At least they kept playing. If I was GM, would try to rebuild around Sima, that kid has some real upside. I think mussini could be a serviceable ball handler off the bench for 10 minutes a game. I think the pieces they are trying to bring in for next year make a lot of sense, so hopefully this team can win a game or two in the ncaas in 2018.
Sima impresses me more every time I see him play or hear him speak. That is one poised kid. The reality is that he should not be asked to play more than 10-15 mpg as a frosh. This experience against Vandy will probably make a big difference in his development. His baptism by fire this season will pay off handsomely in the future. I don't think bigs asked to do too much too soon run the same risk of developing bad habits like guards and wings.
Mussini is shattering every expectation I've had for him. That is one shifty s.o.b. and he can really get to the rim in spite of him being the only threat to do so on the team. How can anyone not love those high layups off the glass at full speed over two 7 footers? How do you defend that? He was turning the corner all game on more experienced guards that should be playing deep into March. He's a savvy player and is the perfect first guard off the bench type that can play either guard spot and provide a spark. That's not to say he's not a starting talent. He gives me every reason to believe that he can and will improve this year and over the course of his career. Sima and Ellison as well.
This team does not get very many easy buckets, so they will really struggle when they shoot like they did today. There will be more of this ugliness, but it speaks more to the lack of veteran talent than to the young core.
As Desco posted earlier, we just need to constantly remind ourselves after every bad loss: Lovett, Yakwe, Ponds, Owens, and the rest of 2016 class. Just keep repeating that.