Around the Horne

Thanks Dave. I don't think I've ever heard him before and I like what I hear. I saw Paris play for Bridgton Academy and he is a much better all around player now than he was then. Like DJ he's come along beautifully and IMO the coaches should get some credit in both cases.

If Horne and Kennedy continue to improve this team will win.
If they can give us 15 or 16 ppg each, I think Norm would get his due.

If they stay the same, it will be a struggle once again.

From what I saw in Canada, and the quotes - I think if things go well, neither of those players is reaching 15 ppg.  At least at the guard positions, guys are going to be switching out and staying fresh. That will, hopefully, help the defense force turnovers.  And make the offense more efficient... Paris really showed the effects of playing too much end of last yr.

I'd rather see Horne get 10-12ppg on 48% shooting than him getting more touches and getting 15-16ppg on 42% shooting. I really think less is more with Paris Horne. If he is able to play in within his role and not have to be a "go to" guy I think he is a tremendous asset. I think Paris can follow within the career lines of a guy like Jerel McNeal formerly of Marquette. A really solid 4 year guy who really blossoms in his senior year.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=26970

We're going to need offensive leaders early on.
Not having any idea who to get the ball to against Marquette killed us early.

Not saying it has got to be Kennedy, and Horne, but we need guys who can answer big baskets. We would have beaten Louisville if we had one scorer last year.

I think Kennedy and Horne would excel as role players, but I think early on they'll
be leading this team offensively. And if that's true who becomes the go to guy?
Hardy? Mason Jr? Lawrence? Burrell? Brownlee?

I hear what you're saying, Poison, but I think the offensive leader thing is overrated. Not turning the ball over and getting stops is first; I don't think anyone on this squad qualifies as a go-to scorer, the kind of player that you force feed shots when things are going wrong. 

Both Kennedy and Horne may have improved, slightly, but they were on the court for Marquette and couldn't get a damned thing going. Neither is that great at creating their own shot.  And one of the big problems was turnovers, check out the game play-by-play:

http://redstormsports.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/stats/2008-2009/stj033.html#GAME.PLY

What was it the coaching staff for Marquette said?  That the Red Storm did one thing, and that was ball screens? There's no variety, they knew what was coming, they got turnovers.

Plus, if there is a player like that who would be the, ah, "slumpbuster", it will be Mason, at the outset; both because of his experience and history and the fact that really, he's one of the better players at getting their own shot off. 

Everyone needs to score the ball...or we will end up with one guy trying to score and four others standing around watching. That's what happened when Mase was labeled the go to guy. Score from every position and the competition won't know where to focus their attention.

From what I saw in Canada, and the quotes - I think if things go well, neither of those players is reaching 15 ppg.  At least at the guard positions, guys are going to be switching out and staying fresh. That will, hopefully, help the defense force turnovers.  And make the offense more efficient... Paris really showed the effects of playing too much end of last yr.

D1 ballaz shouldnt be bone tired at 30 games.

Also it would be nice if Burrell could develop into a "go to" to guy as well. If we can establish things in the post in a half court set that will open up things for Mason, Hardy, Horne.

I agree with what Peter said in terms of a "slumpbuster" it will be Mason because he can get his own shot off. It's going to be very interesting to see how guys fall into their roles if we remain healthy.

What about Hardy as a go to scorer?

Mason doesn't put it on the floor.

To be a go to scorer, you have to do more than chuck it.

Before Mason, I'd go with Kennedy putting it on the floor,
and making something happen.