Basketball information is in really short supply with way more questions than answers. Such as ..
- Yes we have more height. So, how are the 'bigs' looking so far?
- When does official practice start? Will we start to get some team updates then?
- Is Ado cleared to play? If not, what is the outlook for him getting cleared? Can he continue to practice with the team? Is there a deadline.
- How is Stapleton's rehab progressing? Had heard that he wouldn't be ready before start of SEC sched in Jan. Is he ahead or behind?
- Really hope the Europe trip helped to bring along some of the younger guys. How is team chemistry doing?
Besides the five seniors (Ware, Sword, Daniels, Thomas and Zuppardo), the 'departed' also included .. Newman, Houston, and Ndoye. We actually only return Q (12.0), Ready (9.2), Holman (1.9), and Strugg (RS) from last year's team.
Biggest 'unknown' is how quick this team comes together and starts playing like a team. We haven't really had 'team' basketball in a long, long time. And, while this team is 'way more' talented than we have had, can they learn to play as a team. Working to set screens, passing for an open shot, aggressive defense, blocking out .. plus the small things like inbounding the ball, working together to beat a press, noticing double teams to find the open man, taking advantage of mis-matches, and finally .. actually running a play besides pass the ball around the outside and sling up a 3 right before the buzzer.
My hope is that Howland can instill that 'team' attitude, the team learns from their mistakes and they improve every time out. With only one Senior (Ready), and zero Juniors, this team has the chance to do great things in the next couple of years.
