Next years starters and top resevers

[wazzuwildcat03]

Thought it would be fun to speculate on next years team. We have at least one more opening and the roster is always changing, but if I had to guess next years rotation, this is what I would guess for now.

PG. SO Jawara
SG. SR McEwen
SF. SR Overton
PF. FR. Jones
C. SR Carlson

Top reserves in order of playing time.
SR Kozak
SR Bassett
JR Porter
SO Cunningham
SO Percy
SO Kupsas
JR Nzekwesi

I can see Kozak starting instead of Jones, but I think Jones is too good not to start. He is so versatile and valuable. We will see who else we bring in, but I love the depth and expercise. I know Coach Rahe only likes to play 8 guys, but would love to see a solid 9 man rotation. I think we have the depth to do that. :rockon:

 

[oldrunner]

Thought it would be fun to speculate on next years team. We have at least one more opening and the roster is always changing, but if I had to guess next years rotation, this is what I would guess for now.

PG. SO Jawara
SG. SR McEwen
SF. SR Overton
PF. FR. Jones
C. SR Carlson

Top reserves in order of playing time.
SR Kozak
SR Bassett
JR Porter
SO Cunningham
SO Percy
SO Kupsas
JR Nzekwesi

I can see Kozak starting instead of Jones, but I think Jones is too good not to start. He is so versatile and valuable. We will see who else we bring in, but I love the depth and expercise. I know Coach Rahe only likes to play 8 guys, but would love to see a solid 9 man rotation. I think we have the depth to do that. :rockon:

I would rather wait to see who else comes in, who developes their skills over the summer, and who fits in to what the coaches are trying to accomplish. I am encouraged by who we have coming back, who we have coming in, and how our coaches have responded to changes in the game.

I do feel that graduate transfers are usually not coming in to be bit players. These guys are starters at best and major role players at worst. I am excited to see what comes next.

 

[baller]

I think we might have the depth to play 10 deep this next season. However, Rahe can't seem to manage more than 8. I see the starters and backups, who should all get backup time, as:

Starters Backups
C - Cody Carlson Dontay Bassett
PF - Dillon Jones Michael Kozak
W - JJ Overton Zahir Porter
SG - Koby McEwen Tavian Percy
PG - Sisoho Jawara KJ Cunningham

Good luck Randy in trying to figure out how to handle 10 in your rotation. I believe we would be a better team if he can figure out how to manage 10.

 

[oldrunner]

I think we might have the depth to play 10 deep this next season. However, Rahe can't seem to manage more than 8. I see the starters and backups, who should all get backup time, as:

Starters Backups
C - Cody Carlson Dontay Bassett
PF - Dillon Jones Michael Kozak
W - JJ Overton Zahir Porter
SG - Koby McEwen Tavian Percy
PG - Sisoho Jawara KJ Cunningham

Good luck Randy in trying to figure out how to handle 10 in your rotation. I believe we would be a better team if he can figure out how to manage 10.

I still expect us to sign at least one more big man, maybe two. I think we have all the guards we need, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us sign a combo player like Jones, a player who can do a little bit of everything. Dillon is a guard who can guard the 4 position well. He can play 2, 3, or 4. It's hard to keep Kozak off the floor. Bassett falls into that category as well. I think the competition for PT will be intense at all of the positions.

I too would like to see a larger rotation of players, certainly up until the last couple of weeks. I think that we could see it evolve that way.

 

[n.ogdencat]

There are 10 guys who can legitimately contribute. With some development, 11 or 12. I think we see Randy sign one more this Spring. If he doesn't that is fine too. Bassett with a year in the program and healthy, can be the rim protector, rebounder, we need. I also keep hoping that Nzekwesi does what his brother did at Oral Roberts, and develops each year he's in the program. When he was on the floor, the guy gave it his all. We don't need him shooting threes, but ready to play defense and play with his back toward the basket, on offense. Regardless, the team is looking like a definite conference contender.

 

[oldrunner]

There are 10 guys who can legitimately contribute. With some development, 11 or 12. I think we see Randy sign one more this Spring. If he doesn't that is fine too. Bassett with a year in the program and healthy, can be the rim protector, rebounder, we need. I also keep hoping that Nzekwesi does what his brother did at Oral Roberts, and develops each year he's in the program. When he was on the floor, the guy gave it his all. We don't need him shooting threes, but ready to play defense and play with his back toward the basket, on offense. Regardless, the team is looking like a definite conference contender.

Agreed. We have 12 solid players on the squad right now. We don't have a pressing need. There isn't a turd in the bunch. The only way we should bring anybody in is if they are better than anything we currently have. There are still a ton of really good players out there, so it isn't out of the question. It's nice to be recruiting from a position of strength.

If it is with the guys we have or if we have additions, I just want to see us take the next step. I want a BSC championship and a good showing in the dance. I don't think it is too much to ask. Can't hardly wait for next October. :nod:

 

[oldrunner]

I know that we are still looking to bring in impact guys from the portal, so it is hard to make any calls on the rotation just yet. However, with the guys we have locked up, I would say that we are 6 deep at the guard spots and 5 deep in the front court. I could see us using an 11 man rotation for the first couple of months. a lot will depend on how we develop over the summer and any injuries that might happen.

We, quite simply, have guys who will earn playing time, guys who's work and skills will demand PT. Those are the guys who will determine how many guys will be in Randy's rotation. You are sure not going to be able to keep a guy like Dillon Jones off the floor, and yet, IMHO, you can say that about all of our guards. After our top three front court players it drops off a bit, but the next two are not without skills. If those next guys work hard over the summer and fall, their play in practice, could start demanding some PT for them.

I don't know that anybody would red shirt, but there may be some room for that. Certainly, that would be true if we bring in any additional transfers. The 12th and 13th guys on the bench may want to consider it. That is a luxury to have.

 

[wazzuwildcat03]

I have never seen Coach Rahe use more than a 8 man rotation. Maybe that is because he felt only 8 players were good enough to play or just he only likes playing 8 guys. Maybe a little of both. I would like to see a 9 man rotation. Also if you use more than 8 or 9 guys consistantly, there is not enough minutes for everyone. I wish college basketball was like the the NBA and did four 12 minute quarters instead of two 20 minute halves. College basketball games seem to go by too fast. I still think Coach Rahe will only use 8 guys with a 9th for spot duty. This is what I think at this moment. Will probably change again.

PG Jawara
SG Mcween
SF Jamison
PF Kozak
C Carson

Top 3 bench

Porter
Jones
Basset

9th player spot duty 2-5 minutes per game

Cunningham

Bench players that will never play unless there are injuries and when we play NAIA and D2 wankor teams that my church ball team could beat.

Nweskie
Kupsas
Koehler

Red shit

Tew (He is a big project.) No way he sees the floor.

 

[oldrunner]

I have never seen Coach Rahe use more than a 8 man rotation. Maybe that is because he felt only 8 players were good enough to play or just he only likes playing 8 guys. Maybe a little of both. I would like to see a 9 man rotation. Also if you use more than 8 or 9 guys consistantly, there is not enough minutes for everyone. I wish college basketball was like the the NBA and did four 12 minute quarters instead of two 20 minute halves. College basketball games seem to go by too fast. I still think Coach Rahe will only use 8 guys with a 9th for spot duty. This is what I think at this moment. Will probably change again.

PG Jawara
SG Mcween
SF Jamison
PF Kozak
C Carson

Top 3 bench

Porter
Jones
Basset

9th player spot duty 2-5 minutes per game

Cunningham

Bench players that will never play unless there are injuries and when we play NAIA and D2 wankor teams that my church ball team could beat.

Nweskie
Kupsas
Koehler

Red shit

Tew (He is a big project.) No way he sees the floor.

I can't argue much with that. For at least the first couple of months, I would move Cunningham up and call it the first four off the bench. I also think that one of the three big men you have on the bench will get more minutes than we are thinking, at least for the first few months. The rotation might be tightened up a lot as we get into the meat of BSC play.

I still anticipate at least one more player added. I also think that Sanders will see more time this year.

 

[BigWaldO]

I have never seen Coach Rahe use more than a 8 man rotation. Maybe that is because he felt only 8 players were good enough to play or just he only likes playing 8 guys. Maybe a little of both. I would like to see a 9 man rotation. Also if you use more than 8 or 9 guys consistantly, there is not enough minutes for everyone. I wish college basketball was like the the NBA and did four 12 minute quarters instead of two 20 minute halves. College basketball games seem to go by too fast. I still think Coach Rahe will only use 8 guys with a 9th for spot duty. This is what I think at this moment. Will probably change again.

PG Jawara
SG Mcween
SF Jamison
PF Kozak
C Carson

Top 3 bench

Porter
Jones
Basset

9th player spot duty 2-5 minutes per game

Cunningham

Bench players that will never play unless there are injuries and when we play NAIA and D2 wankor teams that my church ball team could beat.

Nweskie
Kupsas
Koehler

Red shit

Tew (He is a big project.) No way he sees the floor.

I can't argue much with that. For at least the first couple of months, I would move Cunningham up and call it the first four off the bench. I also think that one of the three big men you have on the bench will get more minutes than we are thinking, at least for the first few months. The rotation might be tightened up a lot as we get into the meat of BSC play.

I still anticipate at least one more player added. I also think that Sanders will see more time this year.

Sanders is going to redshirt next season so no playing time. Very good shooter but he only saw time cuz it was a free year

 

[oldrunner]

I can't argue much with that. For at least the first couple of months, I would move Cunningham up and call it the first four off the bench. I also think that one of the three big men you have on the bench will get more minutes than we are thinking, at least for the first few months. The rotation might be tightened up a lot as we get into the meat of BSC play.

I still anticipate at least one more player added. I also think that Sanders will see more time this year.

Sanders is going to redshirt next season so no playing time. Very good shooter but he only saw time cuz it was a free year

If Sanders does red shirt, that bodes well for him. If Randy didn't think he had D1 potential he would have counseled him out to a JC or D11. In the little bit of time he got, he showed a great deal of poise and confidence. I think our new walk on from Davis High, Trujillo, will be in a similar position. Both of those young men could earn grants somewhere, if not at WSU. Personally, I would love to see them catch on here. Both are gritty, hard nosed, blue collar players that are needed in any program. It doesn't hurt that they can both shoot the lights out.

I'm still hoping for a P5 drop down center. We are fine if we don't get that, but that sort of thing could put us over the top.

I'm really anxious to get a look at all of our new guys.

 

[oldrunner]

Having watched most of our guys play a little bit this summer, I have formed opinions about a few of the starting spots.

McEwen is best with the ball in his hands and he is, by far, the best player on our team. He will certainly start and probably at the PG position.

We have a ton of options at the wing positions. The top three guys, right now, seem to be Porter, Overton, and Jones. Jones could also play at the 4 or 5 positions as well.
My feelings are that Porter and Overton could start at 2&3, with Jones coming off the bench at 2, 3, 4, or 5. Jones has improved enough over the spring and summer that it will be impossible to keep him off the floor.

The rotation at the 4 and 5 spots will probably expand this year. We have five or six guys who can contribute. Foul trouble should not be an issue, IMHO.

This is the year, if there ever was one, for an expanded rotation and way more full court pressure. We have the horses to do it.

 

[wazzuwildcat03]

Thanks for the update. How about Jawara? I can't see him not starting. He was 2nd team all Big Sky and a dang good ball handler. When I heard we landed McEwen, I was geeked. I remember him at USU thinking he was damn good and that was 3 years ago. I can only imagine what he is capable of doing in the Big Sky. We should know the final schedule soon. :rockon:

 

[oldrunner]

Thanks for the update. How about Jawara? I can't see him not starting. He was 2nd team all Big Sky and a dang good ball handler. When I heard we landed McEwen, I was geeked. I remember him at USU thinking he was damn good and that was 3 years ago. I can only imagine what he is capable of doing in the Big Sky. We should know the final schedule soon. :rockon:

Jawara is still in Spain. He will compete for time at PG/WG. He could start, but there will certainly be a lot of competition for those minutes. Cunningham is looking quite good as well. That is why I am thinking there will be more guys playing and more pressing going on. I think it is going to be a fun season. :nod:

 

[oldrunner]

Here is a look at the freshman big man. He seems to have good hands and feet. He certainly has some potential.
https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FE5bGmHtJKws&e=ATP2dm_0SgRBOGbbPzhzkCf-yNj8ZVBZfi-ukx274OaG1dH2DjXsnrctypD4X0kTo_ZsMoVicwqWYGaJ&s=1

Here is a bit more footage of him. This shows more of his versatility and movement.
https://youtu.be/kvCYKZBK4YE

 

[Mousegriz]

Why does Weber always bring in top notch players but fail to perform to their expected level? Why doesn't anyone but "oldrunner" seem to have much to say about Weber basketball?

Weber shouldn't lose in conference next year? When's the last time they did that? I don't recall Lillard's teams ever doing it.

Is Rahe still the coach? Going undefeated in conference next year? Don't hold your breaths!

 

[AlumniWSU]

Why does Weber always bring in top notch players but fail to perform to their expected level? Why doesn't anyone but "oldrunner" seem to have much to say about Weber basketball?

Weber shouldn't lose in conference next year? When's the last time they did that? I don't recall Lillard's teams ever doing it.

Is Rahe still the coach? Going undefeated in conference next year? Don't hold your breaths!

:stir: Curious of why your interest...but before Oldrunner, etc. comment, to some of us naysayers, as to not playing up to expectations, the answer to your question, YES, & IN PART it is the coaching weaknesses. Said only for me & not hate speech just my opinion...read back for a long history of comments if you're that interested.

Here's to a better season (especially post regular play) for the Weber State Wildcats !! :twocents:

 

[oldrunner]

Why does Weber always bring in top notch players but fail to perform to their expected level? Why doesn't anyone but "oldrunner" seem to have much to say about Weber basketball?

Weber shouldn't lose in conference next year? When's the last time they did that? I don't recall Lillard's teams ever doing it.

Is Rahe still the coach? Going undefeated in conference next year? Don't hold your breaths!

The winner of the BSC will likely have at least 4 losses. Talent is just one aspect to consider. Over the past 5 or 6 years PSU has amassed the most impressive athletes and have not won championships. Injuries play a big role, team chemistry, and just plain old dumb luck are sometimes the difference.

Several teams in the BSC have improved themselves, UM among them. I expect road wins will be hard to come by. This should be an interesting season.

Thanks for chiming in Mouse. It seems to be well known that the coaching staff at UM is the best in the nation. That alone makes UM a top team, year in and year out. It's been great watching those Griz teams in the sweet 16 every year. Keep up the good work up in the frozen north. :thumb:

 

[AlumniWSU]

Yup, several things enter into it, but with Weber State basketball...some Wildcat fans cannot admit that the coaching has anything to do with WSU not meeting expectations...except for a opposing team's coaching abilities, like UM's, etc. who have "Rahe's number", or should I say "Rahe's well known achilles heal tendencies" in mind, & beat the Wildcats in tourney play a lot lately. :lol:

PS: For the last several years, some of us Wildcat fans would love to just have a BSC tourney championship & maybe even a First Round WIN in the Big Dance...we're a little more realistic on expectations, as in not expecting to go undefeated in BSC or make it to a Big Dance Second Round & beyond! :wall:

 

[oldrunner]

Yup, several things enter into it, but with Weber State basketball...some Wildcat fans cannot admit that the coaching has anything to do with WSU not meeting expectations...except for a opposing team's coaching abilities, like UM's, etc. who have "Rahe's number", or should I say "Rahe's well known achilles heal tendencies" in mind, & beat the Wildcats in tourney play a lot lately. :lol:

PS: For the last several years, some of us Wildcat fans would love to just have a BSC tourney championship & maybe even a First Round WIN in the Big Dance...we're a little more realistic on expectations, as in not expecting to go undefeated in BSC or make it to a Big Dance Second Round & beyond! :wall:

I'm not in disagreement with you. Coaching is a big factor in all aspects of their program. All I have ever wanted to say is that all coaches have their strengths and their weaknesses. I have never met a perfect coach. There are coaches all along the spectrum from good to poor. There is a small handful of great coaches around the country, none of them in the BSC. There are 6 or 7 coaches in our league whom I would consider good, Rahe is one of them. I've been involved with our programs since just after Dick Matta and would say that most of our coaches have been good, only a few were poor. All of them had their strengths and weaknesses.

It's easy to coach from the stands, much harder from the bench.