First and foremost, it doesn't appear that Hunter Maldonado will have to feel like he has to put the team on his back and carry them. Unlike teams over the last 6 years or so, there shouldn't be just one star on the team that other teams will have to worry about. There are a lot more scoring threats, especially down low, that hasn't been there for a long time. Couple that with the maturity of Kenny Foster and Kwane Marble, we should be a much more difficult team for the opponents to defense this coming season.
Defense will be an interesting thing to watch. The defensive philosophy will be much different.
The players having the biggest impact imo from the recruiting class:
1.) Drew LaMont - A 6'-8" forward who can score from a number of places on the floor.
2.) Eoin Nelson - His presence around the basket will be an important part of this team this coming season.
3.) Marcus Williams - At 6'-2" he very likely will be the quickest player on the Pokes squad, and depending upon match-up's he very likely will be called upon to guard the quickest player on the other team. He appears to have a pretty flashy offensive style, so who knows. As a freshman, there will probably be ups and downs, but he could be an important defensive player his first season.
4.) Drake Jeffries - A solid three point guy will be important in Linder's offense, but I didn't rate his impact higher because of Foster and Marble. He will most likely have some important minutes over the season and I hope his offense is up to it.
5.) Xavier DuSell - Absolutely nothing against this young man or his game, but he will most likely be a substitute for Marble and Foster so most likely won't see a great deal of floor time his first season.
Just heard that Graham Ike will redshirt his first year, so that takes him out of having any immediate impact. Once he is able to step on the court healthy it appears that he will be quite a load for the other team to defense.
I must say, I am really impressed with Linder's first class, especially since it was rated 2nd in the conference during a really tough time to recruit.
Go Pokes!!!!!
Defense will be an interesting thing to watch. The defensive philosophy will be much different.
The players having the biggest impact imo from the recruiting class:
1.) Drew LaMont - A 6'-8" forward who can score from a number of places on the floor.
2.) Eoin Nelson - His presence around the basket will be an important part of this team this coming season.
3.) Marcus Williams - At 6'-2" he very likely will be the quickest player on the Pokes squad, and depending upon match-up's he very likely will be called upon to guard the quickest player on the other team. He appears to have a pretty flashy offensive style, so who knows. As a freshman, there will probably be ups and downs, but he could be an important defensive player his first season.
4.) Drake Jeffries - A solid three point guy will be important in Linder's offense, but I didn't rate his impact higher because of Foster and Marble. He will most likely have some important minutes over the season and I hope his offense is up to it.
5.) Xavier DuSell - Absolutely nothing against this young man or his game, but he will most likely be a substitute for Marble and Foster so most likely won't see a great deal of floor time his first season.
Just heard that Graham Ike will redshirt his first year, so that takes him out of having any immediate impact. Once he is able to step on the court healthy it appears that he will be quite a load for the other team to defense.
I must say, I am really impressed with Linder's first class, especially since it was rated 2nd in the conference during a really tough time to recruit.
Go Pokes!!!!!
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