Next Year

[Codytwo]

Re: Next Year

Does anyone have a personal connection to our coaching staff? Maybe this would help them with the non-conference schedule:

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/entry/need_scheduling_help

[EVSPanther]

Re: Next Year

So, in moving forward after the last game of the season, I've got to tell everyone, I'm already getting super excited about our team/season next year. Here is what I'm thinking...

LEAVING:

Wes - The one guy who is irreplaceable as far as sheer athleticism, determination, and probably most importantly (as we witnessed the 2nd half of the year) the defensive suffocation he provided against the other team's best guard. While I won't even think we will replace the details of who Wes was/is, there are also some things I think him leaving opens up for our team. As we saw in the Texas game (I know...very small sampling), the "other guys" gelled well and seemed to create really well on the offensive side despite not having Wes in the game. I think the combinations of Juwan/Spencer/Wyatt can fill the offensive capabilities of Wes, for the most part. The biggest question I see is who steps up and becomes a defensive stopper in that group.

Matty Bo - This kid had a remarkably quick release on his shot. While we will most definitely miss his scoring capabilities, I know the biggest thing we will miss in the short term is his leadership. I remember him waving Wyatt to slow down at the end of the A&M game and thinking, man, he's going to be a great coach if he ever wanted to do that. Again, I think his offensive side will be, for the most part, filled well by Spencer and co., however, I think the think we will miss his defensive capabilities to a certain point as well. I remember specifically watching him a few games...especially the WSU games and thinking, man, when did Bo get so good guarding the top players. Was very proud of his defensive effectiveness this year! That will be the key to whoever fills his shoes.

Paul - A leader and a streaky shooter. But, man, when he was on some of his hot streaks...look out oposing team (hello, ISU)!!! I'm thinking we will miss Paul more than a lot of people think (including myself). While I think Paul is going to be the easiest to replace out of the 3 seniors, I think we will have the most interesting time filling his spot. Obviously, Clint provides an easy go-to solution. However, the big difference is that the lineup changes then, because I think I remember Paul/Jeremy playing the 4 when Clint was playing the 5 along with Wes/Bo/Wyatt combo at the guard (I might be wrong on this). The lineup without the option of Paul's size will be interesting.

RETURNING:

J-Mo: I think Jeremy will be most intersting next year. As we saw in the A&M game, he is very capable of scoring in bunches, if needed. I think he went on cruise-control some games this year due to Wes/Paul/Matt's capablities to be "the man." Next year, he will need to lead us not only on the defensive end (which he has done a fantastic job over the years), but also on the offensive end. This team will go as the J-Mo train leads them. I think that is really the biggest need...for J-Mo to become a vocal leader and floor general on the the team next year. That means he will probably need to keep his cool in situations that got away from him this year, while also feeding energy into his teamates. I see him and Clint as the floor leaders next year.

Clint - Speaking of leaders, how impressed was everyone on the development of Clint over the course of the year? I think he went from a potential to become a key part of our team to a definite guy to key on for opposing teams next year. He is a huge mismatch problem for other teams as he can outgun the big men and he can post up the forwards/guards. I think this kids potential is scary high and can really be one of the reasons we succeed next year.

Wyatt - The craftiness of his dribbling/slashing is not something I remember having at UNI. He does a fantastic job of keeping his dribble alive while not turning the ball over. I think his Junior year will be a breakout year for his offensive game, as we saw flashes of what he is capable of this year. I'd like to see him become more of a vocal leader on the floor as well now that Wes/Bo are gone. I think he is more than capable of becoming a good offensive threat. His biggest area to work on is his defense (which wasn't that bad), which I don't doubt he will get great at.

Bennet - This kid's upside is tremedous! I really like how he limited his hanging head moments throughout the year. At the beginning of the season, it seemed every trip to the defensive end his head was hanging super low in self-critisism. I think that mid-season stretch he had his good games he really left that behind him for the most part. I guess confidence will do that for someone. I won't go into too much detail on Bennet, becuase I think he has been discussed more than anyone else on PN. I do think he can develop his offensive game to include more/better post moves, but I think the best thing he can work on is when he gets the ball low, to look for shooters. Once he starts getting better consistancy in his offensive, he will be keyed on more, which will create openings for shooters (i.e. Tuttle). The biggest room for improvement is his post defense. I think if he can improve this side of his game, we will be sitting pretty.

Ted - I think we now know that Ted will be what Ted currenly is...a defensive bruiser. We will no doubt need that from time to time, but I think his time might deminish a little next year with the emergence of Justin. I do think he has time to develop his offensive game still to complement his defense...we will see.

Robbie - It was pretty interesting seeing him sub into the A&M game. I loved how the team we put on the floor when Wes/Paul/Bo(sort of) was out of the game. Part of this was Mr. Knar was the only guy left, but I think it says something we didn't get "hurt" by him being in there. I will be interested to see how he looks over a longer duration of playing time. I generally see a kid better than the rap he as gotten, but he still might not be good enough for playing time with the others available next year.

NEW GUYS:

Lincoln - I don't really know a whole lot about him...haven't watched him much either. I don't think he gets much playing time next year...probably much like Knar saw this year. I do know that we will need Lincoln to get better, as he will be needed to provide good scrimmage competition.

Spencer - From what I've heard, I'm really excited to see this kid play. I can't say I've seen him outside of his high school and AAU highlights, but I know the kid can shoot and slash. It will be interesting to see how well he can defend, as this is always a key in our program and the guys who get the PT.

Luke - Much of the same as Spencer. I've heard great things about this kid. Sounds like everyone is saying he needs more weight. I don't doubt the staff will make this happen...case in point, Tuttle. He will need the weight if he is to defend MVC posts, although I'm sure he is aware of what he will be dealing with by going up against Bennet, Justin and Ted every day of practice. I'm looking forward to seeing Clint and him on the floor together!

Justin - Is anyone else excited to get a rebound specialist? I guess I'm not sure how rebounding prowress at the small MN high school level translates to MVC rebounding capabilities, but, in my opinion, if you have the knack, you have it. It's a matter of positioning and knowing what shots go where off the rim instinctively. It will be fun to see how he fits in on the offensive side of the floor as well.

FRESHMAN:

Juwan, Isaiah and Tanner have been discussed much on PN as well. I sure hope that the reality is as good as the hype in regards to Juwan. He looks pretty talented and very capable, but it's always hard to tell when going up against high school or even AAU competition instead of DI. Isaiah and Tanner, I really don't know much about and I haven't seen much on them either. I trust the coaching staff on them.

All in all, I think we are going to be more than capable next year between what we have coming back as well as what is coming in. I think this year is a great example of what can happen to a team when they don't give up. We saw the great side of this from going from 10-11 to the 2nd round of the NCAA's, and we also saw what a team can do in any given game, even when the odds of victory is very slim (not a fun way to learn a lesson, but something they can take away nonetheless that can help them later). Needless to say, I'm very excited to see what we can do next year. I think the pieces we have can go as far as this year if we can answer the questions above. I know...that's a big if, but I believe in this coaching staff and the program. My expectations are tentetively high for next year.

Rambling done...

Go Panthers!

[06panther10]

In some ways, replacing Wes will be even more difficult for us next year than replacing Tuttle was coming into this season. What he did for us just isn't replicable.

I think we definitely go back to a more post driven and less guard oriented offense next year, more similar to what we saw from '08-10.

[sivert]

Re: Next Year

We won't replace Wes so much as emphasize different things. Wes could produce one-on-two, with everyone else spread out. Probably no one will do that next year.
But we'll run more sets and team offense, just this year when Wes was on the bench. He's not really replaceable, except by a very few guys in the country. But that's ok. we'll have other strengths next year.

[claw]

Re: Next Year

In some ways, replacing Wes will be even more difficult for us next year than replacing Tuttle was coming into this season. What he did for us just isn't replicable.

I think we definitely go back to a more post driven and less guard oriented offense next year, more similar to what we saw from '08-10.

What Seth did really isn't replicable for pretty much any other player UNI is going to get.

We won't have another Wes. We won't have another Seth. However, we have a coach that will evolve players into filling roles that replicate the results.

[Khan4Cats]

Re: Next Year

In some ways, replacing Wes will be even more difficult for us next year than replacing Tuttle was coming into this season. What he did for us just isn't replicable.

I think we definitely go back to a more post driven and less guard oriented offense next year, more similar to what we saw from '08-10.

Must have watched a different team 08-10 to say we were post driven in those years. We started 3 guards and shot a lot of threes. We started a 4th guard this year, so next year will be a return to the traditional Jake 3 guard rotation, I guess. But I still expect to see a lot of spreading out, high ball screens, and three point shooting next year.

[06panther10]

Must have watched a different team 08-10 to say we were post driven in those years. We started 3 guards and shot a lot of threes. We started a 4th guard this year, so next year will be a return to the traditional Jake 3 guard rotation, I guess. But I still expect to see a lot of spreading out, high ball screens, and three point shooting next year.

You don't think the teams with Coleman, Koch, Jordan, & O'Rear were post driven? You might want to go back and compare post production and touches back then compared to what we did this year...

I never said we weren't going to shoot threes. Its just going to look different than this year. This was the most ball screen, drive and kick reliant team we have ever had by far.

[Username]

Re: Next Year

Eglseder and Koch were good, but I don't think I've ever been more excited for a duo, then I am Morgan/Karlson. May be the best duo for UNI of all time. Of course, duos don't win games, just ask Iowa.

[SteinPizza]

Re: Next Year

You don't think the teams with Coleman, Koch, Jordan, & O'Rear were post driven? You might want to go back and compare post production and touches back then compared to what we did this year...

I never said we weren't going to shoot threes. Its just going to look different than this year. This was the most ball screen, drive and kick reliant team we have ever had by far.

I don't remember Koch being much of a true post player. Having him be full time back to the basket would've been a waste of his skillset He could drive, shoot occasional 3s, post if needed, and get boards. We've had very few guys with any length who combined all of this. That creates matchup issues that other shorter, one or two dimensional guys don't, and makes him a hell of a lot harder to defend.

The only reason I bring up the above is that Carlson is developing a lot of the same skills, and is probably ahead of where Koch was at the same age. I'm interested to see him further develop the next two years. Generally, UNI hasn't had many guys who an opposing coach would consider hard to defend. Guys you had to game plan for, sure, but not really tough individual match ups. Carlson is one of those guys.

[CyCarp]

Re: Next Year

We won't replace Wes so much as emphasize different things. Wes could produce one-on-two, with everyone else spread out. Probably no one will do that next year.
But we'll run more sets and team offense, just this year when Wes was on the bench. He's not really replaceable, except by a very few guys in the country. But that's ok. we'll have other strengths next year.

Remember how our O ran in the Texas game when Wes was in the game compared to when Wyatt was in the game? Completely different - and it worked pretty well. I love Wes, but I do think he's replaceable. We'll stick guys in there who can't do some things nearly as good as him, but can do other things better than him. Wyatt has shown to have a great pull up jumper - much better than Wes. We don't really know exactly what McCloud will give us, but I think he will have a much different style than Wyatt and Wes. It'll just depend how well and how quick he adjusts to college ball. The great thing about this team is that no matter what our O brings, our D is going to keep us in most games. Maybe that's just me, but I was much more worried about replacing Seth than Wes.

[GonzoCat]

Re: Next Year

Same. I believe we lose less overall this year than last. We are going to be young next year, but much deeper. We have a very good nucleus of 4 guys that played a lot this year coming back to build around and I think our coaching staff will be able to do just that.

I think we win more games next year, but unfortunately not enough that we don't have to win the MVC tourney again to get in the NCAA. No matter how many times the MVC proves it deserves multiple bids the committee has never felt like any second place team not named WSU or CU should get in. Except for that year we got 4 somehow, how did that miracle happen?

[Username]

Re: Next Year

Since I'm bored, I just want to break down the schedule so far.

@Wyoming (part of MVC-MWC challenge)

15-16 record: 14-18.

Lose best player Adams, but return everyone else. Hopefully this can end up being a decent rpi top 150 WIN, and not a horrible loss.

@North Carolina

15-16 record: 30-6 and counting

Could lose from anywhere to 3 key players to 6/7 including Johnson and Paige, but we know Carolina will reload easily. Could possibly be even better next year. Let's pray Jackson leaves he will be a force if he stays. Won't be able to sneak up on them, and many have this penciled in as a loss already. I'm not so sure. It will be early, and this may be the 1st game UNI has a chance to prove themselves.

Puerto Rico Tip off.

Great RPI booster here. I know this year we said if we could get 2/3 at Hawaii that would be huge, and same applies. Games vs Hawaii, and BYU last year with a chance against Oklahoma. This year includes Oklahoma, Xavier, and Davidson. Oklahoma loses Hield, but Xavier basically retains their whole team. Davidson retains a lot as well.

George Mason (I believe someone said we play them)

15-16 record: 11-21

Not really going to be too much of a burner. Lose some off a 12th place a10 finish team. Not going to be easy, but nothing to get excited about if it's a W.
Iowa (@Des Moines)

15-16 Record 22-11.

Lose essentially everyone and maybe even Jok. Rivalry game, and I think UNI's the better team here.




We will likely have a d3 team, and another buy game on hand.

That leave missing from the schedule 4 games assuming they play 13. Last year they got to play in the 24 hour tip off marathon, and that proved to give a pretty good win. It'd be nice to get on that again. They also had 2 road games against usually pretty good mid majors. They didn't turn out so hot, but have to admire the willingness to try. Hopefully we can get something set up with the mid majors, it's been working for us the past 2 years.

Valley Play

Wichita State looks to be the cream of the crop again, with UNI not to far behind (surprise surprise)

I think Illinois State and Southern Illinois could cause problems and have similar type season to what they did last. Evansville will obviously drop, probably to bottom tier, so there's room for a team to move to upper tier. Many of us think that MOSU is the likely candidate and may make a push. Drake's 1 year away every year. Loyola is a 6th place finisher at best. Bradley will compete for last, and Indiana State is also a middle team at best.

[06panther10]

Wyoming's coach just retired, fyi.

[Panther100]

Re: Next Year

Since I'm bored, I just want to break down the schedule so far.

@Wyoming (part of MVC-MWC challenge)

15-16 record: 14-18.

Lose best player Adams, but return everyone else. Hopefully this can end up being a decent rpi top 150 WIN, and not a horrible loss.

@North Carolina

15-16 record: 30-6 and counting

Could lose from anywhere to 3 key players to 6/7 including Johnson and Paige, but we know Carolina will reload easily. Could possibly be even better next year. Let's pray Jackson leaves he will be a force if he stays. Won't be able to sneak up on them, and many have this penciled in as a loss already. I'm not so sure. It will be early, and this may be the 1st game UNI has a chance to prove themselves.

Puerto Rico Tip off.

Great RPI booster here. I know this year we said if we could get 2/3 at Hawaii that would be huge, and same applies. Games vs Hawaii, and BYU last year with a chance against Oklahoma. This year includes Oklahoma, Xavier, and Davidson. Oklahoma loses Hield, but Xavier basically retains their whole team. Davidson retains a lot as well.

George Mason (I believe someone said we play them)

15-16 record: 11-21

Not really going to be too much of a burner. Lose some off a 12th place a10 finish team. Not going to be easy, but nothing to get excited about if it's a W.
Iowa (@Des Moines)

15-16 Record 22-11.

Lose essentially everyone and maybe even Jok. Rivalry game, and I think UNI's the better team here.




We will likely have a d3 team, and another buy game on hand.

That leave missing from the schedule 4 games assuming they play 13. Last year they got to play in the 24 hour tip off marathon, and that proved to give a pretty good win. It'd be nice to get on that again. They also had 2 road games against usually pretty good mid majors. They didn't turn out so hot, but have to admire the willingness to try. Hopefully we can get something set up with the mid majors, it's been working for us the past 2 years.

Valley Play

Wichita State looks to be the cream of the crop again, with UNI not to far behind (surprise surprise)

I think Illinois State and Southern Illinois could cause problems and have similar type season to what they did last. Evansville will obviously drop, probably to bottom tier, so there's room for a team to move to upper tier. Many of us think that MOSU is the likely candidate and may make a push. Drake's 1 year away every year. Loyola is a 6th place finisher at best. Bradley will compete for last, and Indiana State is also a middle team at best.

I think 9-4 non conference/13-5 conference/2-1 MVC Tourney to equal 24-10 on Selection Sunday/0-1 in the NIT. Of course, I hope we exceed my expectation. If McDonnell fully recovers, the core 4 improve, Dahl loses weight, McCloud/Brown are mature beyond their years, Freidman improves foul shooting, Knar/Connrey improve all around, T. Lohaus learns a bunch in a R/S season, sky's the limit!

[Blue42]

Re: Next Year

What Seth did really isn't replicable for pretty much any other player UNI is going to get.

We won't have another Wes. We won't have another Seth. However, we have a coach that will evolve players into filling roles that replicate the results.

I don't think we really knew what we had in Wes until this year. He improved each year and really peaked in his Sr year.

Like I say when folks ask me how UNI got such and such player...it's not how good they are when they get here that matters, it's how good they are when they leave.