Next Year

Too soon? Watching the LMU game, the ESPN commentators made several remarks about the Pilots being a contending team in the WCC next year. So, what do you folks think the starting five will look like next year? Of course, this all assumes everyone returns. I have no reason to think otherwise. And that includes the coaches.

C: VDM, or Riley B? Or can they both play in a twin towers mode?
PF: Ryno or Dorian, or the twin towers?
SF: K Bailey, or Ryno, or Dorian?
SG: K Bailey, Tanner, Kory T from the shadows, or D Carr?
PG: Timmy, Derrick, or new guy?

That's pretty much everybody. I don't see J Bailey breaking into the starting group, but hope he continues to develop as a capable back-up. The experience VDM is getting really accelerated his progress in my eyes. Can he and Riley play together like a taller Kramer and Luke; that would be awesome. Will Dorian develop enough to pass Ryno? Kevin has to play somewhere; where is his best position? Who will be the 3 point specialist next year, or will we even have one? And will Timmy reduce his TOs enough that his scoring ability outweighs Derricks defense but limited offense?

My choices:
C: VDM
PF. Riley B
SF: Ryno, until Dorian has a better outside shot (this is my toughest call)
SG: K Bailey
PG: Timmy

That would be 3 sophomores and 2 juniors, setting up for some real success for a couple years or more. Note that I am assuming Riley B does not play again this year, and gets a do-over year. I am also assuming that Jake E, the new recruit, redshirts. The only new player I could see getting playing time would be a PG with Timmy's offense and Derrick's defense.

That's . So, am I ? Or ? Or ?

up7587 wrote:Too soon?

YES, way too soon for me!

Anything can happen between now and then.

DoubleDipper wrote:

up7587 wrote:Too soon?

YES, way too soon for me!

Anything can happen between now and then.

Yep, too soon

I don't think it's too soon. Every game this year makes me think "man these guys are going to be good!!" So, in a way, I'm constantly speculating about what things might look like.

I don't know a lot about Jake Ehlers but it sounds like he's a 6'7" 3/4 who is comfortable shooting the mid-range jumper, has length and has good athleticism. Given that, I think the following lineup could be great in terms of height and talent:

PG: Timmy (short)
SG: Kevin (6'5")
SF: Ehlers (6'7")
PF: Ryno (6'7")
C: Riley/VDM (6'10")

Riley and VDM are nearly interchangeable to me right now. Given Riley's injury, I'm not sure where his skill level will be by next fall, though hopefully both players continue to bulk up and develop. I do like Thomas' game right now but, all things being equal, would probably give the nod to the player with the longer tenure.

That lineup makes me drool, though. Timmy can drive, Kevin can do it all, Jake can shoot it a little, Ryan can shoot the occasional 3 and Thomas has been known to hit a mid-range shot. Plus, excluding Timmy, we'd have 4 guys in the 6'5"-6'10" range.

Not too soon to be talking about next year's schedule though. Another midwest game? Please! Make it happen!

Pretty sure I read there are two trips next year. Kentucky, and one other.

up7587 wrote:Pretty sure I read there are two trips next year. Kentucky, and one other.

Ohio U.

Can we please, please, please play U of O or OSU? If you are going to build a program and gain regional respect you have got to shut up those pesky Ducks and Beavers (no offense intended).

RipCityPilot wrote:Can we please, please, please play U of O or OSU? If you are going to build a program and gain regional respect you have got to shut up those pesky Ducks and Beavers (no offense intended).

It's up to the state schools; our coaches have been trying, but "gee, we can't find any compatible dates" is the general response. I think having the "first brother-in-law" at UP for a game on November 6 would be a lot of FUN!

RipCityPilot wrote:Can we please, please, please play U of O or OSU? If you are going to build a program and gain regional respect you have got to shut up those pesky Ducks and Beavers (no offense intended).

When you win 60 games in three seasons ADs at power conference schools have a way of taking a lot longer to return your calls, if they ever do. Getting major schools to play you--especially at your place--is a problem for mid-majors everywhere. It also seems to me the Pilots insist (rightfully IMO) on home-and-home series, no 2-for-1s (unless it's a huge payday like Kentucky or Duke) or one-off games on the road. One thing Portland has going for it though is the Chiles Center is big enough to hold the larger crowds the Pac-12 schools bring.

What are the odds that we get a date with Marquette? We do know someone there now...

PilotNut wrote:What are the odds that we get a date with Marquette? We do know someone there now...

Well, maybe not too good!

If it were just a matter of knowing someone, why haven't we played Notre Dame in recent history? Father Bill, are you listening? Woodless?

I extracted an assurance from the Marquette AD on that one. At the time, he said every team in the conference inquired but UP.

I wonder if that was for THIS season? We did not need another brutal road game this year...

PilotNut wrote:I wonder if that was for THIS season? We did not need another brutal road game this year...

Pretty sure there is not much danger of us playing Marquette this year.

I just feel that playing in-state opponents (even if they are too good or too bad) is a bigger draw for any school instead of playing schools from far outside the region. Don't get me wrong: I love playing the schools we do and I know we always play tough opponents, but any game between UP and OSU will be better attended than OSU/UP vs. say... Ohio U. Feel me?

Well sure, obviously... But unfortunately the big schools are in the power position when it comes to scheduling, we cannot force them to play us. I'd imagine it would require us to either just play in Corvallis or Eugene, or make 2-3 trips down there for every visit to the EACC. I just don't see the AD agreeing to do that.

One of the reasons we are able to schedule UW and WSU -- it gives them exposure in the Portland area; not just to the many alums who live in the area, but to potential recruits too. UO and OSU games can be good for alums, but “they’d have to drive all the way out to North Portland” says my UO grad cousin, “and what if they lost” he continues, “they’d look bad in front of their Nike base.”

Whatever!

DoubleDipper wrote:“...and what if they lost” he continues, “they’d look bad in front of their Nike base.”

I'm sure Adidas is down the street just salivating...