My realistic goal for the basketball team

[DawgatAuburn]

We all knew this was going to be a long year. The losses have and will continue to come but at least we play hard most of the time. (Note: I would rather be winning.)

At 7-9 (2-2) we know it's going to be tough the rest of the way out. But I think we can win a few more here and there. My goal for the team is to finish 10th in the SEC. Why 10th? It gives us a first round bye in the SEC tournament. Seeds 11-14 play on Wednesday in Nashville. On Thursday, 10 plays 7, so that might end up being a semi winnable game (but not likely) against someone like Alabama or Arkansas. I know it's not much. Just for ego purposes I don't want to play on Wednesday.

The wins over USC and UGA will help. They are likely to be in the mix for spots 9-14 as well with us, Vandy, LSU, and UT. Auburn might even fade to that pack. So it's not much, but at least I have a goal now.

 

[QuaoarsKing]

Reasonable goal.

At worst I see us as 11th, ahead of South Carolina, Georgia, and LSU (who is 0-4 with losses to USC and UGA). Vanderbilt is a very inconsistent team, but we get them at home. We also play Auburn once, at home.

 

[MetEdDawg]

It's hard for me to find a tangible way to measure the success of this team.

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer.

I guess I feel as though we've already succeeded this season. Record-wise there was no way of telling what would happen, especially once all the injuries played out. But I have seen enough of these 3 points to know we are moving forward and that Ray knows what he's doing. We always come back to it, but if he gets the talent in here, I think we could be very dangerous long term.

 

[dogeatdog]

I'd like to believe that but as the season progresses I'm afraid

the depth, or lack thereof, will begin to take its toll.

 

[Coach34]

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer.

I guess I feel as though we've already succeeded this season. Record-wise there was no way of telling what would happen, especially once all the injuries played out. But I have seen enough of these 3 points to know we are moving forward and that Ray knows what he's doing. We always come back to it, but if he gets the talent in here, I think we could be very dangerous long term.

Outstanding post- thank you for taking the time to type that out.

 

[CadaverDawg]

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer.

I guess I feel as though we've already succeeded this season. Record-wise there was no way of telling what would happen, especially once all the injuries played out. But I have seen enough of these 3 points to know we are moving forward and that Ray knows what he's doing. We always come back to it, but if he gets the talent in here, I think we could be very dangerous long term.

**** man, that was well said. +1

 

[Philly Dawg]

My take away from the season thus far is that Sword, Thomas, and Ware will be quality players and Johnson has potential. If we can add more talent and depth to these guys we have a nucleus.

 

[hatfieldms]

Great post

100% agree

 

[Bm4c]

I get tired just watching this team hussle. I hope they hang in there but grind may get the best of them.

 

[DerHntr]

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer.

I guess I feel as though we've already succeeded this season. Record-wise there was no way of telling what would happen, especially once all the injuries played out. But I have seen enough of these 3 points to know we are moving forward and that Ray knows what he's doing. We always come back to it, but if he gets the talent in here, I think we could be very dangerous long term.

Great post.

Knowing Ware actually lost 30 lbs is a huge sign for the program. Hell Sid gained nearly 20 lb over Thanksgiving weekend one year according to Stans. If we do nothing else, we will work hard. As your post suggests though, I think we will do a lot more than just work hard.

 

[DawgatAuburn]

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer..

Totally agree with those things. I guess I am looking for that tangible piece to round it out. Effort, development and direction are important. But I still want to win a few.

 

[DAWG61]

I just want to see them shoot better. So frustrating to watch any of them shoot except Steele.

 

[FirstPoetsThenSunDoggy]

One of the best basketball posts ever, but I don't see a justification for your last sentence. Stans's teams were among the most "dangerous" in the country; they took top teams to the wire several times. I thought we canned him because being dangerous wasn't enough any more. We needed to be number 1 or number 301. We were tired of that middle ****.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

You pretty much nailed it. I admit I was pissed about the player situation but I finally came to grips with the fact there is nothing that can be done about injuries and dumbassery. What made me come to grips with it was pretty much everything you pointed out in this post. I see hustle and development in our players I have not seen in a long time and give them and Ray all the credit. I told my son yesterday that now I really want to see what Ray can do with a full squad.

 

[Hump4Hoops]

They've competed well considering all they lack.

In an ideal situation:

Thomas, Ware, and Sword are all coming off the bench as freshmen (but are all SEC quality players)

Johnson and Bloodman are career backups at the 4 and the 2 respectively

Cunningham cheers from the bench.

Steele and Borchert are really the only ones that are doing their ideal jobs. If we get at least 1 PG healthy for next year, get another big man in the lineup, and have a real bench we'll double our SEC wins.

I like this lineup for next year:

Point: 1: Applewhite 2: Ready
Shoot: 1: Steele 2: Davis 3: Bloodman
Small: 1a: Sword 1b: Thomas
Power: 1: Borchert 2: Daniels 3: Johnson
Center: 1: Ware 2a: Lewis 2b: Denson
Redshirt: Ndoye

 

[Hump4Hoops]

Stans teams had 2 big W/L problems

1. They lost the big games
2. They lost to ****** teams

 

[MetEdDawg]

This all day.

Were we dangerous? Yes. Did we ever do anything with it? No. We never could get over the hump against big teams and there are plenty of examples here. Then you look at how we played against teams like Rider, FAU, and many many others. We always played down, we never had any intensity, and we just looked disinterested. We were always up and down, but when we were up, we never beat anyone worth a damn.

One thing I like about Ray is that we have the same intensity every game, especially in SEC play. The defense is always high intensity and the offense is always moving, even though both aren't always pretty at times. Ray also acts the same way when we are up 10 as he does when we are down 10. You have to build an atmosphere of consistency and accountability. Ray has done that and the players know what to expect every single day. Rick didn't and that's why you saw such inconsistent play from us.

 

[WTGDawg]

In an ideal situation:

Thomas, Ware, and Sword are all coming off the bench as freshmen (but are all SEC quality players)

Johnson and Bloodman are career backups at the 4 and the 2 respectively

Cunningham cheers from the bench.

Steele and Borchert are really the only ones that are doing their ideal jobs. If we get at least 1 PG healthy for next year, get another big man in the lineup, and have a real bench we'll double our SEC wins.

I like this lineup for next year:

Point: 1: Applewhite 2: Ready
Shoot: 1: Steele 2: Davis 3: Bloodman
Small: 1a: Sword 1b: Thomas
Power: 1: Borchert 2: Daniels 3: Johnson
Center: 1: Ware 2a: Lewis 2b: Denson
Redshirt: Ndoye

Wait, don't you mean Jacoby Davis at the 1? Then Applewhite backing up Jalen at the 2.

 

[jdbulldog]

We might win one more SEC game, but I truly doubt it. Many on this board comment on how hard we play. That is fine and good; however, when you don't have the players it doesn't matter how hard one plays. The schedule will wear us down and we will go 2-14 is my take.

 

[Hump4Hoops]

Oh yeah, got them backwards

Might as well call them ACL1 and ACL2

 

[woozman]

I like your criteria, but I've got a feeling we won't be able to meet it. About 7-8 games in once injuries had taken place and we knew how long a season this was going to be, I wanted to see 3 things before the end of the year:

1) New energy from the guys in the program. From the coaching staff to the players to the assistants, I wanted to see hustle, energy, fight, determination, and pride. I see a lot of that in these guys. They fight every night and they play with relentless effort, especially in the first half. They break down in the second half, but the effort is there for 40 minutes. I like it and I think going forward it's not going to change.

2) I wanted to see the talent improve over the course of the season. Sword and Thomas are totally different people now in SEC play. They are much more confident now than at the beginning of the year and their play on the court is vastly improved. Those two are going to be good for the next 3 years. Ware is having a tough time because he wasn't ready. But he's providing some quality defense, good rebounding, and he hustles every play up and down the court. Losing 30 pounds like he has shows me that he's got what it takes to do the things necessary to get better. Roquez sucked today but he's vastly improved. Steele is still a pretty good shooter when he's not cramping up. It's obvious the limited bench, plus his time out with the wrist injury is limiting his effectiveness.

3) I wanted to see a clear direction for this program. I wanted us to define ourselves in some way. Ray has certainly shown that he wants to get it done with multiple defenses and an aggressive, fast paced attitude. That hasn't changed at all yet this season. Now we haven't always executed Ray's plan and we continue to break down in the 2nd half, but the style defense Ray wants to play is something we can pride ourselves on and it's extremely fun to watch. This team has an identity on the defensive side and when you have an offensive talent deficit, playing good defense can be the great equalizer.

I guess I feel as though we've already succeeded this season. Record-wise there was no way of telling what would happen, especially once all the injuries played out. But I have seen enough of these 3 points to know we are moving forward and that Ray knows what he's doing. We always come back to it, but if he gets the talent in here, I think we could be very dangerous long term.

One of the better posts that I have ever read on this board, and I've been lurking here since 2004...

 

[WTGDawg]

I just want to see them shoot better. So frustrating to watch any of them shoot except Steele.

I thought Fred shot the ball better in the 1st half then as we fell behind he began to force just some stupid shots. He tweeted at 1AM last night saying he was going to get some shots up, these guys have bought in and are dedicated regardless of record.

 

[99jc]

ny of you Dumb 17'ers who would rather have a huslting bunch of no talent

players who will be lucky to win 10 games each year over Stans 20+ wins with talent but no heart teams are as ignorant as they come and deserve to suffer through this era of losing Basketball. Be careful what you wished for cause you got it a pile of **** for BB. No knock on Ray yet but that SOB better recruit or we will send his *** back to the Piedmont.

 

[DawgatAuburn]

From what I understand, Applewhite is not that good. I hope I got a bad report but the person who told me knows the game and saw AA in high school.

 

[RocketDawg]

You could well be correct, but they've already won 2 more than I thought they would, considering what happened. Have to give them a lot of credit for getting out there and trying. And I like Rick Ray ... I think he's going to be a really good coach for us.

 

[esplanade91]

In an ideal situation:

Thomas, Ware, and Sword are all coming off the bench as freshmen (but are all SEC quality players)

Johnson and Bloodman are career backups at the 4 and the 2 respectively

Cunningham cheers from the bench.

Steele and Borchert are really the only ones that are doing their ideal jobs. If we get at least 1 PG healthy for next year, get another big man in the lineup, and have a real bench we'll double our SEC wins.

I like this lineup for next year:

Point: 1: Applewhite 2: Ready
Shoot: 1: Steele 2: Davis 3: Bloodman
Small: 1a: Sword 1b: Thomas
Power: 1: Borchert 2: Daniels 3: Johnson
Center: 1: Ware 2a: Lewis 2b: Denson
Redshirt: Ndoye

It's my understanding that Ready will be the guy day 1. Ironic name.

I'd like to have Thomas on the court as much as possible. I think if you give him an offseason to critique his shot he'll easily be "the guy". 3 guard set with Ready, Sword, and Thomas all day.

I really enjoy watching him play.

 

[DAWG61]

Denson is gone. Ndoye sounds like the next Reik. Can't wait to watch this diamond in the rough.*