SI preview 2015-16

[gmujim92]

SI.com did their annual A-10 preview, which uses a statistical model to predict both the standings and individual teams' offensive production.

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/10/16/atlantic-10-preview-rhode-island-davidson-vcu

Here's what they think of Mason, which they pick 13th out of 14 (behind Fordham, ahead of only SLU):

Coach Dave Paulsen arrives from Bucknell to help kick-start a rebuild. But beyond Shevon Thompson, the league’s top rebounder last season and an imposing figure in the paint, the Patriots don’t have much else.

Overall, it's a pretty lazy, poor effort for an organization with the reputation of Sports Illustrated, and I'm not just saying that because they think we're going to suck again.

The guy who did the preview apparently wasn't even paying enough attention to realize that Mayimba is no longer on our roster.

I hope somebody on our staff has printed out this "preview" and posted it for our players to enjoy.

 

[gmu05]

SI.com did their annual A-10 preview, which uses a statistical model to predict both the standings and individual teams' offensive production.

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2015/10/16/atlantic-10-preview-rhode-island-davidson-vcu

Here's what they think of Mason, which they pick 13th out of 14 (behind Fordham, ahead of only SLU):

Coach Dave Paulsen arrives from Bucknell to help kick-start a rebuild. But beyond Shevon Thompson, the league’s top rebounder last season and an imposing figure in the paint, the Patriots don’t have much else.

Overall, it's a pretty lazy, poor effort for an organization with the reputation of Sports Illustrated, and I'm not just saying that because they think we're going to suck again.

The guy who did the preview apparently wasn't even paying enough attention to realize that Mayimba is no longer on our roster.

I hope somebody on our staff has printed out this "preview" and posted it for our players to enjoy.

Seems accurate to me, we have Thompson, no guards and a bunch of freshmen

 

[gmujim92]

Seems accurate to me, we have Thompson, no guards and a bunch of freshmen

Thanks for chiming in, Mrs. Poor Man Profit.

 

[gmu05]

Thanks for chiming in, Mrs. Poor Man Profit.

If you think Paulsen is going to change this team overnight you're in for a surprise. Look at the roster, we wouldn't be good in the CAA

 

[gmujim92]

If you think Paulsen is going to change this team overnight you're in for a surprise. Look at the roster, we wouldn't be good in the CAA

I disagree on both counts.

Paulsen has already changed this team and program, whether it shows up immediately on the court or not.

And I frankly find your suggestion that our team "wouldn't be good in the CAA" to be ridiculous.

I'm not suggesting the talent on our roster is good enough to finish in the top 6 of the A-10, but we're not devoid of talent either and upgrade in coaching from Hewitt to Paulsen is astronomical.

For that reason alone, our team will be much better than many people think.

 

[GSII]

We have talent on the team. Always have. We just didn't have a coach worth a crap to build a team out of it. No chance we finish 13th.

 

[Patriotsince81]

We won 8 games last year, I don't count Catawba. Take away Jalen's 75 foot prayer and we have 7 wins. I go into this year with very modest expectations. 12 wins overall and avoid the play in game and I consider the year somewhat successful. 15 wins I am delighted. 17 wins, I am ecstatic. I expect Shevon to have a good year. The other seniors are all suspect and inconsistent at best, hopefully they will step up and surprise. I don't expect anything from the freshmen. 2016-2017 year is another question mark in my eyes since we will be mostly freshmen and sophomores, we could actually take a step back in 2016 - 2017. I love Mason basketball with a passion but Hewitt & TOC really screwed the program in so many ways. It could take many years to recover. Call me a realist.

 

[p8triotfan4liferightnow]

I disagree on both counts.

Paulsen has already changed this team and program, whether it shows up immediately on the court or not.

And I frankly find your suggestion that our team "wouldn't be good in the CAA" to be ridiculous.

I'm not suggesting the talent on our roster is good enough to finish in the top 6 of the A-10, but we're not devoid of talent either and upgrade in coaching from Hewitt to Paulsen is astronomical.

For that reason alone, our team will be much better than many people think.

Making a couple of BIG leaps here. Outside of Thompson, Jenkins and Holloway (who looked awful on defense last two years) who do have that is talented? Not like we are bringing in four star kids.

 

[GSII]

When have we ever had 4 star kids? All you need is under radar type kids and 4 star coach. Which, imo, we finally have.

 

[Patriotsince81]

When have we ever had 4 star kids? All you need is under radar type kids and 4 star coach. Which, imo, we finally have.

I too have great hopes for Paulsen, only time will tell.

 

[jmckend1]

last news

http://goo.gl/k4giIg

Why did they make a video about vcu's reading tutor?

 

[jmckend1]

If you think Paulsen is going to change this team overnight you're in for a surprise. Look at the roster, we wouldn't be good in the CAA

Nobody expected much of the '05 team either, right '05?

 

[gmujim92]

Making a couple of BIG leaps here. Outside of Thompson, Jenkins and Holloway (who looked awful on defense last two years) who do have that is talented? Not like we are bringing in four star kids.

You do realize you are talking about the team you supposedly cheer for, right?

What's the point of tearing down our own players, before they've even played one second as a team?

Jesus. You'd think our board got invaded by a bunch of vcu douches. Embarrassing.

 

[GMUgemini]

Making a couple of BIG leaps here. Outside of Thompson, Jenkins and Holloway (who looked awful on defense last two years) who do have that is talented? Not like we are bringing in four star kids.

In my opinion, we have a coach who will implement a system that will benefit the following players immensely: Holloway, Jenkins, Marko, Royal. Now how "talented" are they? I don't know. We certainly saw a lot of talent out of Jenkins his freshman season, but was screwed over by a coach who made him shed weight and play on the perimeter last year.

I think we'll actually have a much stronger starting 5 than most people are giving credit right now. Our bench? Who knows. But this team is going to surprise a lot of people.

 

[liem.le.3388]

Livingston was dunking with ease tonight, I have high hopes for him.

 

[GMU_Polevaulter]

At least give them a few games and let's see what they have before we start taking them down. It's not easy to get a D1 scholarship in any sport - so they have abilities/talent to be playing D1 ball.

Last year we did not get blown out of many games - and under Hewitt that's saying something - we also lost most close games but how many times did last years team have a decent size lead to give it back? I put that on the coaches. My point is most of the players are back and they were competitive in most games last year for example against a good Northern Iowa team on the road - losing in OT.

Hard to say how good any of these kids are outside of Shevon, how many times did you see a player get hot or the group of five on the floor start to gel and take control of the game to immediately get taken out of the game - made no sense. Lost a few games because we could not in bound a ball - I could go on and on.
These players went through the worst coaching I have ever seen in College BBall and managed to win 8 games with better coaching and a easier schedule we will win more.

I'm going to enjoy watching a non-Hewitt coached team - that's something to cheer about. I for one won't be surprised if we do better then most think - if we cut down the turnovers and actually run a few plays I'll be happy. Imagine a front court with a improved Shevon and Jalen playing like his freshman year and a offense that takes advantage of Shevon with set plays.

 

[Pablo]

As a fan, I'm just hoping that the team plays consistent, fundamentally sound basketball and shows the same level of improvement as the 1997-98 team (Larranaga's first after the 4-year Paul Westhead era).

1996-97: 4-12 in the CAA and the 9th (last) seed in the CAA tourney
1997-98: 6-10 in the CAA and the 6th seed in the CAA tourney

I believe this tweet sums it up best:

Dave Paulsen ‏@PaulsenDave Oct 10
1 week of practice complete. Like the energy and level of competition so far. Need to become more consistent/embrace fundamentals when tired

 

[Cedric Dempsey]

What is there not to like? Defense 1st, respect possession, unselfishness, recruitment based on projected total development and character, apparent aversion to quick fixes and no ego. Let him take the time to make it our time.

 

[p8triotfan4liferightnow]

You do realize you are talking about the team you supposedly cheer for, right?

What's the point of tearing down our own players, before they've even played one second as a team?

Jesus. You'd think our board got invaded by a bunch of vcu douches. Embarrassing.

Sorry I don't think it is crazy to project this year's team in the 12-14 range and that it's not a "lazy analysis" to say so

 

[GSII]

Sorry I don't think it is crazy to project this year's team in the 12-14 range and that it's not a "lazy analysis" to say so

Thats not what I read. You simply said we have no talent bc we dont recruit 4 star kids and Holloway sucks on defense. Pretty short sighted.