2009-10 Basketball Roster

From what I’ve read on the internets at least, seems to be making great strides this off-season. This can only mean good news for our post play, which I feel will make the difference between a serious run for an NCAA bid and trying to repeat as NIT champs.

Our backcourt I’m not too concerned about, I think Babb and Woodyard will be contributors this year after showing flashes of brilliance at times last season, and Frazier will be critical off the bench as far as getting Talor some rest without sacrificing solid point-guard play.

I believe we were down right terrible at it. Could be the X factor.

Keys to success: Stop looking lost on offense if Battle doesn’t set up the play himself. There were very few times last year when the offense looked capable without Battle in. A., you didn’t see them often because he was always in. B. Our plays shouldn’t be wait 20 seconds for Battle to do something then shoot a hail mary 3.

Connected to the first one- Get good points off the bench. Battle is clearly the most comfortable on the court. If he doesn’t get into a rhythm the team seems to suffer. Get someone who can score when the starters are having a bad night. I think Babb is the truth, now hopefully someone like Frazier can do well.

Free Throws-Drew looked like the best on the team at the end of the season. Everyone else needs to step it up.

Confidence-We’ve gotten over the hump (so to speak)! Create a winning attitude around the program. I loved the quote from 2 years ago when they beat Michigan State. They said something like, “the previous year when we beat Illinois we were cheering. After beating Mich. State we were a lot more calm. We expected to win.”

I often wonder how Jeff Brooks was runner up Mr Basketball in the state of Kentucky. I had/still have high hopes for him.

I think we can somewhat safely assume Battle will be his regular self, maybe better with the international experience(he led USA in scoring don’t you know).
I personally feel confident in Andrew Jones. By the end of the season he was the most solid big man we have had since the early 00s(which isn’t saying much). He of course has to work, but I loved his agression and passion. If he continues on his path, he will be a stud.

Freshmen are always question marks, so i do not expect mind blowing contribution there, although Frazier looks quite promising and has a great attitude coming in.

So, Brooks and Jackson really need to step up. I think that especially Brooks needs to contribute at least about 12 and 6. Jackson was good at the start last year and disappeared in the middle. I dunno if he has confidence or injury issues but he needs to start playing consistently. As stated above, we should be alright at the Guard and 5 spots. The 3 and 4 could be our achilles heel and set us back a bit. Hopefully by the time big ten play rolls around, they will be feeling like leaders.

If those two man up there is no reason why we should step backward this season.

Thats how i see it at least.

I think it’s going to be a big factor in whether or not the alumni, students and other fans residents come out to support the team this year. I think that will make a big difference in the play of these guys. They saw a glimpse of how much pride we have in what they accomplished last year at the NIT championship. I’m certainly planning on attending as many games as possible this year, which is a total reversal from last year, so hopefully I’m not the only one.