Next year predictions

[beatingrillz]

Last year Indiana St was the underdog many times in most people's eyes. They had virtually no expectations and were playing loose and obviously having fun.

I'm curious how they will handle higher expectations with a little bigger target on their back. They will have more pressure this year to back up what they did last year. That's the biggest question mark in my mind.

I do think they will be a solid squad though. We'll just see how it plays out.

I feel like my post above alluded to this point? I couldn't agree with you more and I think it's a fair reason to think that the Sycamores might not be able to succeed/live up to the hype. The will not go overlooked this year - as they were much of last season. 3 Reasons that we will be able to handle the pressure:

1. Jake Odum
2. Defense
3. Depth

None of that changed for this team, Greg Lansing is going to go about 4 or 5 deep into his bench night in and night out. Outside of Richard, Walker, Odum you have players that are very replaceable/interchangeable.

If teams play of JO this year like they should and challenge him to shoot it could be a long year for the lottery pick. Sure he can drive but he doesnt do it to score and without the popstar standing in the corner i think his effectivness will go way down. Sure Pritney (sp) can hit the 3 but that is all he can do. Bottom half finish for ISUb this year. CU/WSU on top MSU/Evansville/Drake then the ISU's/UNI/SIU sorry Bradley but you have given no one reason to believ other wise.

[bleach]

Since no one expected the trees to do anything last year, I assume coaching had something to do with their success. CU and WSU have the most returning talent. Those 3 are obvious top 3. MSU has Weems and a full stable of "talent". How that talent translates into performance determines whether they ride Weems or play as a team again. MSU, Drake, and the Aces look like the next 3 with the potential to slip into the top 3 but all 3 could finish as play ins too (wild cards). UNI is reported to have a good incoming group but lacks the foundation blocks. ISUR has some talent but might need a coaching upgrade. SIU is a mess but Lowery might be more determined than ever to win. BU, well their problems are well documented. The last 4 seem pretty likely at this point.

[valleychamp]

Creekmore official done.

http://blogs.news-leader.com/msu/2011/07/08/bears-creekmore-loses-appeal-for-another-season/

[glm38]

If the pissing contest has concluded; anyone up for a 1 through 10 finish prediction for next year?
My current prediction:
1. CU: They've got a decent front and back court with critical experience, adequate depth.
2. WSU: Lost some important players, but seem to have filled the gaps fairly well; if the seniors come through they'll be very tough.
3. InSU: Good players and experience at all position except perhaps the 4, and will need more post presence to compete for the top spot.
4. DU: They should have enough talent that now has enough experience to make it count, as long as all they finally get the chemistry thing to gel.
5. MSU: Yeah, they lost critical folks, but I'm betting their temporary PG fix may be enough to keep them in the top half, and this is especially true if Creekmore returns.
6. EU: They have a tenaciousness that you have to admire, even if the defense is akin to a country road after a gulley gusher: dirty and bumpy. Still, enough good, experienced basketball players, and coach to stay out of the play-in, barely.
7. IlSU: Should do better than this, but I'm skeptical....
8. NIU: No real post, no proven point, but should still beat some folks.
9. SIU: With Bocot back, Seck the beast, and decent PG, they might finish a little higher.
10. BU: Better days will come.

Pretty good and valid predictions especially for a shocker fan. I see us (MSU) finishing above DU though. If our post play comes through we could really surprise and contend for the title. That's a big if though especially with Creekmore being done.

[Chuck]

How does Beatingrillz misspell a name that has been mentioned multiple times in the same thread? Answer: a miserable attempt at goating some poor tree fan.

[panther-state]

I say incompetence...that much is pretty clear to me

[ictjay]

Red shirt freshman Will Artino (6'11") has been impreesive in the Omaha Summer league. Runs the floor well and can pop from the outside. Same goes for incoming (6"10") Geoff Groselle who is impressing all with his toughness and ability to knock down outside jumpers. Guard Grant Gibbs (Gonzaga transfer) is a stud if he stays healthy. Will be a nice addition to Jones, Manigat and Young. Incoming freshman Avery Dingman, Nevin Johnson and Austin Chatman can play.
Key is Ethan Wragge on wheter CU is good or NCAA bound. He appears to be healthy and playing a handfull of games last December. If healthy and the bigs CU has, Ethan should have a heyday next year.
DMac will contribute also.

[Khan4Cats]

Red shirt freshman Will Artino (6'11") has been impreesive in the Omaha Summer league. Runs the floor well and can pop from the outside. Same goes for incoming (6"10") Geoff Groselle who is impressing all with his toughness and ability to knock down outside jumpers. Guard Grant Gibbs (Gonzaga transfer) is a stud if he stays healthy. Will be a nice addition to Jones, Manigat and Young. Incoming freshman Avery Dingman, Nevin Johnson and Austin Chatman can play.
Key is Ethan Wragge on wheter CU is good or NCAA bound. He appears to be healthy and playing a handfull of games last December. If healthy and the bigs CU has, Ethan should have a heyday next year.
DMac will contribute also.

Yep, sounds like they can bench Echinique and still walk away with a couple of trophies. Crown 'em.

[Chuck]

Red shirt freshman Will Artino (6'11") has been impreesive in the Omaha Summer league. Runs the floor well and can pop from the outside. Same goes for incoming (6"10") Geoff Groselle who is impressing all with his toughness and ability to knock down outside jumpers. Guard Grant Gibbs (Gonzaga transfer) is a stud if he stays healthy. Will be a nice addition to Jones, Manigat and Young. Incoming freshman Avery Dingman, Nevin Johnson and Austin Chatman can play.
Key is Ethan Wragge on wheter CU is good or NCAA bound. He appears to be healthy and playing a handfull of games last December. If healthy and the bigs CU has, Ethan should have a heyday next year.
DMac will contribute also.

Yep, sounds like they can bench Echinique and still walk away with a couple of trophies. Crown 'em.

While this is really funny, the guy really is just a good fan who is really excited about his team.

[panther-state]

Red shirt freshman Will Artino (6'11") has been impreesive in the Omaha Summer league. Runs the floor well and can pop from the outside. Same goes for incoming (6"10") Geoff Groselle who is impressing all with his toughness and ability to knock down outside jumpers. Guard Grant Gibbs (Gonzaga transfer) is a stud if he stays healthy. Will be a nice addition to Jones, Manigat and Young. Incoming freshman Avery Dingman, Nevin Johnson and Austin Chatman can play.
Key is Ethan Wragge on wheter CU is good or NCAA bound. He appears to be healthy and playing a handfull of games last December. If healthy and the bigs CU has, Ethan should have a heyday next year.
DMac will contribute also.

As an ODU once said, "That sir is puffery"