I don't really buy the budget limit theory. Yes, money is not unlimited. But with how last season went, and the pressure for this season to be substantially better, it just doesn't make sense that CDD would be unwilling to demand more money if needed to build out a competitive roster. And it doesn't make sense that Dolson would be happy with a less successful basketball program because the original budget wasn't enough. It's more likely to me that if more money is what is needed, they would be out shaking every tree until they got it.
You're forgetting Cupps. Baller.@middawg And with all the recent trends and talks shifting more towards older, portal guys... Freshmen are still playing a huge role for many of the elite level teams. You can't be predominately freshmen, and win it all... but you also can't ignore them, as guys like Pitino are hinting at doing. Like everything else in life, having a good balance is key. Hopefully we get one or two that play above their rankings and hype... that would be enormous for this team.
we just haven't had one in the roster since JHS that could be up for that challenge
Nothing to worry about. Lunardi projects IU as a 7 seed, so all is good in Hoosierland. He's never been wrong.@hoosiers94 I'm just looking at it realistically. We've been a pretty average to below average team for a LONG time. And, I think Woodson was terrible for the program because I think he and QB had their donors lined up and they withdrew much of their support when CMW left. I don't think they have the budget for another impactful depth piece. It's not ideal, but this roster makes 100% more sense than last years and I think is better balanced.
What do you want them to do if they've spent 95% of their NIL budget to field this team? Are you offering to kick in $2 mill to get a 3rd impactful frontcourt guy? Given the current circumstances, it's not going to be a Cignetti 1 year turnaround, so in my opinion, the only way is to show enough improvement to bring donors back. Personally, I didn't like the hire, but he's here and so I'm going to root for him to succeed. I think this roster has a much better chance to get him down that path.
there's another 2m out there. Guarantee it. That's chump change these days. Are we better than we were a year ago. For sure But there come moments in games next season where we will be in need of thst additional big man off the bench. And we won't have it and it will be detrimental. And that's assuming no one gets hurt at any point
Back center isn't necessarily the angle. It's a big. It could be a 4-5 or a bigger 3. If they're just a defensive player or they can run the floor or they can do a little of both. If they could shoot that's even better. But pegging it as a back up to Kent Benson in that sense... no far from it. The games changed a little since then. Look at the teams in the E8. FF. Having 4/5 players 6-9 and taller that are front court players is not out of the ordinary
Woodson was ahead of his time! He had bigs every season!
With our schedule this year, this team better be a lot better than a 7 seed! My gawd- we play all the good teams at home, all the lesser teams on the road, and have h and h w mediocre teams. If this team does t finished the year with less than 9 losses time to move on w coach
Tend to agree. Realistic expectations and I do think the brain strength on the bench will meet the challenge/opportunity.
True! Well there are 2 of the 9 losses! Pressure is on!
I don't really buy the budget limit theory. Yes, money is not unlimited. But with how last season went, and the pressure for this season to be substantially better, it just doesn't make sense that CDD would be unwilling to demand more money if needed to build out a competitive roster. And it doesn't make sense that Dolson would be happy with a less successful basketball program because the original budget wasn't enough. It's more likely to me that if more money is what is needed, they would be out shaking every tree until they got it.
I think it is actually pretty easy to understand: bball has been in the dumpster for the last 20 years, and his first year was pretty "meh", so nothing to get the boosters excited about, especially compared to our football program. And, even with a "meh" year, where we didn't even make the tournament, we still (somehow!) led the league in attendance. I don't know for certain, but reading the tea leaves to me it's pretty obvious: Dolson gave CDD and Co a budget and they've spent most/all of it. If you were Dolson, where would you commit NIL/budget funds? On a bball program that you've already allowed to put together a vastly improved roster and provided a GM and who will have good attendance #s regardless, or football, where a couple million extra million might put you over the top with a player or 2 who could help secure another CFP spot or title in the future? Football is the money producer, and we're fortunate to be where we are, but it's also going to garner the lions share of undecided $$ from the AD and boosters alike. My hope is that CDD kept back enough $$ for 1 more impact player and so spent as little as possible on these last 2 roster spots hoping a difference maker comes along, or has a booster who's agreed to fund that spot should someone become available.
So I don’t know all that much about basketball but all these guys saying we have to have a great backup at center and guard confuse me a little. RMK did pretty well with Benson at center and who was it Don Nord as the backup? Sure if Benny were to get hurt it would screw up the season as it did when May and Henderson got hurt. But isn’t that the way it has ways been?
I think the depth concern is a bit overblown too, just because 1) we're light years better in the post than we were last year, and 2) imo, the backup for the 1 and 5 spots is already on the roster in Lindsay and Sherrell. But, depth is a real concern in the event of injury and I do think we have a bigger need in the post, because the PG we just signed is experienced vs the German big, and of the freshman, Moody could also be looked to for backup minutes at the point possibly, where we don't have a freshman post.
DeVries quote regarding playing Sherrell & Yigitoglu together: "But the more we can have both those guys out there together, the better."
If such is the case the 13th roster position needs to go a 6'9"ish player that at the minimum can play acceptable defense and grab a rebound or two.
@bigmike If that was directed to my post about Sherrell playing backup minutes at the 5, I'd imagine both will play around 30 minutes per game, so if you play them together for 20 minutes and then each plays another 10, that would cover 40 minutes with one of the 2 of them at the 5. Besides, he just said the more they can play them together the better, not that they won't also each play the 5 when the other is out. As I said, I'm hoping with the last spot, they grab someone who can step in and play in the post, but I think that person will at best log the 3rd most post minutes.
@kkott Ultimately the IU staff will do what they believe is best for the roster. I'm in agreement with you. Would be nice to add a competent player to the front line. I realize you can't cover for all the possible scenarios but the bench lacks size.