Line up per Reynolds

[bugregshu]

I agree and let's not forget that EM can put a lot more defensive pressure on the other teams PG. I still would not be surprised to see a EM, SM, AW,TB, WE starting line up. AW did play the 3 while JC played the 2.

If this is our starting line-up, we'll return 5 starters for next year.

[Braves4Life]

If this is our starting line-up, we'll return 5 starters for next year.

And don't think that won't play a role in the decision of starting lineups, especially toward the end of the season.

[houstontxbrave]

WOW! This really shows that we have a TON of depth this year. Just have got to be optimistic and not even mention the "I" word. I have missed seeing Andrew Warren so much. If everything plays out, he WILL be the MVC POY. I mean, this is the year that we have been waiting for fellas and I cannot wait for it to start. It is so important that we have played in these post-season tournaments the last two years to get us primed up and the Brazil trip will also pay huge dividends. I like the vibe on this board and I like the talent that I see on this team. We have 2 potential All-Valley players in AW and CR and if TB lives up to all the hype who knows what we could have on the horizon. All I can say is that the sky is the limit this year and with the anticipation that I feel around Peoria and talent we have on this team, this may be the year we land that 4-5 star reruit that we have been chirping about for the last 4-5 years. This year could be the beginning of it all. The Dynasty begins in 09-10. Can you tell I'm a little excited? GO BU!

That post has me completely pumped, I believe so much in this team and totally believe that this team is destined for an unbelievable season. I drink the koolaide for sure, but even without there are so many athletes, basketball athletes on this team, when it all comes together honestly lookout, your right the begining is just now happening, I do not see any end or fall off in sight.

[AZ BU Fan]

Just so no one thinks AZ BU Fan is a "BU Basher", or "JL hater",

Re doubting pollsters, if you asked all of them to rate BU assuming a healthy WE & AW, and, major contributions from WE/AT/JP they would have to pick BU in the top 3....

IMO BU will need WE, AT, or JP (or two of the three) on the front line to make the jump to the next level. Unfortunately I know more about FB than BB, but here it goes...

I love the Singh, but we need an offensive threat in the middle to help free up our perimeter players to get better shots. We can't keep trying to drive to the basket from the perimeter without someone in the center who can make teams pay switching off onto the driving guard.

We need a more active, defensive presence in the center to allow BU's guards to over play opponents up top and not worry their player will blow by them for an easy lay up or a foul driving to the basket. We need a defensive stopper (or two) on the baseline so we don't have to double down/help defense when the ball goes into the post....we seemed to always be chasing opponents more often than not when teams pass out of the double team and reverse the ball for open shots.

I guess we need another POB! I am hoping AT, WE, JP can be that person...If so, we will get the results we had with POB!

We have tried great guards, a pogo stick 3 at the 4, and a 4 playing the 5.
Whats wrong with a real 3, a real 4 and a real 5 at the same time

SM will start, and EM will come off the bench...deference to the upperclassman. It is SM's job to lose. I see them splitting minutes so BU can pressure defense constantly, with DD and AW and CR splitting time at the 2&3and keeping fresh. TB, WE, MK, and JP will get most of the time at the 4 and 5, with SS there to burn up fouls vs other teams best 4 or 5....

[ph]

AZ, I mostly agree. I believe your description of a quality center is the reason we seemed to play better last year in the few games WE started. (even though the fact that WE did not "light up" the stat sheet)

[jeffsu]

SM will start, and EM will come off the bench...deference to the upperclassman. It is SM's job to lose.

I agree for the most part, except for this bit. Remember, JL loves SM, but Sam came off the bench for a few games last year when EM started. Edge is the typical PG (Ruffin-like) that JL likes at the PG spot. I think EM plays 25-30 minutes starting at the 1. SM will come in for the remaining 10-15 at the 1, plus another 15-20 at the 2.

That leaves DD and AW to cover the last 20-25 minutes at the 2. AW will also split time at the 3 with CR. TB/JP/MK split the 4, and WE/SS/AT split the 5.

[thefish7]

I agree for the most part, except for this bit. Remember, JL loves SM, but Sam came off the bench for a few games last year when EM started. Edge is the typical PG (Ruffin-like) that JL likes at the PG spot. I think EM plays 25-30 minutes starting at the 1. SM will come in for the remaining 10-15 at the 1, plus another 15-20 at the 2.

That leaves DD and AW to cover the last 20-25 minutes at the 2. AW will also split time at the 3 with CR. TB/JP/MK split the 4, and WE/SS/AT split the 5.

That's kind of how I see the minutes splitting up too. IF AT can contribute I'd love to see him with minutes at the 5, though seeing JP get some time there wouldn't bother me. Also, with all of this depth (we seem to feel like we have it every year hehe), I'd like to see no player averaging more than 25 mpg on the season, if that's possible. If the depth is quality we can play deep and keep everyone fresh.

[SFP]

Early on coaches usually go deeper into their lineup. I expect JL to settle mostly to a 8 man rotation once the Valley season takes off with spot minute for the rest of the guys. The 8 will be EM, SM, AW, DD, CR, TB, WE, SS. The only place in this line up where someone else can crack decent minutes will be at the 4.

[jeffsu]

Early on coaches usually go deeper into their lineup. I expect JL to settle mostly to a 8 man rotation once the Valley season takes off with spot minute for the rest of the guys. The 8 will be EM, SM, AW, DD, CR, TB, WE, SS. The only place in this line up where someone else can crack decent minutes will be at the 4.

Not sure I disagree with that. I think that should be what we expect.

If AT, JP, MK, DS-E, or JE can break in for more than 2-4 minutes a game, we should be excited!

[peoriakid]

I think you could almost make a case for Dodie being a starter, but then that would give us a 3 guard line up, and we have too much talent at forward for that. He's a senior, he has a lot of big game experience, and he always seems to be able to score when needed down the stretch. He was one of our most reliable offensive weapons last year. He has always seemed to have a "confidence" or collectedness about him that I like during crucial moments. Im not sure how strong his defense is though, but I dont remember it being a problem.

I guess its a good problem to have. If DD is a 6th man that sais a lot about your starting 5.

Ryan

[BradleyBrave]

The great thing about Dodie and Sam is that I don't really think it matters to them whether or not they start. There are great arguments as to why they should start, and also great arguments as to why they might be more valuable off the bench. Like I said, these are great problems to have. I'd love to run into these problems in the frontcourt someday too!

[basketball nut]

Early on coaches usually go deeper into their lineup. I expect JL to settle mostly to a 8 man rotation once the Valley season takes off with spot minute for the rest of the guys. The 8 will be EM, SM, AW, DD, CR, TB, WE, SS. The only place in this line up where someone else can crack decent minutes will be at the 4.

AT and staying healthy will be the real keys to this season-AT especially if all I have heard about him is true we will be in great shape as the front court depth may match the back court depth.
We don't care where we are picked but watch out for a healthy BU come March (and before)

[dogsrus]

[QUOTE=BradleyBrave;142317]The great thing about Dodie and Sam is that I don't really think it matters to them whether or not they start. There are great arguments as to why they should start, and also great arguments as to why they might be more valuable off the bench.

Yup....and I think, at least mentally, SM can "handle" the coming off the bench more then maybe EM could. Not a shot at EM its more a testament to SM and his makeup.

But wow...EM is having a bad game so you just happen to have this "other" kid that can step in and you won't miss a beat.....nice luxury.

Dodie...we'll he'll just be Dodie and do anything you ask him...and most likely, will do it well.

[Big Mike]

I think you could almost make a case for Dodie being a starter, but then that would give us a 3 guard line up, and we have too much talent at forward for that. He's a senior, he has a lot of big game experience, and he always seems to be able to score when needed down the stretch. He was one of our most reliable offensive weapons last year. He has always seemed to have a "confidence" or collectedness about him that I like during crucial moments. Im not sure how strong his defense is though, but I dont remember it being a problem.

I guess its a good problem to have. If DD is a 6th man that sais a lot about your starting 5.

Ryan

IMO....DD is our best defender on the ball!

[Fansince69]

It does not matter to me who the starting 5 are due to possible substitutions within the first 2 to 3 minutes of the game anyway. I feel the best 5 on the floor come crunch time during a game would be DD, AW, CR, TB, and WE (IMO), as each is a possible scoring threat and no one is under 6'3" for defensive purpose's and by no means is this a slight on EM, SM or SS. I am concerned when playing BYU, Okla. St., IL.-? that we do not play to small and waste these great opportunities to make some noise on a national level. The future is bright and JL may have to change his game plans this year more than he has in the past few years to utilize this teams talented height advantages. I for one do not what to see anyone under 6'6" having to play the 4 position this year. This year we need to get as much game experience as possible for JP, MK, AT as 2010-2011 would seem to be the year of great expectations and playing BIG.