First, Rhodes has to increase his level of court play to the same level as mouth play. If he talks a good game, then he has play a good game. If this doesn’t happen and happen rather quickly, look for him to end up playing his future basketball in Europe .
Second, look for a quick improvement in free throw shooting. Since they shoot well in practice, the coaching staff is going to insure that it carries over into the games. I expect us to be shooting in the 70% range by our second or third game.
Third, the coaching staff is going to let Varnado know that he doesn’t have to try and block every shot taken by the opposition and pick up too many fouls. Like in the first exhibition game, he will block those he can without fouling because we need him in the game for 25 – 30 minutes.
Fourth, look for Barry Stewart to take over as the back up point guard, with Ben Hansbrough backing him up. Phil Turner will move a wing spot where he needs to be for his style of play. Riley Benock should see more playing time sooner rather than later.
Fifth, look for Jamont Gordon to come back for his senior season. There are too many PGs ahead of him. He’ll get to meet one of them if we can make it to the final game on the Anaheim trip during Thanksgiving. The NBA draft is not known for taking but a few PGs each year. He comes back for his senior year and he’ll definitely be a first round draft then.
Sixth, look for Bailey to start getting more playing time starting this coming Saturday. Brian should also see significant playing time. The players hurting most for PT will be Kodi Augustus and Ravern Johnson. At this point they are the lowest on the learning curve of all the freshmen.
Seventh and final, we should go 14 and 2 in non-conference play and 11 and 5 in conference. Make it to the championship round in the SECT and get an invite to the big dance in March.
Gotta put the Genii back in the bottle now. See you at the Hump!!! - Roundball Pundit
Some pretty interesting stuff, but the Roundball Pundit is very wise and knows his basketball. - Arliss
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12 comments:
Interesting comments, but I think you may be over-emphasizing Tuesday's scrimmage for your season's predictions. For example, Kodi had been getting rave reviews up until now; one mediocre scrimmage won't relegate him to the deep bench.
I tend to agree, I don't agree with all of them, but he makes some good points.
I have said all along that I think Jamont to the league may not be a given this year. Like you said, the draft will be LOADED with PGs and Jamont knows the insane firepower he will have around him for his senior year here. They can only make him look better. Man I get chills thinking about that possibility.
Msudog23
Kodi Augustus better not get benched. the guy didnt make baskets on tuesday night, but the ball seemed to defy gravity on the rim. so many of his shots were in and out, or rolled around the rim and teetered out. he has awesome athleticism, a great stroke, and is energetic. we need him backing up the SF/PF positions.
as for Jamont staying, lets actually have this season play out first. the POTENTIAL is there for a lot of PGs, but it isnt a given. and how often are we told that he wont even be a PG at the next level??? so whats it matter if there are a lot of PGs or not.
the fact is, he needs to find the right fit in order to be successful at the next level. if that fit comes along this year, it very well may not next year.
he kinda screwed himself by declaring after last season only to withdraw right after. that means once he declares again, he will have to go all in.
but lets wait and see. if he isnt gonna be a PG at the next level, then it doesnt matter how many PGs declare this year.
-mstateglfr
How athletic is Elgin? Watching video of him in high school didn't show much. Looked like he got a dunk from genespage pics.
I totally agree about Jamont, UNLESS he just blows up this year. Fact is, there defintely are too many PG's ahead of him.
The only problem would be a huge crowd in the back-court next year.
ZD
Ravern and Kodi are/will be fine. Very talented players, still adjusting. They will help Mississippi State win many games.
The regular season hasn't started yet....... Ravern Johnson is really talented, and will eventually step up.
Kodi and Ravern both played much better during practice scrimmages with their team mates and friends. I think what we see right now is just freshmen nerves, playing other teams and in front of crowds. They will both come around and I sincerely hope soon.
Roundball Pundit
Someone mentioned "official letter of intent" day being just around the corner...
Remind me again what day that is?
Thanks,
Tom
Gordon will likely leave, and I'm hoping for less than 2 losses in non-conference play.
November 14th
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