Any Red Shirts?

[oldrunner]

It is way too early to know anything for certain. However, that has never stopped us from speculating.

I have watched these guys play a few times now, and I am less secure about any one of our players red shirting this coming year. At first, I thought Gittins might be a good candidate for sitting out a year to develop and mature. Randy, typically, plays 11 during the preseason and 9 in BSC play. We have 12 scholarship players. Doing the math would indicate that at least one player would sit out this year. Gittins is only 17 years old and is probably still growing. Out of the three freshmen, only two have a red shirt year left; Josh Fuller has already used his at Utah. Senglen is needed to back up Richardson on the guard line. That leaves Gittins as the only viable candidate to sit out and save a year of eligibility. However, I'm not sure that will happen.

Randy may have to change his ways this year and use more guys in the rotation. I can see us going to a 12 man rotation in preseason and 10 to 11 in BSC play. These freshmen may just be too good to sit. All three of them may earn playing time. The minutes may need to be spread thinner on our guard line. The added benefits I see from this are the ability to sustain pressure defense and fresher legs at the end of games, and the season for that matter.

I know that there are others who have watched them play. What are your thoughts?

 

[n.ogdencat]

With Fulton's injury, really the Cat's only have 11 players ready. Fulton should be ready by the time the season starts, but his injury is fairly severe and will really limit his ability to get ready for the season. Also, he was virtually out with injury all of last season, so in essence, the Cat's really are going into this season with 11 guys. RS one of the guys would take the team to 10. I'm thinking everyone plays. It would be nice to RS Gittens, because he is 17 and a year maturing physically would pay HUGE dividends for the kid and the program, I just don't see it happening with the number of guys available. I'm not sure if the Wizard will be able to get a couple of Walkons who could play if needed this fall.

With that being said...I've also had a chance to watch the team a few times and I feel very confident that all three of the incoming freshman could definitely help this season. Senglin is extremely mature and has great basketball IQ. Offensively he hasn't overwhelmed me with his shooting, but defensively and running the show he sure has. He has great floor vision and excellent basketball IQ. Gittens has some serious skill. His game is fairly similar to Daviin Davis. He loves to dunk, but he has a nice looking shot. Defensively, he is quick, but needs some improvement. But as a 2 or 3 in Rahe's offense, I'm thinking he will definitely be something special. Fuller...tough, tough, tough. The Dude is going to be good. Think of Bullinger and that is what you get with Fuller, except Fuller is taller, quicker, and is a bit better defensively. The Cats are going to be fine this season.

 

[wazzuwildcat03]

What is wrong with Fulton? I knew he had his knee scoped at the start of last year, but I thought that was all fixed. Sounds like Fuller is going to be ready to go at the PF so if Fulton is not 100% we should be fine. I also wonder if Hill will play a little PF, but I think his natural position will be the SF. I would really like to redshirt Gittens, but I have never seen him play and I am not a coach. I say we try to redshirt him, but sounds like he will probably play. We have Richardson, Wheelright and Berry as the starters with Senglin, Williams and Hill backing them up. So Gittens would have to beat out the 3 bench players for minutes. We might be able to redshirt him. I would love an update on all the players. Who stands out the most, who has gotten bigger and faster, etc? The USU board always has these kinds of updates. I cant wait till Nov. 26 when we beat those turds. Just a little over 4 more months. :rockon:

 

[oldrunner]

I asked Fulton about his injury. He said that he expects to be 100% by fall. It was a bad ankle sprain, but nothing more. I was basing my 12 man team on that. However, there is always the possibility of injuries or that Byron's doesn't heal right. Just another reason that I don't think that there will be any red shirts. How the minutes will be distributed, is the real question. On the other hand, they could hold him out in the hopes to save his year as long as there are no major injuries. If RG and his family want him to save his year, then it will happen. Otherwise, I think Randy will play him. It's about 90% RG's call.

The likelihood that a walk on player would be good enough to come in and command playing time, is remote at best.

We have a couple of good shot blockers on the front line. I say we turn up the pressure and the speed. In that kind of game you need a lot of guards. They need regular rest breaks to keep up that kind of pace. It's a fun style to play and watch. I hope it happens. We have the horses for it. :thumb:

 

[oldrunner]

All of the guys have been in the gym and pumping iron. It really shows on them. Bolomboy and Wheelright have both put on about 20 lbs of muscle. Not only do they look stronger, but they are playing stronger as well. Tres is as fit as I have ever seen him and was playing aggressive and confident. Hill looked terrific. He was hitting threes, blocking shots, dunking, running the floor and playing lock down D. Fuller is still finding his way, but you can see great potential. Richardson seems to have total control. Williams was playing like he is ready to demand more time on the floor. Davion Berry can get his shot any time he wants it. He is, absolutely, the best player on the floor. I think that he will get a shot at the NBA when all is said and done. He is that good. He is not that far behind Lillard in skill and athletic ability. Both Berry and Tresnak should use this year as a tryout for the pros.

This is setting up to be another outstanding year. :rockon:

 

[Wildcat_Fan]

As a student I have been reading the forum and figured I may chime in. I work out from time to time at the gym and see both bolomboy and wheelwright working out with coach beckner and they are looking good! If wheels get his head screwed on I think he could be a great scorer with his quickness. Obviously we are going to have a great team. They seem to take from what happened last year (losing in not one but two championships) and that is what is driving them this offseason. Cant wait!

 

[n.ogdencat]

One thing for certain is that Weber's talent level is definitely above the rest of the Sky.

I though Fulton had a dislocated ankle. Deep sprain is a better prognosis.

 

[WILDCAT]

One thing for certain is that Weber's talent level is definitely above the rest of the Sky.

I though Fulton had a dislocated ankle. Deep sprain is a better prognosis.

Well then we better start winning the conference again

 

[oldrunner]

Welcome to the board, Wildcat_fan. It's always great to get new student fans to participate in our discussions. I am really hoping that our students can get as excited about this team as we all are. Be sure to get to as many games as you can and bring 5,000 of your closest friends. Also. don't be afraid to invite them to participate on this forum. We need more of the student perspective. When I was a student, a million years ago, we used to get 5,000 students per game and that was when the studentbody was half the size. It was a commuter campus back then, as it is now. Not that much has changed, including the quality of the team. If they will come out, they will have a great time and want to come back for more. It makes the team better, the community better, and I think that it make a more well rounded student. It's a cheap date and a great way to meet new friends. :thumb: :thumb: