The Future of Hornet Hoops

[Kadeezy]

I was finally able to sit down and watch the Hornet/'Furd game on the DVR yesterday and I wanted to say how impressed I am with this team. We couldn't pull out the W, but this is a game the old Hornets would drop 85-59, collect the check and go home. I've been very candid and admitted that I was wrong about Katz, and that I'm extremely happy with the direction of the program. Bill Walton had nothing but good things to say about our team and our coach and that was beautiful to hear. Nice to hear them advocating for a new on campus arena for us too. We played hard, didn't look overmatched, and the Katz teams never give up - regardless of how many fouls go against them, etc.

After this season, this team only loses Barlett and Demps. Of course Demps will leave a huge hole to fill, but if someone (Dressler, Dancer, Strings?) can play to lockdown PG/SG role, this team will only be better in the coming 2 years. We're looking at an imposing front line with some experience returning at guard...

2016-17

PG Graves/Wu/Ugbaja
SG Dressler/Wu/Ugbaja
SF Strings/Patton
PF Hornsby/Strings/M. Stuteville/Patton
C E. Stuteville/M. Stuteville/ Herrick

 

[mattman_121]

It's funny you mention this because when we were playing at UC Davis a couple of weeks ago I was thinking the same thing. We had a lineup of Graves/Wu/Strings/Hornsby/Stuteville on the court because Demps had fouled out of the game. Although we did not win the game we played and had a chance at taking the lead when Graves/Hornsby missed layups with under 30 seconds left. I think those five will be the starters next year, but I hope Dressler continues his development.

I expect big things from Wu and he is playing well for a true freshman, he is a big time athlete and shooter (just ask PGP his number one advocate) we will see how he does in conference play.

Patton isn't a SF and it is going to be tough to spread the minutes around for the big men because of the versatility that Hornsby/Strings have in being able to play/guard multiple positions.

Although this more of a group than individuals you could argue that Strings has been our best player this year, which is crazy. I can't wait to see how he develops over the next couple of years because he is still growing into his body. Having him and Graves for the next two years means we are in great hands.

I feel the best thing that Katz has done is recruit good quality character and developed continuity in the program. Everyone buys into their role and understands the program because they have been in the program out of High School. I really feel the day Dylan Garrity walked on our campus our program turned in a different direction and I hope it continues.

 

[sacstateman]

I was finally able to sit down and watch the Hornet/'Furd game on the DVR yesterday and I wanted to say how impressed I am with this team. We couldn't pull out the W, but this is a game the old Hornets would drop 85-59, collect the check and go home. I've been very candid and admitted that I was wrong about Katz, and that I'm extremely happy with the direction of the program. Bill Walton had nothing but good things to say about our team and our coach and that was beautiful to hear. Nice to hear them advocating for a new on campus arena for us too. We played hard, didn't look overmatched, and the Katz teams never give up - regardless of how many fouls go against them, etc.

After this season, this team only loses Barlett and Demps. Of course Demps will leave a huge hole to fill, but if someone (Dressler, Dancer, Strings?) can play to lockdown PG/SG role, this team will only be better in the coming 2 years. We're looking at an imposing front line with some experience returning at guard...

2016-17

PG Graves/Wu/Ugbaja
SG Dressler/Wu/Ugbaja
SF Strings/Patton
PF Hornsby/Strings/M. Stuteville/Patton
C E. Stuteville/M. Stuteville/ Herrick

Ditto....

 

[sacstateman]

It's funny you mention this because when we were playing at UC Davis a couple of weeks ago I was thinking the same thing. We had a lineup of Graves/Wu/Strings/Hornsby/Stuteville on the court because Demps had fouled out of the game. Although we did not win the game we played and had a chance at taking the lead when Graves/Hornsby missed layups with under 30 seconds left. I think those five will be the starters next year, but I hope Dressler continues his development.

I expect big things from Wu and he is playing well for a true freshman, he is a big time athlete and shooter (just ask PGP his number one advocate) we will see how he does in conference play.

Patton isn't a SF and it is going to be tough to spread the minutes around for the big men because of the versatility that Hornsby/Strings have in being able to play/guard multiple positions.

Although this more of a group than individuals you could argue that Strings has been our best player this year, which is crazy. I can't wait to see how he develops over the next couple of years because he is still growing into his body. Having him and Graves for the next two years means we are in great hands.

I feel the best thing that Katz has done is recruit good quality character and developed continuity in the program. Everyone buys into their role and understands the program because they have been in the program out of High School. I really feel the day Dylan Garrity walked on our campus our program turned in a different direction and I hope it continues.

and Ditto....

 

[sacstateman]

When I went to the one preseason practice, I was very surprised at how good this group looked....I probably shouldn't have been so surprised but it was easy to expect a let down after the Garrity/McKinney years...This team is not done surprising people yet as I don't think we have played up to our potential for a whole game yet...Second half of the Seattle game and second half of the Davis and ASU games, in my opinion are the times we came closest to our potential...I just can't wait to see this group grow this year and into the next couple years as well..

 

[SDHornet]

I agree with everything that has been said and I too was wrong about Katz. He's been great. This program should be competitive for years to come, but the younger players will need to get better to really put us over the top. I agree with PGP in that this team can play better. They seem to be playing to the level of their opponents, for better or for worse, which can be frustrating (Incarnate Word, Portland, dungpile) and exciting (ASU, Stanford) at times. The future is bright...now if only we can get the events center built...

 

[HornetHope]

I was wrong about Katz also.

This team has a much higher ceiling than any of us knows.

He got some serious man love from none other than Bill Walton,which will not hurt Bay area recruiting down the road.

Definitely need the events center, Check out Univ. of Alaska, Alaska Airlines Center. 5,000 seat arena, with offices, classrooms, etc. $90 mm got a very nice center, and the naming rights $$$ after they started building.

 

[josephpoint]

Great thread to read and enjoy.

On top of everything said in this thread...

Sacramento State ended the non conference portion of the 12 Big Sky schools on top.

So sweet to see that.

it will end tomorrow with many Big Sky teams in action against each other and our Hornets not starting conference play until Saturday.

Just always nice to see the hornets do so well and being in the mix.

And know our Hornets will fight hard every game to bring home the first basketball championship in the Big Sky at 6,000 J Street on the Road to Reno.

Go Hornets and know that the growing Hornet Nation is behind you all the way!!!

 

[sacstateman]

I can understand how a lot of people had doubts about Katz....history was not on his side....many fans would have been down on John Wooden reincarnated when Coach Katz took over the reins....but those doubts are gone now for most people....I believe what has happened here can be summed up by saying, Sacramento State now has a men's basketball "PROGRAM", instead of just a basketball team...I just hope more people become believers and the arena is built in the very near future...(I'm hoping a big sponsor will pony up big money for the naming rights when they realize Sac State basketball is here and winning for the long haul)...

 

[josephpoint]

Amen.

happy Birthday today as Sac State turns 69 years old.

And a 69 year old major CA university with 30,000 students now and playing at the Div I level for over 25 years needs a facility better than Hornet Gym.

Everything has been done, everything is in place. The campaign for a new facility is at last off the ground and let's get it done soon.

Indeed hope the successful alumni step it up and those in place behind the new facility are doing everything they can to attract the backing that is needed to get this vital facility for basketball, many other Div I sports at Sac State and so many other events that will benefit the school, the community DONE!!!