I know this season isn't over, and that there is a lot of basketball left to be played. Like most on this forum, I am hoping to watch the Wildcats finish the season at the friendly confines of the Dee Event Center and punch a ticket to the Big Dance. First time since the 2007 season. However, after a conversation last night about the state of the Big Sky Conference, I just can't help asking. Is Weber more of a veteran or a young team?
Weber will have, at least, two freshman playing significant mins next year. Maybe even more. The Cats will have four sophomores playing lots of mins (I'm thinking Fuller will play more next year, if you looked at the Box Score from Saturday's game, you'd notice that he ended up with 3 rebounds in only 1 min of play) three will probably be starters, with the other starters maybe being a fresh and a Jr (Bolomboy). Our two Seniors next year will be Royce Williams and James Hajek. Neither look like they will be starters, but I hope get good mins next season. Royce, does have an outside chance at starting or, at very least, being a major contributor off the bench. No matter, next season, Weber will most definitely be a young team, but will have a bunch of veteran and experienced players and a deep bench. Currently, those players are getting the experience now, that'll make them veteran players next season. Since this is occurring, one could claim that Weber is a young team now, and possibly a veteran team later?
Personally though, I think we are a little of both. Three senior starters, who are highly experienced and four underclassmen who see significant mins. Next season, the Cats will have seasoned underclassman, but a fairly young team. How do the Cats stack up?
Eastern and Sac are both young teams who have improved markedly from last season. Sac is a bit of a surprise, but guard play has always been the most important aspect of a Big Sky team being successful in conference play. Montana still has a number of core players and will depend a lot more on Mario Dunn. They also have a big sitting right now, who is transferring from I believe Washington. And finally, NAU is young and improving quickly. UNCO and ISU, will have a few guys remaining who can keep them competitive. Even being young, Weber still will be at the top of the conference. Maybe not the preseason #1, but will compete for that position. Our youth are surprising and have really shown their ability and the depth of our team.
Weber will have, at least, two freshman playing significant mins next year. Maybe even more. The Cats will have four sophomores playing lots of mins (I'm thinking Fuller will play more next year, if you looked at the Box Score from Saturday's game, you'd notice that he ended up with 3 rebounds in only 1 min of play) three will probably be starters, with the other starters maybe being a fresh and a Jr (Bolomboy). Our two Seniors next year will be Royce Williams and James Hajek. Neither look like they will be starters, but I hope get good mins next season. Royce, does have an outside chance at starting or, at very least, being a major contributor off the bench. No matter, next season, Weber will most definitely be a young team, but will have a bunch of veteran and experienced players and a deep bench. Currently, those players are getting the experience now, that'll make them veteran players next season. Since this is occurring, one could claim that Weber is a young team now, and possibly a veteran team later?
Personally though, I think we are a little of both. Three senior starters, who are highly experienced and four underclassmen who see significant mins. Next season, the Cats will have seasoned underclassman, but a fairly young team. How do the Cats stack up?
Eastern and Sac are both young teams who have improved markedly from last season. Sac is a bit of a surprise, but guard play has always been the most important aspect of a Big Sky team being successful in conference play. Montana still has a number of core players and will depend a lot more on Mario Dunn. They also have a big sitting right now, who is transferring from I believe Washington. And finally, NAU is young and improving quickly. UNCO and ISU, will have a few guys remaining who can keep them competitive. Even being young, Weber still will be at the top of the conference. Maybe not the preseason #1, but will compete for that position. Our youth are surprising and have really shown their ability and the depth of our team.
