This is a very unusual team

[Hogan]

Among the great Zag teams of late, this is a team of extremes. It has some significant weaknesses: little size inside, little depth inside, no rim protectors, relatively poor post defense, and overall mediocre three-point shooting. While no team is ever perfect, any of these deficiencies could be exposed and lead to defeat in the wonderful and brutal NCAA tournament.This team also has some exceptional strengths: three great offensive players in Kispert, Suggs, and Timme, tremendous across the board skill in dribbling, passing, cutting and smartly working the offense, looking to run at all times and doing so extremely well, more players than we have ever had who can create off the bounce, in Suggs, Cook, Nembhard, and Kispert, and the potential to be very good defensively up top. Can we build on our strengths and improve our deficiencies? Should be a fun ride.

[ZagsObserver]

Among the great Zag teams of late, this is a team of extremes. It has some significant weaknesses: little size inside, little depth inside, no rim protectors, relatively poor post defense, and overall mediocre three-point shooting. While no team is ever perfect, any of these deficiencies could be exposed and lead to defeat in the wonderful and brutal NCAA tournament.This team also has some exceptional strengths: three great offensive players in Kispert, Suggs, and Timme, tremendous across the board skill in dribbling, passing, cutting and smartly working the offense, looking to run at all times and doing so extremely well, more players than we have ever had who can create off the bounce, in Suggs, Cook, Nembhard, and Kispert, and the potential to be very good defensively up top. Can we build on our strengths and improve our deficiencies? Should be a fun ride.

Good post. I would add that we have a lot of high-ceiling athletes on this roster; more than ever before imo.

[zagssuperfan]

We also have a lot of size at guard which translates to good rebounding.

[GoZags]

Coaching staff (x’s and o’s/recruiting, etc) seems to be okay.

[ZagsObserver]

Coaching staff (x’s and o’s/recruiting, etc) seems to be okay.

The best. In fact, it’s been the best for a while now, and keeps improving year-by-year. The growth Few has made over the last two decades is impressive, and it’s not as though he started out as a chump. The respect he’s gained from the game’s best speaks for itself.

We are truly lucky.

[WallaWallaZag]

Good post. I would add that we have a lot of high-ceiling athletes on this roster; more than ever before imo.

overall athleticism is solid and probably highest it's ever been in the backcourt, but only suggs and harris are elite and frontcourt is probably below average if comparing to top 25 programs...

[ZagsObserver]

overall athleticism is solid and probably highest it's ever been in the backcourt, but only suggs and harris are elite and frontcourt is probably below average if comparing to top 25 programs...

Ayayi is very long and athletic. In looking at the top 25, I think our team compares favorably in that column as a whole.

[GoZags]

frontcourt is probably below average if comparing to top 25 programs...

Hmmm .... let’s look at that “below average” starting front court.

1st Team (Top 5) preseason AP All American Corey Kispert

Top 10 (KenPom) Drew Timme

Now that Few is starting Nemhard over Watson it looks
to me that GU’s starting front court is actually pretty good.

And fwiw Watson looks dialed in now

[jazzdelmar]

overall athleticism is solid and probably highest it's ever been in the backcourt, but only suggs and harris are elite and frontcourt is probably below average if comparing to top 25 programs...

Harris?

[WallaWallaZag]

Harris?

dominick

[MDABE80]

We do have elite offensive players. Where are the elite defenders? Cook is one . I see some others that could be but ....

[MickMick]

It is too early and the summer was too abbreviated to draw many conclusions.

Sometimes the light bulb just comes on and players make miraculous changes. Olynyk comes to mind. Too soon. The team hasn't been together nearly long enough. In the meantime, we can hang our hat on Kispert. He will lead the team through the early stages.

[jazzdelmar]

dominick

Elite? How can you possibly tell?

[Markburn1]

Elite? How can you possibly tell?

I think he is referring to athleticism as opposed to being an elite player. I tend to agree with that. I also think Dom has a chance to be a very good player with a chance to be special. Not there yet, but has some tools.

[zag67]

I also think that Ayayi is something like a Hart or other glue players. He is there when you need him. Rebounding, defense, ball handling, and being in the right place at the right time.