Looking Forward

[domedays]

It seems like the last couple years I have had really high expectations coming into the season and ended up disappointed. So last year we were 19-14 overall, 12-8 tied for 4th in conference, low 100’s in the rankings. We lost badly to the number 1 seed in St Louis.
Assuming I have last years info correct,
Where should I have my expectations this year? Better? Worse? About the same?

[PantherAlum09]

It seems like the last couple years I have had really high expectations coming into the season and ended up disappointed. So last year we were 19-14 overall, 12-8 tied for 4th in conference, low 100’s in the rankings. We lost badly to the number 1 seed in St Louis.
Assuming I have last years info correct,
Where should I have my expectations this year? Better? Worse? About the same?

I would say similar to better. Ty and Hutty both have improved and if RJ and the guards improved as much as has been reported I'm pretty optimistic. I also think Pock hitting threes at a higher clip this year is highly needed. There also isn't the juggernaut at Indiana State and Drake's talent level isn't what it was. I'm pretty confident we should be solid.

[achrist70]

Why I am optimistic: We return as much if not more production as anyone in the conference, and I think what we brought in is as good as anyone in the conference. Plus we have one of the top 2 coaches in the conference.

Why I am hesitant: There were some games last year where we completely did not show up, the home game against Murray State was embarrassing, and there were other times where we looked just lost out there. Tytan has been kind of the poster child for this, there are games where he is the best player in the league, but there are also games where he misses 8 layups and can't seem to do anything right. Can we avoid those long miserable stretches this year and be consistent. If we do I think we are a 25+ win team.

[BCPanther]

Ike Hermer left to take a job with the Osceola Magic in the G League. Won't be replaced for this year.

Timing is always great on these things...

[PantherAlum09]

Ike Hermer left to take a job with the Osceola Magic in the G League. Won't be replaced for this year.

Timing is always great on these things...

Well that sucks, but I also get it.

[Mill1634]

Ike Hermer left to take a job with the Osceola Magic in the G League. Won't be replaced for this year.

Timing is always great on these things...

This was done, or at least decided, weeks ago fwiw.

[BCPanther]

This was done, or at least decided, weeks ago fwiw.

Timing is never good but it's good to see guys moving up in the world. We've got a bunch of guys that have moved up

Good on Ike for hanging for a bit. He was at the open practice last weekend.

[Username]

Why I am optimistic: We return as much if not more production as anyone in the conference, and I think what we brought in is as good as anyone in the conference. Plus we have one of the top 2 coaches in the conference.

Why I am hesitant: There were some games last year where we completely did not show up, the home game against Murray State was embarrassing, and there were other times where we looked just lost out there. Tytan has been kind of the poster child for this, there are games where he is the best player in the league, but there are also games where he misses 8 layups and can't seem to do anything right. Can we avoid those long miserable stretches this year and be consistent. If we do I think we are a 25+ win team.

The miserable stretches and inconsistent play even when we're supposed to be good are why it's hard to compare this team to previous years. I also don't think evaluating talent in vs talent out is the best way to look at it either. Team construction last year was balanced and solid across the board, and this years team could very well just be more consistent.

I think defensively it's hard to see this team not being better honestly just by subbing out Born for Taylor, but also the length and athleticism on the wing. Campbell and Bond's versatility, along with a lot of lineups that do not require Hutson means we can match up well anywhere.

Backcourt production and depth is where I see the biggest issues. Having Campbell back is massive. Taylor should hopefully make a big jump. Hoping Bond can show a little bit of creativity with the ball. Everything beyond that is at best unknown. Born and Heise had the ball a massive amount, and it will be on everyone to step up to try and create offense.

[orangetennis]

I'm optimistic and excited for another season of Panther basketball, but we've struggled out the gates in recent seasons and I won't be shocked if that happens again this year.

[UNIpanther99]

Not sure where to put this...

We usually just pop up for a game and back down, maybe go to OP. But we are making a weekend of it and staying downtown for the Illinois State FB game and Irvine basketball game next week.

Is there anything new or different to check out in downtown CF or on the hill? What's good these days?

[sivert]

Not sure how new you mean.
George's Local is good. And they have a sister restaurant called Patten diner.

Ginger Thai has great red and green curry.

Both Main Street.

[ronfitch]

Not sure where to put this...

We usually just pop up for a game and back down, maybe go to OP. But we are making a weekend of it and staying downtown for the Illinois State FB game and Irvine basketball game next week.

Is there anything new or different to check out in downtown CF or on the hill? What's good these days?

Aside from Octopus (bar located on the west side at the bottom of the Hill) and Side Car Coffee (where Stebs used to be), there is not a lot on the Hill any longer. Octopus is owned by Dave, the guitarist/vocalist from House of Large Sizes and he works hard to keep live music going. Also, Barb (the bass player from HOLS, married to Dave) runs a funky shop called Mohair Pair, located between Octopus and Side Car.

The Parkade is a much different beast than it used to be. Depends on when you were last there - five years or 25 years. sivert mentioned George's Local (great recommendation) and Ginger Thai (have not been there yet). OP is now there (same great pizza, nice dining area), Single Speed Brewing's smaller (original) taproom (their larger one is the old Wonder Bread bakery on Commerical in Waterloo - beautiful space and great beers, good dining options) and Second State Brewing on State Street. And a bunch more bars, bar and grills and restaurants.

And the Cedar River waterfront project was slated to be done this month on the north end of the Parkade (anyone know if that wrapped up?):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CG_3TdS8TRg

[06panther10]

Not sure where to put this...

We usually just pop up for a game and back down, maybe go to OP. But we are making a weekend of it and staying downtown for the Illinois State FB game and Irvine basketball game next week.

Is there anything new or different to check out in downtown CF or on the hill? What's good these days?

Can probably skip the Hill…

Georges, New OP, Pattons Diner, are all perfect suggestions downtown. Outside of that, bar hop up and down the street. Tons of great options now.

[Blue42]

Main Street CF is a great little pub crawl area. If u haven't been there in a while it's worth a trip.

Couple hotels right there so u can park the car and walk it.

We try to hit it at least once a year.

[UNIpanther99]

Thanks for the recommendations. We are in CF often, but haven't had much time to explore downtown the last few years.