I wish I had some "deep" thoughts, but this program is floundering, so maybe I'll just focus on the depth. C: Ridley Ibeh They'll probably split time 50/50 at the beginning of the season. If Ibeh is even just like a 50 percent version of himself from the UH game in the "who-gives-a-f**k-classic," I'd be playing him as much as possible. Hopefully, Ridley has worked on his feet over the summer. There's no reason for a guy of his size and talent to just be standing around, especially on D. F Lammert Holmes Newsome We'll sorely miss Papi, who probably could have hung with most shooting forwards in the conference. I doubt Newsome gets much time at all because we'll use 3-guard lineups a lot. He might scare opponents because he looks like Nanny McPhee. Lammert is going to take over the "Jason Klotz" type of role with 10-foot jumpers and hopefully some heady defensive play. Holmes seems to be the guy who "should" be playing more, but Barnes isn't apt to get him more minutes. I think last season it was minor injury bugs, and hopefully he's worked enough to get better and play some better D. PG Felix Not much to say here. I guess he'll get spelled by one of the other guys from time to time, with Taylor being my likely guess for 5 min/game, but if Felix isn't playing 35 min, we're probably in trouble at that position. Every other G Holland Yancy Croaker Taylor Walker Holland will get the starts because Barnes likes his speed and effort, but I'd be surprised if he ended up with the most minutes out of this bunch. I think Yancy will be the "SG" player out of this group. Felix will be playing the 1, so there's not really a "second PG" player needed. His HS clips look a lot like Brandon Mouton with a bit more speed and passing ability. I also liked the speed and efforts of Croaker in his limited clips. Walker might end up being more of a swingman who fills in for a forward when we go small. I think Taylor needed the most work out of the recruits as he was quite raw and went "pass first" on every possession I've ever seen, which is ok if he's only going to be spelling Felix for a few minutes at a time.
Quiet before the storm. Can only handle one storm at a time. The storm coming for this program will be of Katrina like proportions.
I wasn't around for the Noah one. I heard there was a lot of rain, but don't know if the wind reached hurricane speeds though.
I'm no Barnes apologist, but this will be his best opportunity to get things turned around and prove he can still be a top notch coach. If they break .500 with this roster he may be coach of the year. Win 12 or less and he's done. That's a pretty slim window of opportunity but that's my opinion.
I respect Barnes and he's a good coach but there comes a time when it's not going to happen for him here. He's had several chances to break through and it didn't happen. I went to the final 4 in New Orleans and we were close. TJ Ford another year, Durant another year and he might have done it.
It feels like the last days of Jody Conradt; still trying to get something done with young talent that is a shadow of what came before it.
Just bringing this thread up to remind everybody how we all felt 3 to 4 months back. Yes, this board was so dead quiet. I think most of us would have simply fainted, had anybody said that we would be 16-4 after 20 games.
Not just the 16-4. This thread is hilarious at this point in time.because of the 180 degree predictions vs what has really transpired. Vol Horn 4 Life was the only one close. Taylor, Holmes, & Ridley have made phenominal progresss, & who would've expected that from all 3 ??? HOOK 'EM, Texdoc
Oh my, Doc, you must include Felix in that group also. If all these kids come back, next year should be so much fun. Inside and outside plus solid minutes from the bench. Who knows, but then again we have been fooled before.
Some are waiting for the bottom to fall out which can happen with over achievers. If this team makes it to the Tournament, Barnes has to be Coach of the Year in the Big 12. He has at least bought himself another year - which should be huge if Ridley comes back.
No one on this team is good enough or ready to jump to the NBA so we should have everyone back next year. Ridley could forgo his SR year though if he continues to progress at the rate he has this year.
This board is quiet. The OP got that part right. Where do people go to discuss Longhorns sports these days? Because it does not appear to be here anymore.
