I was going to post this on the Bonnies thread, but thought it would be better to get off that one as I think everyone needs to calm down and take a deep breathe. We lost to the Bonnies on their home floor - its not the end of the world. In terms of some fans being sick of this type of result and seeing it for years and years, unfortunately - when Mooney made the dance last year and the school gave him the extension through 2026-2027, you have to reset your clock. You can't keep bringing up the 10 years of no NCAA appearances - that has been forgotten and replaced by the recent memory of the dance and A10 title. And unfortunately - based on the last few years, expect Mooney to be around for better or worse until at least the 25-26 season as the administration has shown, they will not fire him and pay him not to coach. But on to this season. Here is my breakdown of what we have so far.
Burton - first team all A10 player, and potential A10 POY of candidate with NBA hopes. He is the focal point of our team, will play 40 minutes most nights, and we need him to score 20+ a night to win most nights. It is asking a lot, but its the only formula that seems to be working. He has been cold the last 2 games, but I expect him to bounce back quickly.
Grace - Been up and down, and I think the injury hurt his progression. But he is still one of our best shooters on the team and we need a big man who can shoot in this offense to stretch the floor. In order for this team to make a run, we need Grace to play like MFG all the time and help Burton offensively and get 10+ points a night while playing 30 minutes.
Quinn - I expected Quinn to start slow, and thought it would take him some time to acclimate to our offense and competition, but he is more of a disappearing act right now than anything. And I think even Mooney is voicing that frustration a little bit as well. If we have a 7 footer in this offense who can't shoot, but is a decent passer and rebounder, then we need him to score around the rim. Getting 6-7 points, and 3 assists and 4 rebounds is fine when Burton scores 20+ and someone like Nelson or Grace or Roche scores as well, but we need Quinn to be a threat and I feel right now he is just a solid role player who other teams will play 1 v 1 down low because they know he won't take more than 5 shots on a given night. We need aggressive Quinn, especially when shots are not falling from the rest of the team.
Goose - He brings good defense and a lot of intangibles. But I for one, thought he would take a step forward on offense and give us something. On a team like last year, Goose is the perfect complimentary piece. But on a team like this year, we need him to do more, and I am just not sure he is capable of that.
Nelson - up and down. But this was my expectation. I expected him to play like a frosh. Some games he will be great, others he will be just okay, and some you will be left scratching your head. Point is - I think Nelson will be good down the road, the question is down the road next year or will be in the A10 tourney this year.
Bigelow - At times I wonder if he should start instead of Quinn. One game he looks great and the next, he lays an egg. I like Bigelow, I like his intensity, and I think he is a capable shooter. I think he should drive to the hoop more and sometimes settles for outside shots, and for that reason - I think he continues off the bench. If he looks like he is having a hot hand - you ride him. If not, you sit him back down. Probably our best rebounder as well, which will be needed against some A10 teams.
Roche - Shooter, shooter, shooter. He is a very good shooter off the bench. He plays his role perfectly. I think the issue is we are hoping he will go 4-6 every night and give us 12-15 points off the bench and that is just not realistic. Going forward - the question will be, can Roche fit into a bigger role (probably next year) or will he always be that shooter off the bench. I think if Nelson progresses, that will help Roche as he needs a guy who can drive and kick to him and that would be Nelson going forward.
Randolph - provides some spark and energy when needed off the bench. I just wonder how much he plays as the season progresses because I am expecting more Nelson and more Roche and that limits time for Randolph. Have not seen enough of him in long stretches, but I like what I see so far. HIs time might be next year when Goose leaves.
Bailey/Crabtree - I don't see anytime left for them, and I think the injury really hurt Bailey. We may need them, especially Bailey if another injury occurs to anyone above, but otherwise - I don't think their time is now.
Right now - our formula to win. Get 20+ from Burton, and then hope someone else like Roche, Nelson, and Grace provide enough support to keep the game close for UR to pull out a victory. This means we really need to limit turnovers, and shoot well most nights as our margin for error is very slim.
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