deacdiggler
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being more fun to watch than last year is a fairly low bar to clear
Yes i agree, we were last place last year and lost our top 4 scorers, Forbes was thrown into a tough situation. For me next year is a throw away year as i see Forbes 2nd year as the year we can be good with a solid 21 class and a few grad transfers.We'll be better, but the league is strong. I think we'll steal a few games we wouldn't have otherwise. But as Skip used to say, "It's not the Xs and Os. It's the Jimmies and Joes."
We need to be realistic. The team will be more intense, more fun to watch, better coached, etc., but we are at a talent deficit in the ACC for this year and maybe next.
RE: JJ - First of all, in the fifteen years since he left Duke, the three point shot has become even more integral to the game. I wouldn't be surprised if he took 10-12/game these days. As great as his shot was, he shot under 40% for his first two years and barely 40% his junior year.
Neither White nor Chill are close to being as good a shooter as Massoud. So, get 2-3 more threes/game than them isn't that much assuming he is playing over 30 mpg.
There are other reasons why Massoud should take that many shots. We are going to be a very small team. Him taking that many threes will take one of the opponent's bigs away from the boards. Also, long shots create long rebounds. This will give us better opportunities to have multiple shot possessions. Another thing is DFL really fucked Massoud up. He made him into a one trick pony.
If you look at Massoud's tapes, you'll see he's an above average ball handler and passer. The more threes he takes. The more effective a simple ball fake will be. He'll either be taller and longer than the guy covering him or much quicker than a real big covering him. This will create easier shots for other guys on the team.
I think he could get Neath a lot of open look threes off the ball fake. It's going to be interesting to see how many more three Neath will be taking. I'd like to see that being 3/game. If the other team has to cover him for threes, our offense will be much better. From the time he was in HS through last year, I've seen Neath as a poor man's Westbrook. I'm not saying he's as good as Westbrook just that they have very similar games. The each are quicker and stronger than the guys who cover them. They both have quick. explosive hops. This is why Neath has never taken as any jumpers. He can simply beat his guy off the dribble nearly time.
Because of that if he have a motion offense, Neath will get teammates a lot of open shots and he does like to pass. Our stand still offense of last season, made the game especially tougher on Neath. With more open space and more movement, don't be shocked to see a big improvement for Neath.
This sounds like we have a chance to be really good. We don't have enough height or overall talent to make a giant leap next year, but we should be a lot more to watch.
I've learned to temper my enthusiasm and limit my expectations when it comes to Wake Forest basketball. That said, Forbes doesn't have the resume or make up of a good coach. He has the resume and make up of an outstanding coach. I won't be surprised if the Deacs go to the NIT this year and get there on defensive improvement. No expectations, but no limitations either.
No doubt Antonio will get his shots up if he’s on the court. I’d expect him to get up 6 or so.
Vibes...let's say I'm feeling a lot better about this than I was two hours ago. Point of reference, two hours ago, I thought it was about a 70% chance of happening. It's a lot higher now.
I agree with this. You win with a good defense and solid rebounding. You play good defense and rebound your offense improves quite a bit. Manning's defense was a joke. I get the feeling Forbes will play full court pressure which was never the case with DFL or Bz. Create turnovers and limit their chances on the boards and get some easy buckets on the other end.