Is any team's preseason record a reliable predictor of upcoming WCC league play?
If it is, the road win at Washington State completed our early season resume of whether we are "In" or "Out" of our league.
As we begin league, the USC double overtime and Idaho blowout wins make us the "Forrest Gump" team. We lose to lowly Prairie View, Idaho State, and then punch out USC. Who are these guys?
Sports writers following the WCC say were "Out" with a best case seventh and likely ninth place finish. Making that case is pretty easy as all of the WCC mid-level teams are rolling in preseason. Geez, LMU is 12-2!
The only certainty the pubs claim is that Gonzaga is a lock.
The rest is up for grabs. To some degree, Mark Few is getting what he complained about - the weak becoming more competitive.
I'm sure he loves and laughs at the league's preseason records. I mean USF is 12-2 with a 258 strength of schedule...LMU is 12-2 with an S.O.S. of 263...Pacific is 10-5 with a 253...This out of a worst possible 350. BTW the Zags S.O.S is 42.
In reality, it looks like more of the league is using the St. Mary's model of the past, shiny impressive win/loss records against mediocre teams. We all know how that worked for them with NCAA tourney snubs.
One thing for sure, this WCC season will be different. Instead of the usual two challengers for second place, there are arguably five. Additionally, three of those could give the Zags tough battles. Both BYU and St. Mary's, while having erratic preseasons, have rosters capable of upsets. USF has experience and has played a solid schedule with some good wins over Harvard, Cal, and Stanford.
The other two teams, San Diego and, believe or not, LMU have played well, have experience and young talent to make some noise. The fight for spots 2-6 in league will be hotly contested and IMHO will include at least one or two of the above beating Gonzaga.
So based upon the above, are we "In" or "Out" of our league?
We're both...
When it comes to depth of roster, we're out. KJ's loss for the season leaves us razor thin in key spots. Our roster is heavy on youth which makes us "Out" based upon experience. Our starting rotation is pretty small which makes us "Out"; where rebounding will decide close games. Our league schedule puts us "Out"as four of our first eight games are on the road including games at BYU, St. Mary's, Gonzaga and Pacific. Our first four home games are Gonzaga, San Diego, LMU and Pepperdine.
Daunting...
The conundrum is that what makes us "Out" will also offer us the opportunity to be "In." What?
With expectations low, there are teams that will overlook us. As winners of seven of our last eight games, the young guys are learning how to win and close out games a la USC. Our offense has actually looked much better, shooting more than 50% in our last four games and 46% for the preseason. Our assists levels are up into the 18-24 range per game. Translation, the ball is moving.
Our defense has also shown some bright spots - particularly in the paint. We're scoring down low and Caruso has become a legitimate "eraser" with our blocks averaging six per game over last five games. At nearly five per game overall, it's the highest in the last six years. Translation, less easy freebies driving the lane.
As a by-product of all of the above, season ticket holders and fans are buying "In" to the talent and potential that is clearly visible from the roster recruited by Coach Sendek and his staff. Only one active player is left from the Kerry Keating era.
For what it's worth, (not much) I'm thinking, barring no more injuries, an 8-8 WCC would be very good considering losing your top scorer, starting center, and only nine scholies left on the roster. There is potential to rise to 10-6 with an upset or two.
If we can accomplish either of the above, it will put us "In" the conversation for the future rather than being left "Out" as irrelevant.
Also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebuckingbronco
If it is, the road win at Washington State completed our early season resume of whether we are "In" or "Out" of our league.
As we begin league, the USC double overtime and Idaho blowout wins make us the "Forrest Gump" team. We lose to lowly Prairie View, Idaho State, and then punch out USC. Who are these guys?
Sports writers following the WCC say were "Out" with a best case seventh and likely ninth place finish. Making that case is pretty easy as all of the WCC mid-level teams are rolling in preseason. Geez, LMU is 12-2!
The only certainty the pubs claim is that Gonzaga is a lock.
The rest is up for grabs. To some degree, Mark Few is getting what he complained about - the weak becoming more competitive.
I'm sure he loves and laughs at the league's preseason records. I mean USF is 12-2 with a 258 strength of schedule...LMU is 12-2 with an S.O.S. of 263...Pacific is 10-5 with a 253...This out of a worst possible 350. BTW the Zags S.O.S is 42.
In reality, it looks like more of the league is using the St. Mary's model of the past, shiny impressive win/loss records against mediocre teams. We all know how that worked for them with NCAA tourney snubs.
One thing for sure, this WCC season will be different. Instead of the usual two challengers for second place, there are arguably five. Additionally, three of those could give the Zags tough battles. Both BYU and St. Mary's, while having erratic preseasons, have rosters capable of upsets. USF has experience and has played a solid schedule with some good wins over Harvard, Cal, and Stanford.
The other two teams, San Diego and, believe or not, LMU have played well, have experience and young talent to make some noise. The fight for spots 2-6 in league will be hotly contested and IMHO will include at least one or two of the above beating Gonzaga.
So based upon the above, are we "In" or "Out" of our league?
We're both...
When it comes to depth of roster, we're out. KJ's loss for the season leaves us razor thin in key spots. Our roster is heavy on youth which makes us "Out" based upon experience. Our starting rotation is pretty small which makes us "Out"; where rebounding will decide close games. Our league schedule puts us "Out"as four of our first eight games are on the road including games at BYU, St. Mary's, Gonzaga and Pacific. Our first four home games are Gonzaga, San Diego, LMU and Pepperdine.
Daunting...
The conundrum is that what makes us "Out" will also offer us the opportunity to be "In." What?
With expectations low, there are teams that will overlook us. As winners of seven of our last eight games, the young guys are learning how to win and close out games a la USC. Our offense has actually looked much better, shooting more than 50% in our last four games and 46% for the preseason. Our assists levels are up into the 18-24 range per game. Translation, the ball is moving.
Our defense has also shown some bright spots - particularly in the paint. We're scoring down low and Caruso has become a legitimate "eraser" with our blocks averaging six per game over last five games. At nearly five per game overall, it's the highest in the last six years. Translation, less easy freebies driving the lane.
As a by-product of all of the above, season ticket holders and fans are buying "In" to the talent and potential that is clearly visible from the roster recruited by Coach Sendek and his staff. Only one active player is left from the Kerry Keating era.
For what it's worth, (not much) I'm thinking, barring no more injuries, an 8-8 WCC would be very good considering losing your top scorer, starting center, and only nine scholies left on the roster. There is potential to rise to 10-6 with an upset or two.
If we can accomplish either of the above, it will put us "In" the conversation for the future rather than being left "Out" as irrelevant.
Also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebuckingbronco
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