A few quick thoughts

[higgins3]

We finished the year 316th in adjusted offense .953 points per possession AND 223rd in adjusted defense 1.064 so on paper offense is the bigger issue.

With that being said it wouldn't take much to get this team in to the 75-100 area on D and giving up 1 point per possession.

Unfortunately last year that would have only equated to 2 extra wins. iowa and illinois at home.

I will take 2 wins. It means less fans leaving before the five minute mark. It also means you get what you pay for!Competition and an entertaining game.

 

[higgins3]

Talk to me when I see how we defend

I would say there is a 75% that we defend better this year. It might not be my leaps and bounds, but it is better than what we saw with Jordan.

Why?Jordan was an offensive minded coach. He prided himself on that. In huddles, it did not seem like he took every other coaches opinions into considerations at all times. Therefore, who on the staff last year was the one that pushed for defense to be played at a serious level?

Again, 75% chance we defend better. I will have Pikiell call you.

 

[RUChoppin]

Talk to me when I see how we defend

We'll defend better than we did last year... but that's not a high bar. We'll see how close our defense is to approaching mid-pack in the conference.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

I'd bump that up to 100% chance we play better defense.....this predictions is made without having a clue how Pikiel is as a coach.

 

[runroyrun]

Honestly, I expect absolutely nothing out of Bullock this year, unless one of our main 3 guards get injured. Anything we get there is a bonus.

He's one of the ones I will be following closely to see his progression, though. Definitely a big wild card.

I don't expect a lot from Bullock, maybe 5 mins per game but that average could be misleading as there may be some where he doesn't leave the bench others where he may get 15. Hope he comes in with a chip on his shoulder and that he earns his minutes and fans' respect through tenacity, grit, team play, and smarts.

 

[higgins3]

I don't expect a lot from Bullock, maybe 5 mins per game but that average could be misleading as there may be some where he doesn't leave the bench others where he may get 15. Hope he comes in with a chip on his shoulder and that he earns his minutes and fans' respect through tenacity, grit, team play, and smarts.

Exactly. All that stuff earns respect, in basketball and in life.