Whether you like what's happned to college sports or not, you could either walk away accept what it is. I don't like it, as it really eliminates the opportunity to build a program and watch kids develop. Maybe they should limit the number of portal kids you can have on your roster; which gives highschool seniors a fair shot to get a spot on a good team. That's not how it is currrently.
If we are looking to compete in the Big 10, there's no more than 1 or 2 freshman (unless they are superstars) who can heavily contribute to the rotation; let alone start. You have to make your roster with seasoned players, who are not role players. You need the size, strength an abiility to compete with grown men. I guess we will see what the 4 freshman are all about for next year, but I hope we can retain Lathan, Jmike and Grant. Haven't see enough of Dortch, but it's fine if he comes back. Lathan and Grant can play significant minutes and Jmike should also be a fixture in the rotation; but there needs to a minimum of 3 proven players taking starting spots. The money from the Big 10 distribution will help, but Pikiell needs to do some salemanship with the portal guys. You need 3 high average scores and rebounders who hit the offensive glass and follow every shot. We cannot have any less than 3 players on the floor at any time; who are unable or uncomfortable shootiong a jumper.
The other important factor is hiring an assistant who comes from a program with a successful offense. I think our fans are tired of watching stagnant sets that result in poor shots. I would look at programs who consistently beat us up with wide open 3 point shots. Iowa comes to mind. As much as dislike MCaffrey, the guy can coach. There must be an offensive assistant who had learned his system and can implement it here.
If we are looking to compete in the Big 10, there's no more than 1 or 2 freshman (unless they are superstars) who can heavily contribute to the rotation; let alone start. You have to make your roster with seasoned players, who are not role players. You need the size, strength an abiility to compete with grown men. I guess we will see what the 4 freshman are all about for next year, but I hope we can retain Lathan, Jmike and Grant. Haven't see enough of Dortch, but it's fine if he comes back. Lathan and Grant can play significant minutes and Jmike should also be a fixture in the rotation; but there needs to a minimum of 3 proven players taking starting spots. The money from the Big 10 distribution will help, but Pikiell needs to do some salemanship with the portal guys. You need 3 high average scores and rebounders who hit the offensive glass and follow every shot. We cannot have any less than 3 players on the floor at any time; who are unable or uncomfortable shootiong a jumper.
The other important factor is hiring an assistant who comes from a program with a successful offense. I think our fans are tired of watching stagnant sets that result in poor shots. I would look at programs who consistently beat us up with wide open 3 point shots. Iowa comes to mind. As much as dislike MCaffrey, the guy can coach. There must be an offensive assistant who had learned his system and can implement it here.
