As bad as that first half was (hint: bad)

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

We dropped 53 points on a very good defense in the second half.

It's early to do this, but that suggests an area for growth next season - offensive efficiency and consistency.

This will be a very veteran team next year. Knowing the character and work ethic of these guys, I think we'll see consistent confidence in themselves, the discipline to execute the game plan, and the savvy to exploit opportunities as they arise.

I hope this will all contribute to greater consistency, from both individuals and the team, not only within games but across the season.

Combined with continued strides forward with their sound defense (we will miss Lumpkin's heart and effort here, but we can rise to the challenge), I am expecting something special next year.

 

[stpaulcat]

We dropped 53 points on a very good defense in the second half.

It's early to do this, but that suggests an area for growth next season - offensive efficiency and consistency.

This will be a very veteran team next year. Knowing the character and work ethic of these guys, I think we'll see consistent confidence in themselves, the discipline to execute the game plan, and the savvy to exploit opportunities as they arise.

I hope this will all contribute to greater consistency, from both individuals and the team, not only within games but across the season.

Combined with continued strides forward with their sound defense (we will miss Lumpkin's heart and effort here, but we can rise to the challenge), I am expecting something special next year.

You may be correct, but whenever I hear the words "I am expecting something special next year," I get very nervous.

 

[NJCat]

You may be correct, but whenever I hear the words "I am expecting something special next year," I get very nervous.

Fortunately, now that the 2016-17 season is over, it is now this year.....

 

[Alan Smithee_rivals156293]

You may be correct, but whenever I hear the words "I am expecting something special next year," I get very nervous.

They've given us every reason to have confidence in them. I'm happy to repay their efforts with the compliment of high expectations.

 

[Medill90]

We dropped 53 points on a very good defense in the second half.

It's early to do this, but that suggests an area for growth next season - offensive efficiency and consistency.

This will be a very veteran team next year. Knowing the character and work ethic of these guys, I think we'll see consistent confidence in themselves, the discipline to execute the game plan, and the savvy to exploit opportunities as they arise.

I hope this will all contribute to greater consistency, from both individuals and the team, not only within games but across the season.

Combined with continued strides forward with their sound defense (we will miss Lumpkin's heart and effort here, but we can rise to the challenge), I am expecting something special next year.

NU's three point shooting improves next year. Falzon on the floor stretches opposing defenses that did not have to worry that much about Sanjay from distance.

Rap adds quality size and length in the post and is a crafty scorer.

Picking up someone who is physical would help and could send this team to the Big Ten Championship game and potentially final eight.

 

[stpaulcat]

NU's three point shooting improves next year. Falzon on the floor stretches opposing defenses that did not have to worry that much about Sanjay from distance.

Rap adds quality size and length in the post and is a crafty scorer.

Picking up someone who is physical would help and could send this team to the Big Ten Championship game and potentially final eight.

Did I hear "final eight." Now I'm really nervous.

 

[stpaulcat]

They've given us every reason to have confidence in them. I'm happy to repay their efforts with the compliment of high expectations.

Agree with you. I'm a PTSD NU football fan, victim of high expectations.

 

[DaCat]

Benson is developing nicely and next season gives us a quality option behind Pardon.

We will have 3 outstanding senior leaders in Mac, Lindsey and Skelly. Law adds a fourth even though technically he'll be a junior.

Falzon and Rap will give us more options on offense, and length on defense - though we'll miss Lumpkin and Tap. I think Rap has a high ceiling, and maybe an underestimated defensive presence with his size.

Brown has the skill and quickness to be a really good Big 10 guard but needs to improve his decision-making in a big way. He's smart and will figure it out.

If we can add Mark Smith to the mix, that would be a huge boost.

Gaines and Ash will be fighting for minutes but could contribute.

 

[NJCat]

Agree with you. I'm a PTSD NU football fan, victim of high expectations.

Speaking of which, this could be a special season for the Fighting Fitzes. They will be one of the favorites to win the West.

 

[NUCat320]

Speaking of which, this could be a special season for the Fighting Fitzes. They will be one of the favorites to win the West.

Next year will almost certainly be the sixth or seventh "best ever year in northwestern sports history" in the last 20 or so.

(This reflects poorly on me, but I'm only ever referring to football and basketball.)

 

[Palindrome_rivals517509]

Did I hear "final eight." Now I'm really nervous.

Again, you can rest easy (as in the case of “next year” actually being this year), stpaulcat. NCAA would usually be known as Elite Eight. Perhaps “final eight” is a reference to the NIT, or the Big Ten Tournament --- in which case THAT makes ME nervous!!!

 

[stpaulcat]

Again, you can rest easy (as in the case of “next year” actually being this year), stpaulcat. NCAA would usually be known as Elite Eight. Perhaps “final eight” is a reference to the NIT, or the Big Ten Tournament --- in which case THAT makes ME nervous!!!

That's right, and Palindrome spelled backwards is emordnilaP

 

[Medill90]

Again, you can rest easy (as in the case of “next year” actually being this year), stpaulcat. NCAA would usually be known as Elite Eight. Perhaps “final eight” is a reference to the NIT, or the Big Ten Tournament --- in which case THAT makes ME nervous!!!

Let me be clear....since the NCAA stole "March Madness" from the IHSA Boys Basketball tournament I refuse to use common nomenclature perpetuated by the NCAA in order to build its brand and bank account at the cost of unpaid talent.

In addition, cars can be driven for 5k miles between oil changes. The 3k thing is an obvious ruse by big oil to line their already deep pockets.

 

[Dugan15]

Let me be clear....since the NCAA stole "March Madness" from the IHSA Boys Basketball tournament I refuse to use common nomenclature perpetuated by the NCAA in order to build its brand and bank account at the cost of unpaid talent.

In addition, cars can be driven for 5k miles between oil changes. The 3k thing is an obvious ruse by big oil to line their already deep pockets.

Medill '90 : Awesome post!

 

[D_C_B]

Let me be clear....since the NCAA stole "March Madness" from the IHSA Boys Basketball tournament I refuse to use common nomenclature perpetuated by the NCAA in order to build its brand and bank account at the cost of unpaid talent.

In addition, cars can be driven for 5k miles between oil changes. The 3k thing is an obvious ruse by big oil to line their already deep pockets.

You forgot "lather, rinse, repeat" - an obvious scam by the shampoo companies go get you to use and spend twice as much.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I have broken myself of the habit of extrapolating performance based on recent performance, roster composition and assumptions about development. Not trying to be a negative ninny. It's just that there are so many variables and unknowns. I look forward to next season, but I refuse to conjure any specific expectations beyond them being competitive and having another shot at the tourney.

 

[SmellyCat]

You may be correct, but whenever I hear the words "I am expecting something special next year," I get very nervous.

I did too, but that was BEFORE Tap threw to Pardon. There was always a weird thing that happened to curse the team and prevent us from getting to the NCAAs. That's in the past. The 2017-2018 team is going to be very special, I know it.