It's Starting!

[oldrunner]

Practice is starting this weekend. The purple and white game is in a couple of weeks. I'm not sure of practice times just yet, but if it is like last year it will be about 1:00 or 2:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Practices are generally open to anybody. They may be curious about who you are, but as long as you are not disruptive, you are welcome. From the team photo, it looks like they have added a new walk on to the roster. There could be additional walk ons added. Between red shirts and walk on players, they like to have at least 5 guys to fill the scout team duties each week.

http://www.weberstatesports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8600&ATCLID=211196047

 

[SWeberCat02]

http://www.standard.net/Weber-State...preview-2016-17-jeremy-senglin-media-day.html

New walk-on is McKay Butler from Viewmont HS. Gittens expected to return early in the season, and Stavrev could possibly return during conference play but will likely redshirt.

 

[n.ogdencat]

http://www.standard.net/Weber-State...preview-2016-17-jeremy-senglin-media-day.html

New walk-on is McKay Butler from Viewmont HS. Gittens expected to return early in the season, and Stavrev could possibly return during conference play but will likely redshirt.

That makes it really tough on our bigs depth. I've heard that they are going to try to have Dusty play the 4 at times, which he did quite well last year to ensure that if another big red shirts we have other options. Gotta admire Dusty. The dude is awesome!! He can play 4 positions!

 

[oldrunner]

I totally agree about Dusty's versatility. He is a true 'tweener at 4 positions. He is the ultimate utility player. If he was bigger, he could be a starter at the 4 spot. If he were a bit faster he could be a starter at either wing position. He is also about the 4th option at point. We are lucky to have him. He is a stabilizing kind of player and a great young man. My feeling is that we will see him at the 4 spot quite a bit. When he is in there it will stretch a defense and cause matchup problems for the other team. It may also create some problems for us, defensively. We will be a substantially different team when Baker is at the 4. How much time he gets there will depend on fouls and injuries. Same for how much he plays on the wings. He could end up being a strong candidate for 6th man of the year in the BSC.

Another post player who will get a lot of time is Dallas. He will be the primary back up to Braxton and may play at the 4 from time to time. His time will also depend on fouls and injuries. The fifth guy in the post would be Darling. My feelings are that they would only play him, as apposed to a RS year, if there were to be a serious, season ending injury to one of the four in the main rotation. I'm hoping for no more injuries.

Our guards and wings are quite solid and deep. I expect some red shirts there, but who knows.

 

[Webergrad02]

How has Jerrick Harding looked? Are we looking at a possible redshirt with him?

 

[UtahPirate]

http://www.standard.net/Weber-State...preview-2016-17-jeremy-senglin-media-day.html

New walk-on is McKay Butler from Viewmont HS. Gittens expected to return early in the season, and Stavrev could possibly return during conference play but will likely redshirt.

Great picture of "Big T" Thurl Bailey! Who are the other two guys?

I'm probably too excited about this coming year. Ready to get things rolling.

Since I'm kind of 'meh' about college football, when baseball ends I'm all ready for Wildcat basketball! To me, it seems like we've turned a corner with our roster. Some very interesting pieces in the various classes. Love to see how the younger players progress. I think Hill is going to come up really big for us this year. His finish was strong last season and he's watched what it takes to lead as a senior. I'm all set for the starting lineup and player discussions on the board which should take place in about 5... 4... 3...

 

[n.ogdencat]

http://www.standard.net/Weber-State...preview-2016-17-jeremy-senglin-media-day.html

New walk-on is McKay Butler from Viewmont HS. Gittens expected to return early in the season, and Stavrev could possibly return during conference play but will likely redshirt.

Great picture of "Big T" Thurl Bailey! Who are the other two guys?

I'm probably too excited about this coming year. Ready to get things rolling.

Since I'm kind of 'meh' about college football, when baseball ends I'm all ready for Wildcat basketball! To me, it seems like we've turned a corner with our roster. Some very interesting pieces in the various classes. Love to see how the younger players progress. I think Hill is going to come up really big for us this year. His finish was strong last season and he's watched what it takes to lead as a senior. I'm all set for the starting lineup and player discussions on the board which should take place in about 5... 4... 3...

Here are my thoughts.

Starting Lineup:
PG: McKay Cannon
SG: Jeremy Senglin
SF: Ryan Richardson/Dusty Baker
PF: Kyndahl Hill
C : Zach Braxton

Richaud Gittens, Cody John, Jordan Dallas, Juwan Williams (wish he could redshirt and not waste his eligibility)

Red Shirts: George Darling, Jerrick Harding, Kiko Stavrev.

 

[Webergrad02]

http://www.standard.net/Weber-State...preview-2016-17-jeremy-senglin-media-day.html

New walk-on is McKay Butler from Viewmont HS. Gittens expected to return early in the season, and Stavrev could possibly return during conference play but will likely redshirt.

Great picture of "Big T" Thurl Bailey! Who are the other two guys?

I'm probably too excited about this coming year. Ready to get things rolling.

Since I'm kind of 'meh' about college football, when baseball ends I'm all ready for Wildcat basketball! To me, it seems like we've turned a corner with our roster. Some very interesting pieces in the various classes. Love to see how the younger players progress. I think Hill is going to come up really big for us this year. His finish was strong last season and he's watched what it takes to lead as a senior. I'm all set for the starting lineup and player discussions on the board which should take place in about 5... 4... 3...

Here are my thoughts.

Starting Lineup:
PG: McKay Cannon
SG: Jeremy Senglin
SF: Ryan Richardson/Dusty Baker
PF: Kyndahl Hill
C : Zach Braxton

Richaud Gittens, Cody John, Jordan Dallas, Juwan Williams (wish he could redshirt and not waste his eligibility)

Red Shirts: George Darling, Jerrick Harding, Kiko Stavrev.

Maybe you dole out this years redshirts with 2017 - 18 in mind rather than this season. Next year we could really use Williams on the wing where this year we are pretty much log jammed. Why not redshirt Williams and give Darling whatever Front court minutes are left. It may be unlikely that Rahe will even get that far down the depth chart. Then depending on how Darling progresses he could be red shirted in 2017-2018. Does Chapman count as a redshirt this season? If so I really don't see us redshirting 3 bigs. When have you ever seen a Big Sky team with a roster full of this many big men? The question is how well do Dallas, Kiko & Darling develop.

 

[oldrunner]

Although all positions are open for competition, it is clear that really only the 3 spot is truly up for grabs. I would say that Tal is on point to say that Ryan has the inside track to win it. However, I would suggest that Cody John has a real good chance at it as well. If Gittens wasn't injured, he would be in the conversation. The only reason I am not so sure that Dusty is in that conversation is because of his expected backup role in the post. Williams would also be in the mix if he does not red shirt. Any additional injuries could change the whole conversation.

Harding looks really good. He is going to be a terrific 4 year starter. It just doesn't seem right to waste one of his years as a backup to Senglin. Senglin will be the MAN on the guard line this year. Why use a year of Harding's eligibility for 5 to 6 minutes per game.

 

[sacstateman]

Something you have to think about when talking about red-shirting a player of Harding's reported abilities is this, if he red shirts he can more than likely leave as a graduate transfer after his junior year without having to sit out a year....there is always a gamble with a very good player that he will want to test himself against stronger competition in a stronger league.

 

[WSUProf]

Unless John has significantly improved his 3 point shooting, I don't see him as a viable 3. Last year he shot 15% from 3. Whoever plays the 3 has to be a 3 point threat to open things up more for Senglin.

I will be interested to see how Dallas looks. To me that's the biggest question mark. Can he provide 15-20 minutes off the bench to spell Braxton and Hill? If he can't then Williams will probably need to play some minutes at the 4 again, along with Baker.

 

[oldrunner]

Something you have to think about when talking about red-shirting a player of Harding's reported abilities is this, if he red shirts he can more than likely leave as a graduate transfer after his junior year without having to sit out a year....there is always a gamble with a very good player that he will want to test himself against stronger competition in a stronger league.

Sure, that is a possibility with any player. I just don't think that you plan your lineup with those sorts of things in mind. It hit us pretty hard when Damian left after his Jr. year, but you move on. I'm not saying that Harding is another Lillard, but you just can't try to plan around kids leaving early or transferring. You just deal with those things when they happen. One or two players can make a big impact. However, it is still a team game and, as Lillard proved, having the best player in the league does not always win championships. It takes a little more.

One of the secrets of our success has been our longer range planning. 5th year seniors are great to have in a program, even if they are not stars. Unfortunately, we can't red shirt all freshmen. With just 13 grants, it is inevitable that some freshmen will play. Sometimes it works out and sometimes those guys struggle for a year or two.

 

[oldrunner]

Unless John has significantly improved his 3 point shooting, I don't see him as a viable 3. Last year he shot 15% from 3. Whoever plays the 3 has to be a 3 point threat to open things up more for Senglin.

I will be interested to see how Dallas looks. To me that's the biggest question mark. Can he provide 15-20 minutes off the bench to spell Braxton and Hill? If he can't then Williams will probably need to play some minutes at the 4 again, along with Baker.

I'm sure that Cody's outside shooting was a point of emphasis for him over the summer. He is the backup at the PG position and, like you said, if his outside shooting has improved he becomes a threat to start on the wing positions as well. Ryan is a streaky shooter, but seems to play best when he is getting steady minutes. He is a Jr. and has the inside track to start at the 3 spot. He needs to improve his defense and rebounding. Williams seemed to have it all, but suffered from nagging knee problems all season long. I'm not sure where he is at with that. We know where Gittens issues are and about when he will return. Where ever Cody plays, he is going to get a lot of minutes, more than last year. It will be interesting to see how he responds.

 

[oldrunner]

I saw the basketball team at the football game today. The good news.... Nobody on crutches.

It's good to see them out enjoying the evening and game.

We are just a few weeks from our first games. I may sit in on a practice sometime next week.

Last year was quite good. I expect the same or better this year. This is the first time, for quite a while, that we will have 3 seniors. They all should contribute.

 

[n.ogdencat]

I saw the basketball team at the football game today. The good news.... Nobody on crutches.

It's good to see them out enjoying the evening and game.

We are just a few weeks from our first games. I may sit in on a practice sometime next week.

Last year was quite good. I expect the same or better this year. This is the first time, for quite a while, that we will have 3 seniors. They all should contribute.

That is always a good thing!

 

[ajwildcat]

I saw the basketball team at the football game today. The good news.... Nobody on crutches.

It's good to see them out enjoying the evening and game.

We are just a few weeks from our first games. I may sit in on a practice sometime next week.

Last year was quite good. I expect the same or better this year. This is the first time, for quite a while, that we will have 3 seniors. They all should contribute.

That is always a good thing!

I think everyone who was at the football game saw the basketball team there (as they were on the field at half time.) :mrgreen:

 

[SWWeatherCat]

I saw the basketball team at the football game today. The good news.... Nobody on crutches.

It's good to see them out enjoying the evening and game.

We are just a few weeks from our first games. I may sit in on a practice sometime next week.

Last year was quite good. I expect the same or better this year. This is the first time, for quite a while, that we will have 3 seniors. They all should contribute.

That is always a good thing!

I think everyone who was at the football game saw the basketball team there (as they were on the field at half time.) :mrgreen:

I saw them :nod:
I also sat next to Brekkott but (he's) not starting (soon enough, anyway). He likes his situation at Weber immensely better than at the u. :thumb:

 

[n.ogdencat]

Looking at a picture from the halftime presentation (couldn't really tell sitting on the east side stands) but Jordan Dallas looks huge. He looks like he is 7'1" compared to the guys who are 6'8"/6'9." Also, Georgie Boy Darling also looks taller than advertised. I like knowing that we have some guys who are athletic bigs who are tall and filling out. That spells dominance in the paint.

 

[oldrunner]

Purple and White game is Wednesday night.

It's not the best way to evaluate players, but it is a chance to see a little bit of the competition for playing time. You may also be able to see the results of off season work by each guy. We will be able to see some guys play who may never play this year.

I hope everyone who posts on this forum can get to the Dee to check this years team out. I haven't missed one of these in over 25 years. :rockon: :rockon:

 

[SWeberCat02]

Top 10 Cinderella teams you may hear about when we get to March Madness

http://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/top-10-cinderella-teams-you-may-hear-about-when-we-get-to-march-madness/

Randy Rahe's team loses a pro in Joel Bolomboy, but everyone else is back. WSU was an NCAA Tournament team a season ago. Jeremy Senglin, a crafty shooting guard with a penchant for breaking down zones, is going to have a big year. Rahe's team plays smart and will have at least four guys capable of shooting from deep. Damian Lillard's alma mater should be the best team in the Big Sky, even with the huge hole created by Bolomboy's departure.