As we sit here on April 24th, it appears Mike Woodson is building a roster that will have a number of options for how it can play this season. Here are some of my favorite combinations to think about.
It’s hard to say for me right now which lineup is most exciting I haven’t watched tape on the new guys but I do know I am trying to temper my expectations at this time of year given last year and really all 3 Woodson years. I’m excited for the potential but I need to see Woodson make quicker adjustments to his scheme when injuries and or player development doesn’t meet expectations. But a healthy squad and the experience Cupps Mgbacko and others got last year along with the talent coming gives me some hope for a better season
While I'm really excited about the new incoming players, along our strong core mix of returnees... what I would really love to see NEXT Season and beyond is 'true intensity and actual fire' from the BENCH... including ALL of the Coaches (MOSTLY Woody, I'm afraid... silent stares?) & ALL of the Players and even managers... whenever they are there)!! 'Home or Away' doesn't matter. Neither does the line-up, score or clock. HEART and all out ENERGY along with INTENSITY certainly Do... and it all needs to show from the top down... ALL THE TIME... Every Game... Practice, too.
The first two lineup combinations reflect probably the biggest preseason question: Are Galloway and Carlyle battling for the same lineup spot and, if so, who wins? I tend to believe that Coach Woodson will value Galloway's experience and start him but there is also a case to be made that is what makes Galloway the preferred option to finish games. As fans, we talk a lot about who starts when the reality is who finishes the games on the floor is probably more important.
I’d like to caution everyone about expecting a big jump in offensive production by Rice and Carlyle, from their Freshmen to Sophomore years, because they’ll be going into a whole new system. But it’s entirely possible they could prove be even more effective!
Wet blanket here. All of those lineups suggest that Coach Woodsen might be willing to experiment. However, other than a shift change for a second string (which did not work), Coach has been unwilling to make many changes at all, and especially change his starting lineup once he settles on it. Hope that changes.
It’s hard to say for me right now which lineup is most exciting I haven’t watched tape on the new guys but I do know I am trying to temper my expectations at this time of year given last year and really all 3 Woodson years. I’m excited for the potential but I need to see Woodson make quicker adjustments to his scheme when injuries and or player development doesn’t meet expectations. But a healthy squad and the experience Cupps Mgbacko and others got last year along with the talent coming gives me some hope for a better season
While I'm really excited about the new incoming players, along our strong core mix of returnees... what I would really love to see NEXT Season and beyond is 'true intensity and actual fire' from the BENCH... including ALL of the Coaches (MOSTLY Woody, I'm afraid... silent stares?) & ALL of the Players and even managers... whenever they are there)!! 'Home or Away' doesn't matter. Neither does the line-up, score or clock. HEART and all out ENERGY along with INTENSITY certainly Do... and it all needs to show from the top down... ALL THE TIME... Every Game... Practice, too.
Wanna' win? SHOW IT!!
Fingers' crossed, with love to all, MD
The first two lineup combinations reflect probably the biggest preseason question: Are Galloway and Carlyle battling for the same lineup spot and, if so, who wins? I tend to believe that Coach Woodson will value Galloway's experience and start him but there is also a case to be made that is what makes Galloway the preferred option to finish games. As fans, we talk a lot about who starts when the reality is who finishes the games on the floor is probably more important.
I’d like to caution everyone about expecting a big jump in offensive production by Rice and Carlyle, from their Freshmen to Sophomore years, because they’ll be going into a whole new system. But it’s entirely possible they could prove be even more effective!
Looks like we're in for a very enjoyable season. A fun ride indeed!!!
Rice
Carlyle
Mgbako
Reneau
Ballo...and go from there
How about an End-of-game-with-a-narrow-lead lineup: Cupps, Rice, Carlyle, Galloway and Mgbako?
Or a Victory Cigar Lineup: Cupps, Newton, Leal, Tucker, back-up big?
Wet blanket here. All of those lineups suggest that Coach Woodsen might be willing to experiment. However, other than a shift change for a second string (which did not work), Coach has been unwilling to make many changes at all, and especially change his starting lineup once he settles on it. Hope that changes.
For short periods of time against the right line up, I want the shooters. It's been SOOO long.