17-18 Priorities

[n.ogdencat]

Last year in January, I kept saying that the #1 priority was another big. Someone who was a great rebounder. Joel might not have been an offensive juggernaut but he did give the Cats a lot of second chance opportunities and he himself scored the vast majority of his points off of second chance opportunities. That was a huge hole that Randy couldn't fill automatically, but he could have at least tried. Coming into the season rebounding was going to be an serious issue.

Losing Kiko, Juwan, and Richaud really did hurt. Kiko was another big gone (heard he is a great shooter, but he wasn't known for his rebounding) Juwan was a bigger body who is an above-average rebounder, and Richaud, by now, probably would have been our starting 3 and was our best rebounding guard. Not only is Richaud the best rebounding guard, he was our best defender. Granted, he definitely is an offensive liability at times when he plays too fast and out-of-control.

So, the question that needs to be asked is...how does Randy fix the issue? Rebounding...

Next year we will have Braxton, Dallas, and Vialen at the 5 with Chapman and Kozak at the 4. Tim Fuller, who is a good rebounder will join the team in 18' and can play either 4 or 5. That would give us 5 and 6 bigs in 17-18 and 18-19 respectively. Yes, next season is a slight worry. We will be deeper than this season, as long as everyone stays healthy, but will we be better in the middle? I personally think the four main bigs (Vialen will probably red shirt) will be Braxton, Chapman, Kozak, and Dallas. With Fuller coming in, in 18' does Randy need to get another big for next season? If so, is the big going to be a graduate transfer, JC transfer, or incoming freshman (I personally don't see this happening); anything else would be superfluous for 18-19 giving us 7 bigs and suddenly only 6 guards. If someone else comes in...who ends up getting "counselled" out?

Personally, I'm going to be somewhat upset if we bring in a graduate transfer and then show Richaud and another player the door. Why drop someone who has multiple years in the program for an unknown? Especially if that unknown only has a year to play?

 

[oldrunner]

Last year in January, I kept saying that the #1 priority was another big. Someone who was a great rebounder. Joel might not have been an offensive juggernaut but he did give the Cats a lot of second chance opportunities and he himself scored the vast majority of his points off of second chance opportunities. That was a huge hole that Randy couldn't fill automatically, but he could have at least tried. Coming into the season rebounding was going to be an serious issue.

Losing Kiko, Juwan, and Richaud really did hurt. Kiko was another big gone (heard he is a great shooter, but he wasn't known for his rebounding) Juwan was a bigger body who is an above-average rebounder, and Richaud, by now, probably would have been our starting 3 and was our best rebounding guard. Not only is Richaud the best rebounding guard, he was our best defender. Granted, he definitely is an offensive liability at times when he plays too fast and out-of-control.

So, the question that needs to be asked is...how does Randy fix the issue? Rebounding...

Next year we will have Braxton, Dallas, and Vialen at the 5 with Chapman and Kozak at the 4. Tim Fuller, who is a good rebounder will join the team in 18' and can play either 4 or 5. That would give us 5 and 6 bigs in 17-18 and 18-19 respectively. Yes, next season is a slight worry. We will be deeper than this season, as long as everyone stays healthy, but will we be better in the middle? I personally think the four main bigs (Vialen will probably red shirt) will be Braxton, Chapman, Kozak, and Dallas. With Fuller coming in, in 18' does Randy need to get another big for next season? If so, is the big going to be a graduate transfer, JC transfer, or incoming freshman (I personally don't see this happening); anything else would be superfluous for 18-19 giving us 7 bigs and suddenly only 6 guards. If someone else comes in...who ends up getting "counselled" out?

Personally, I'm going to be somewhat upset if we bring in a graduate transfer and then show Richaud and another player the door. Why drop someone who has multiple years in the program for an unknown? Especially if that unknown only has a year to play?

Our weaknesses this year have been defense and rebounding. So far our recruiting seems to be addressing those issues. How much improvement we make is yet to be seen.

IMO, if we were to bring in any new players, besides those already committed, they would have to be significantly better than any of our current players, or why bring them in. With that said, coaches are always trying to improve their teams. If a marquee player comes along I would think that you have to consider making room for them. If a player comes along who is equal to those currently on the team, then you don't bring them in.

 

[n.ogdencat]

Last year in January, I kept saying that the #1 priority was another big. Someone who was a great rebounder. Joel might not have been an offensive juggernaut but he did give the Cats a lot of second chance opportunities and he himself scored the vast majority of his points off of second chance opportunities. That was a huge hole that Randy couldn't fill automatically, but he could have at least tried. Coming into the season rebounding was going to be an serious issue.

Losing Kiko, Juwan, and Richaud really did hurt. Kiko was another big gone (heard he is a great shooter, but he wasn't known for his rebounding) Juwan was a bigger body who is an above-average rebounder, and Richaud, by now, probably would have been our starting 3 and was our best rebounding guard. Not only is Richaud the best rebounding guard, he was our best defender. Granted, he definitely is an offensive liability at times when he plays too fast and out-of-control.

So, the question that needs to be asked is...how does Randy fix the issue? Rebounding...

Next year we will have Braxton, Dallas, and Vialen at the 5 with Chapman and Kozak at the 4. Tim Fuller, who is a good rebounder will join the team in 18' and can play either 4 or 5. That would give us 5 and 6 bigs in 17-18 and 18-19 respectively. Yes, next season is a slight worry. We will be deeper than this season, as long as everyone stays healthy, but will we be better in the middle? I personally think the four main bigs (Vialen will probably red shirt) will be Braxton, Chapman, Kozak, and Dallas. With Fuller coming in, in 18' does Randy need to get another big for next season? If so, is the big going to be a graduate transfer, JC transfer, or incoming freshman (I personally don't see this happening); anything else would be superfluous for 18-19 giving us 7 bigs and suddenly only 6 guards. If someone else comes in...who ends up getting "counselled" out?

Personally, I'm going to be somewhat upset if we bring in a graduate transfer and then show Richaud and another player the door. Why drop someone who has multiple years in the program for an unknown? Especially if that unknown only has a year to play?

Our weaknesses this year have been defense and rebounding. So far our recruiting seems to be addressing those issues. How much improvement we make is yet to be seen.

IMO, if we were to bring in any new players, besides those already committed, they would have to be significantly better than any of our current players, or why bring them in. With that said, coaches are always trying to improve their teams. If a marquee player comes along I would think that you have to consider making room for them. If a player comes along who is equal to those currently on the team, then you don't bring them in.

Amen. You don't pull any scholies on other players unless the player coming in is substantially better. Also, I don't think you should pull of scholie on a point guard for a power forward who will get the 4th most mins out of the bigs. The guy coming in has to be getting starters mins. :thumb:

 

[oldrunner]

Amen. You don't pull any scholies on other players unless the player coming in is substantially better. Also, I don't think you should pull of scholie on a point guard for a power forward who will get the 4th most mins out of the bigs. The guy coming in has to be getting starters mins. :thumb:

That is why I think the only logical addition would be a 5, or a 4/5 combo. Further, it would make more sense to replace a wing than a point guard. Maybe we should get our resumes in for assistant jobs right now. We have this thing all figured out. :lol:

 

[Webergrad02]

I think priority #1 should be to clean house with the assistants. We actually got worse as the season went on in some of the areas we needed to improve. I know Olds disagrees with me but we need to develop and teach better rebounding. We have some great big men coming in this year lets HIRE A DEDICATED BIG MAN COACH. Yes Joel was a successful rebounder, but many times he did it out of position and relied on superior athleticism to get the boards. Now he is having to learn to be in better rebounding position in the NBA.

We also need leadership from the bench and on the court. For the last 4 years Rahe has let the tail wag the dog when it comes to Senglin and his decision making and on court leadership. In 2015, Golden and Coston-Johnson took alot of the heat for the poor chemistry and selfish play. But Senglin has never seemed to be held accountable for his selfish play and poor decision making. That play has reared its head again the past two weeks.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think priority #1 should be to clean house with the assistants. We actually got worse as the season went on in some of the areas we needed to improve. I know Olds disagrees with me but we need to develop and teach better rebounding. We have some great big men coming in this year lets HIRE A DEDICATED BIG MAN COACH. Yes Joel was a successful rebounder, but many times he did it out of position and relied on superior athleticism to get the boards. Now he is having to learn to be in better rebounding position in the NBA.

We also need leadership from the bench and on the court. For the last 4 years Rahe has let the tail wag the dog when it comes to Senglin and his decision making and on court leadership. In 2015, Golden and Coston-Johnson took alot of the heat for the poor chemistry and selfish play. But Senglin has never seemed to be held accountable for his selfish play and poor decision making. That play has reared its head again the past two weeks.

I couldn't agree more. Each year after a good assistant has left, over Rahe's tenure here at Weber State, the next year the team experiences a dip in success. Also, it is extremely frustrating how little our bigs develop. They are highly talented guys who succeed on the court not so much from development, but more so from their overall talent. Imagine how good Hill would be if he had a position coach who knew how to teach him a simple up and under move. Zach has one move, a hook shot. They are both really talented, but under-developed. Randy needs to cut the fat and get some better assistants. I've been saying that for four season. We lost a great coach to UNCO because Randy wouldn't move an average coach. Frustrating...

 

[UtahPirate]

I think priority #1 should be to clean house with the assistants. We actually got worse as the season went on in some of the areas we needed to improve. I know Olds disagrees with me but we need to develop and teach better rebounding. We have some great big men coming in this year lets HIRE A DEDICATED BIG MAN COACH. Yes Joel was a successful rebounder, but many times he did it out of position and relied on superior athleticism to get the boards. Now he is having to learn to be in better rebounding position in the NBA.

We also need leadership from the bench and on the court. For the last 4 years Rahe has let the tail wag the dog when it comes to Senglin and his decision making and on court leadership. In 2015, Golden and Coston-Johnson took alot of the heat for the poor chemistry and selfish play. But Senglin has never seemed to be held accountable for his selfish play and poor decision making. That play has reared its head again the past two weeks.

I couldn't agree more. Each year after a good assistant has left, over Rahe's tenure here at Weber State, the next year the team experiences a dip in success. Also, it is extremely frustrating how little our bigs develop. They are highly talented guys who succeed on the court not so much from development, but more so from their overall talent. Imagine how good Hill would be if he had a position coach who knew how to teach him a simple up and under move. Zach has one move, a hook shot. They are both really talented, but under-developed. Randy needs to cut the fat and get some better assistants. I've been saying that for four season. We lost a great coach to UNCO because Randy wouldn't move an average coach. Frustrating...

I'm on the same page. When you have a season-long weakness as bad our rebounding has been, you have to do something. I'm sure Rahe wants to be loyal to his staff -- but he also needs to be the leader. Something needs to happen on this front this off-season.

 

[oldrunner]

A big part of our rebounding problem has already been addressed in our recruiting. In the summer and fall Brekkott was our top rebounder. He may also be our top scorer next year as well. After that, Michael Kozac is averaging a double, double in a highly competitive, adult, semi pro league in Europe. He is a high level rebounder, with a complete game. Riley Court averaged 8 boards a game in HS, from his wing position. Trevon Ary-Turner is a good rebounding guard with a complete game. Anton Vailen is a question mark, but he certainly has the size to develop into a good rebounder.

IMO, rebounding is 80% desire. A coach can help players get a little better, but a lot of it is just in them. Defense is probably 40% desire, 40% ability, 20% training.

Both Zack and Kyndal showed improvement in rebounding this year, but they were not consistent with it and we were not deep enough to absorb the loss when they were in foul trouble.

 

[Hawkeye22]

Hill averages 7.7 rebounds a game
Braxton 6
John 3.4
Dallas 2
Senglin 3.6
Richardson 2

 

[oldrunner]

By position:

Center 8.2
Power Forward 9.4
Wings 8.4
Point guards 4.0

Not great numbers. We need and will be getting more from our wings and power forwards next year. Center will depend on the development of Dallas and our newcomers. There is room for improvement at the 5 spot. The most improvement we will see next year is at 4. Chapman and Kozac should average 15 per game. Also, the addition of Court and Ary-Turner to our wing positions should bring that average up to 10 per game. Hard to say if there is any possibility of improvement at the PG position.

We definitely get better at rebounding next year. How much better, remains to be seen.

 

[baller]

For me the #1 priority for the 17-18 season is converting Jerrick Harding into a point guard. I can see him driving, scoring, dishing and hitting some 3's from that position. Not to mention how much his quickness would help the team to defend the oppositions point. If Jerrick is to become all he can be, I truly believe that he has to become a point. Do it Rahe...

 

[baller]

Also, I think that our strongest team next year could be playing Kozack at power forward and Chapman at the wing position. That assumes that Chapman can shoot from outside; but I have no idea if he can or not.

 

[oldrunner]

Both Chapman and Kozak have complete games that include outside shooting. They can hit threes. However, they are both more efficient closer in where their rebounding ability is needed. They probably could play at the 3 spot, but it may not be where they are the most efficient. They could also play side by side as a 4/5 pair. I think we may see that quite often in the rotation.

The wing positions will be Harding, Ary-Turner, Court, Richardson, Baker.

 

[baller]

What about John as a SG/Wing? He has proven to me that he is not adequate as a point...

 

[oldrunner]

Don't throw the towel in on anybody, at any position, just yet. We know that players tend to make the most improvements during the summer months when they can get a lot of individual skill work done, on their own and with coaches. Players develop and next year will be a new year with added elements.

 

[Webergrad02]

Don't throw the towel in on anybody, at any position, just yet. We know that players tend to make the most improvements during the summer months when they can get a lot of individual skill work done, on their own and with coaches. Players develop and next year will be a new year with added elements.

Like bringing in a Big man coach to teach better rebounding position and technique?

 

[oldrunner]

Last I checked, we have 4 big man coaches.

There are some independent big man camps out there, and we have used them from time to time.

I don't disagree that our current big men need to perform better in almost all facets of the game. All of our big men over the last 11 years have become better players in the program. None of them came in as superstars, but a few of them have gone out as pros. If Zack improves as much this summer as he did last summer, we are going to be much improved in the paint next year.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I think Weber is set with what they have now and with who is coming in next year. At each position there is talent and good depth. This statement might be something of a broken record, especially coming from me, but I really like this incoming freshman class.

PG: Cannon, John, and Doc (I hear what you are saying Baller about Harding, but I doubt coach goes there).
SG: Harding, Ary-Turner
SF: Baker, Richardson, Court (I've heard that Court has grown and is measuring 6-6 now...)
PF: Chapman, Kozak
C: Braxton, Dallas, Vialen

If it was me, I would like to see Vialen and Doc red shirt (maybe Court depending on what type of game shape he comes back in). I don't doubt that either could play mins and contribute. They both could, I really feel Doc is going to be a special player for the Cats. I just don't want to waste his eligibility. The same could be said for Ary-Turner or Riley Court, but you can't red shirt everyone.

In this group we have a little bit of everything. I think our rebounding will improve, but that will depend on who is playing and what rotation Coach has on the floor.

 

[UtahPirate]

PG: Cannon, John, and Doc (I hear what you are saying Baller about Harding, but I doubt coach goes there).
SG: Harding, Ary-Turner
SF: Baker, Richardson, Court (I've heard that Court has grown and is measuring 6-6 now...)
PF: Chapman, Kozak
C: Braxton, Dallas, Vialen

I apologize for doing this, but since I've been ruminating it in my brain for awhile ...

This list has two seniors, Baker and Richardson. The 18-19 team, with next year under their belts for experience, has the look of a pretty special group.

 

[oldrunner]

If it is true that Court has grown, that makes him even more dangerous as a wing with guard skills who can shoot the three and rebound.

Many of us have already seen what Brekkott can bring. Believe me, it's all good. I have heard similar things about Kozak.

Our new point guard sounds like he could be special and our new wing, Ary-Turner, could have been playing in the PAC12, had he chosen that route. Our guard line looks strong for years to come.

IMO, improving at center is what needs to be handled over the off season. :clap: :rockon: