and Nance will do well on the boards (and be 20 lbs heavier).
2. Gaines continues to improve and adds more offense in the offseason to his stellar defense
3. Turner plays not hurt (we saw what he could do near the end when he'd gotten better)
4. Beran and Jones come to play, and start.
5. Buie surprises, and Greer improves (he was basically a senior in high school last year who enrolled early to help with the Lathon issue).
6. Young surprises too, a la Skelley, and gives some good minutes.
7. We get a contributing grad transfer or two.

I'm predicting at least NIT, and at least 7 wins in the conference.

NCAA bubble team

 

[flight 33]

What are you babbling about? You broke a school record for losses last year-- you really that that season is something to be proud about? Who cares what scheme you ran on defense, you sucked...

and still managed to go 2-1 against your vaunted coach who squandered a veteran squad into a whole lot of nothing..