Next Season. What, already?

by DoubleDipper Wed Apr 04, 2012 10:22 am

Is it too soon to start talking about the 2012-2013 season? Yea, probably, but I decided to start a thread anyway after I noticed CBS Sports came out with its Top 25 (plus one) list for next season.

No real surprises, but I found it interesting how many of these top teams (except Gonzaga, and a few others) have unbelievable new talent coming in next year as part of the annual restocking.

UK is expected to remain on top despite everyone departing for the NBA, and I've included the Gonzaga's synopsis to give you a taste for the article.

John Calipari's team will look completely different next season, but the Kentucky Wildcats will still have a chance to go back-to-back. We've put together our Ridiculously Early Preseason Top 25 (and one) -- and we're sticking with UK in the top spot despite the fact we think the 'Cats will lose everyone of note except for reserve Kyle Wiltjer.

16. Gonzaga
Last season: 26-7 (lost to Ohio State in round of 32)
Notable players definitely gone: Robert Sacre, Marquise Carter
Others expected to leave: None
Notable players expected to return: Elias Harris, Kevin Pangos, Gary Bell, Sam Dower, Guy Landry-Edi, Kelly Olynyk, Mike Hart, David Stockton
Notable newcomers: None

The entire list is at:http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/18274517/ridiculously-early-top-25-and-one-calipari-kentucky-reload-are-no-1

by DTLegend Mon Apr 09, 2012 11:03 am

Since we are starting talking about next season already ( I love it btw) how about a little depth chart?

Depth Chart as far as i would assume:

PG: Derrik Rodgers (Sr.), David Carr (Soph),
SG: David Carr (Soph), Tanner Riley (Jr.), Korey Thieleke (Jr.), Bryce Pressley(Fr.)
SF: Kevin Bailey (Soph), Jake Elhers (Fr.)??
PF: Ryan Nicholas (Jr.), Dorain Cason (Soph), John Bailey (RS-Soph)
C: Thomas Van Der Mars (Soph), Riley Barker (RS-Soph)

Wasn't quite sure where to place David Carr, if a true pg is recruited, will Rev move David to his more natural position
Also was unsure about the incoming freshman and where Rev is seeing them in the future

I'm pretty sure this team will be better than last year, and hopefully everyone can continue progress.

by DoubleDipper Mon Apr 09, 2012 2:54 pm

DTLegend wrote:Since we are starting talking about next season already ( I love it btw) how about a little depth chart?
Also was unsure about the incoming freshman and where Rev is seeing them in the future

I'm pretty sure this team will be better than last year, and hopefully everyone can continue progress.

AND, we've still got one remaining scholarship to give (unless, of course, Rev holds on to it until next year).

by Guest Mon Apr 09, 2012 5:45 pm

How about Van Der Mars, Barker at center;
Cason, J.Bailey, Ehlers at PF;
Nicholas, Thieleke at SF;
K.Bailey, Carr, Riley at SG;
and Rodgers, Pressley at PG.

From the Pressley commitment thread:

Bryce has a shooting range that does not quit, plus he is a great ball handler and sees the floor -- he has a great passing ability

That sounds like PG material to me.

I'd like to see Ryan N. in the floor as a big SF; he's got decent range, and I think we won't out-quick teams, so why not out muscle them. Kevin as a shooting guard could be great. If he can get a reliable stroke from distance, he always has the ability to drive past the defender if they come out on him.

How long until next year? bounce

by oldtimer Mon Apr 09, 2012 10:06 pm

up7587 wrote:How about Van Der Mars, Barker at center;
Cason, J.Bailey, Ehlers at PF;
Nicholas, Thieleke at SF;
K.Bailey, Carr, Riley at SG;
and Rodgers, Pressley at PG.

From the Pressley commitment thread:
Bryce has a shooting range that does not quit, plus he is a great ball handler and sees the floor -- he has a great passing ability
That sounds like PG material to me.

I'd like to see Ryan N. in the floor as a big SF; he's got decent range, and I think we won't out-quick teams, so why not out muscle them. Kevin as a shooting guard could be great. If he can get a reliable stroke from distance, he always has the ability to drive past the defender if they come out on him.

How long until next year?

A couple thoughts about the above post. I like how you are thinking outside the box, with eight months to work the kinks out, you have started the process of speculating about positions and rotations for next year.
First thought, you cant have Kevin, David, and Tanner all stacked up at the same position as I can see at least two of them being starters next year. Heck if David plays PG then I can see all three of them starting.
As for Ryan N at the SF, why not. He already plays 40% of the positions on the floor, might as well make it 60%. I dont know about needing him on the wing, however it would be nice to see the staff try to get him open once in a while. We run everything to free the wings so maybe there is something to that. I am all for getting the leading scorer more opportunities wherever those may be!

Did anyone come up with a definitive answer to whether Bryce is a PG or not?

by Guest Tue Apr 17, 2012 4:20 pm

Well... Now we know that Kentucky's starting line-up won't be around next year. All five are going pro included Oregon-grown Terrance Jones.

ESPN Story

by DoubleDipper Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:19 pm

Better start making Christmas plans now! It appears the Pilots wiil be playing in the Las Vegas Classic (Orleans Arena), Dec 22 & 23. Eight teams, two games each.

Virginia Tech, Bradley, Colorado St, Cal St Bakersfield, Miss Valley St, Georgia Southern, North Florida, and UP.

by Guest Tue Apr 24, 2012 9:19 pm

DoubleDipper wrote:Better start making Christmas plans now! It appears the Pilots wiil be playing in the Las Vegas Classic (Orleans Arena), Dec 22 & 23. Eight teams, two games each.

Virginia Tech, Bradley, Colorado St, Cal St Bakersfield, Miss Valley St, Georgia Southern, North Florida, and UP.

Nothing says Christmas like bright decorations
Next Season. What, already? Showgi10

by blacksheep Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:04 am

DoubleDipper wrote:Better start making Christmas plans now! It appears the Pilots wiil be playing in the Las Vegas Classic (Orleans Arena), Dec 22 & 23. Eight teams, two games each.

Virginia Tech, Bradley, Colorado St, Cal St Bakersfield, Miss Valley St, Georgia Southern, North Florida, and UP.

Do you have any more info on the format. Which teams will we play, and how will it be decided. My Google machine isn't finding much info.

I don't know if I can handle two trips to Vegas a year, but as long as the Orleans will comp my room, I'm going to find out.

by pilotram Wed Apr 25, 2012 11:48 am

DoubleDipper wrote:Better start making Christmas plans now! It appears the Pilots wiil be playing in the Las Vegas Classic (Orleans Arena), Dec 22 & 23. Eight teams, two games each.

Virginia Tech, Bradley, Colorado St, Cal St Bakersfield, Miss Valley St, Georgia Southern, North Florida, and UP.

Whaaaaaat???

by DoubleDipper Wed Apr 25, 2012 10:51 pm

pilotram wrote:
Whaaaaaat???

Yea, I don't blame you, as there is nothing even listed in the Orleans Arena event schedule (yet), but your two teams may still play each just before Christmas.

A little clarification is in order after my original post. Apparently the Las Vegas Classic is changing its format a bit from last year and will only have four teams playing in the two day event, December 22 & 23. The four teams are UP, Bradley, Virginia Tech, and Colorado State. I do not know who plays who or the times of the games (yet).

The other four teams I mentioned are apparently part of a faux play-in to the Las Vegas event. It is now my understanding that UP will play North Florida and Cal State Bakersfield in the Chiles Center around 17 & 19 December. I say faux play-in because regardless of UP's results against those two teams, the Pilots will still advance to play in Las Vegas.

It's way too early in the 2012-13 schedule development process to speculate much more, but, as I wrote in an earlier post, you can make your Christmas plans now; I have!

Next Season. What, already? Las_ve10

by **PilotNut** Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:16 am

This is awesome! There has been a WCC team in this event the past couple years, and glad it is us this year!

by DoubleDipper Thu Apr 26, 2012 12:22 pm

PilotNut wrote:This is awesome! There has been a WCC team in this event the past couple years, and glad it is us this year!

Yea, last year St. Mary's lost to Baylor on the first night then beat Missouri State.

I believe UP is quite fortunate to be invited to an early season tournament after the team's poor record in 2011-12. It is my understanding six of the WCC schools will be playing in early season tourneys this year:

BYU: Coaches for Cancer in Brooklyn
LMU: Great Alaska Shootout in Anchorage
GU: Old Spice Classic in Orlando
SMC: Anaheim Classic
USF: Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu
UP: Las Vegas Classic

by DoubleDipper Tue May 15, 2012 9:21 am

Some are saying that with the addition of some great recruits, UNLV could be a top 10 team next season.

This morning from Rev:

UNLV Dec 4 at Chiles Center. Guys need to have goals as they work now. Sounds like the Rebels could be pretty good.

by Woodless! Tue May 15, 2012 10:17 am

Man, I didn't even know North Florida was a D1 school. I'm usually never the guy who says that either.

by DoubleDipper Tue May 15, 2012 10:34 am

Woodless! wrote:Man, I didn't even know North Florida was a D1 school. I'm usually never the guy who says that either.

Wait, with a Marine Corps brother who flies Ospreys, you didn't know the UNF Ospreys were D-1? (Man, I love being a pilot, but it would be so cool to be an osprey -- sorry, just dreaming out loud).

As I recall, they were D-1, then weren't D-1, but have been D-1 again for a number of years playing in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

A quick check on KenPom shows them ranked 191 in the nation last year with a 16-16 record; UP was 278!!

by Woodless! Tue May 15, 2012 10:37 am

I might have to hook my bro up with a North Florida t-shirt before he heads east.

by NoPoNeighbor Tue May 15, 2012 11:34 am

DoubleDipper wrote:This morning from Rev:
UNLV Dec 4 at Chiles Center. Guys need to have goals as they work now. Sounds like the Rebels could be pretty good.

Good work on scheduling! This is exciting!

by DoubleDipper Wed May 16, 2012 1:34 pm

Portland native Mike Moser decides to skip the NBA Draft and remain at UNLV at least one more year. Our December 4 opponet is already in the news -- in a good way.

From AOLSports:

Over the weekend, UNLV added top-10 recruit Anthony Bennett to a roster that already includes Mike Moser and will include Khem Birch at Christmas. Will the Rebels have the best front line in college basketball next year?

The most interesting aspect of this circumstance is it forces Moser into the small forward spot, which could turn out well for his future — if it turns out well for his present. Moser won fans last season with his rebounding and competitiveness. With 10 single-figure games, though, he was not a consistent scorer as a stretch-4, which gave him matchup advantages in many situations. He hit only 33.1 percent from 3-point range, making just 44-of-133 attempts.

How will Moser be as a true small forward? That’s the toughest position to master at the college level. Harrison Barnes, a lottery-level talent, never really got it right. It’s tough because so few players have the size and skill set to fit that most coaches just give up and play a third guard. That means 6-8 guys like Moser are defended on the perimeter by 6-4 and 6-5 guys who are just as athletic, or more so, and few college offenses have post-up plays to take advantage of the size differential.

In addition, a 6-8 guy like Moser has to deal defensively with the quickness and driving ability that a smaller wing can possess.

On paper, the Moser-Birch-Bennett combination looks appealing. Birch is a tremendous shot-blocker, and Bennett has remarkable strength and energy as a rebounder. On the floor, though, Moser and UNLV coach Dave Rice have some challenges to conquer.

by DoubleDipper Sun May 20, 2012 12:36 am

Whoa, has the season started? It has been said that Vanderbilt's Brad Tinsley, UK's Terrence Jones, and UNLV's Mike Moser were all ballin' at the Chiles Center today (Saturday). Hope our boys were holding their own!

by NoPoNeighbor Wed May 23, 2012 2:29 pm

up7587 wrote:How about Van Der Mars, Barker at center;
Cason, J.Bailey, Ehlers at PF;
Nicholas, Thieleke at SF;
K.Bailey, Carr, Riley at SG;
and Rodgers, Pressley at PG.

Let's revisit this now that the full recruiting class is known:

5: Van Der Mars, Barker
4: Nicolas, Ehlers, Cason
3: Ehlers, Cason, Thieleke
2. K. Bailey, Riley, Carr (Pressley?)
1. Reinfelds, Rodgers, Carr

by DoubleDipper Sat Jun 02, 2012 11:12 pm

NoPoNeighbor wrote:
up7587 wrote:How about Van Der Mars, Barker at center;
Cason, J.Bailey, Ehlers at PF;
Nicholas, Thieleke at SF;
K.Bailey, Carr, Riley at SG;
and Rodgers, Pressley at PG.

Let's revisit this now that the full recruiting class is known:

5: Van Der Mars, Barker
4: Nicolas, Ehlers, Cason
3: Ehlers, Cason, Thieleke
2. K. Bailey, Riley, Carr (Pressley?)
1. Reinfelds, Rodgers, Carr

How does this look for a starting lineup?

PG Derrick Rodgers with Oskars Reinfelds pushing and eventually taking over because he can SCORE

SG Tanner Riley and David Carr fighting to start, but it comes down to who can score AND defend

SF Kevin Bailey

PF Ryan Nicholas

C Thomas van der Mars

The key subs beyond those mentioned will be Riley Barker (depending on his recovery and conditioning) and Dorian Cason. John Bailey will come in for some quality minutes to spell the other bigs, but I would honestly love to see Jake Ehlers, David Ahern, and Bryce Pressley all redshirt. That probably won't happen, but it's possible that two of the three will. Oh, and Korey Thileke, unless he improves dramatically (not unheard of), he sits with Taylor Mossman.

by DoubleDipper Tue Jun 12, 2012 4:40 pm

Just looking over some blogs and releases about this (coming) year’s schedule, and see UP and GU have some pretty tough games ahead.

Nothing new to report for UP except maybe the UNM game in Albuquerque.

11/10 UP @ Ohio
11/25 UP @ New Mexico
12/4 UNLV @ UP
12/8 UP @ Kentucky
12/15 Kansas St. v GU in Seattle
12/28 Baylor @ GU
12/31 GU @ Oklahoma St
1/19 GU @ Butler

It's interesting to note the WCC is probably consulting GU before making the league schedule as WCC play probably begins December 27th. Personal opinion: this is GOOD for the WCC as it gives the league more prestige and national coverage.

by **DaTruRochin** Wed Jun 13, 2012 5:40 am

It is good, but it also stinks that those first 2 games will be there without students... Buuuuuut on the other hand maybe I'll actually get to attend a game this year!!

by NoPoNeighbor Wed Jun 13, 2012 11:27 am

DoubleDipper wrote:11/10 UP @ Ohio
11/25 UP @ New Mexico
12/4 UNLV @ UP
12/8 UP @ Kentucky

If the Pilots are ever good enough to be in contention for an at-large tournament bid, this aggressive non-conference scheduling is going to be a huge asset! However, given that we are several years away (at best) from being that good, this seems dangerous. Didn't the coaching staff say it wanted to have a less-challenging non-conference schedule this season?

Next Season. What, already?

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