We lost our 2 offensive difference makers from last year in Gordon and Rhodes. I know Gordon could drive us all nuts by forcing so many things but he was still a load for the other team to contend with. Also, we lost Hansbrough who had his deficiencies especially on defense but was still a fairly skilled player with the most consistent outside shot on the team. And then added to that we lost what likely would have been our biggest impact recruit to Tennessee.
That being said, we still have a decent amount of talent on this team and possibly the best defensive player in the country, but a lot of the talent is still very young and very raw. We will struggle mightily at times this year on offense because we have no inside scoring presence (bye bye Charles) and our outside shooters are just not very consistent. Boy, wouldn't it be great to get the shooting Barry Stewart back that played the first 2/3rds of his freshman year. I don't know what happened to that guy but I digress. Anyway, this team needs to run to be at their best and I'm not sure Rick will feel comfortable letting them do that. And more experienced, defensive minded teams who force us into a half court game will make our offense look UGLY. In my mind making the NIT and being around break even in the SEC should be about what the goals are for this team. Anything better than that means that they have surpassed my expectations and gelled much faster than should be expected. Next year, however, assuming Jarvis is back, should set up to be a big year for us.