Pre-Season # 25 ( I think 15 is more apropos - and Goodman agrees)

[97spiderfan]

I expect a marginally more difficult schedule next season. definitely not tough enough to satisfy some on this board.

Replace Radford and South Alabama with a high quality Top 25ish opponent and another Quad 1/2 team, I think we will be good.

Our OOC schedule was OK this year, it certainly didn't lock in an at large bid for us, despite the fact that we went 10-3 and 14-4 in the A-10.

We got lucky that Wisconsin won the Big 10, had they struggled our OOC would have been barren. The committee could have cared less that we beat Vandy and BC. Yeah, they looked good on paper as power conference opponents, but their profiles were terrible. We could have played a couple Missouri Valley teams and gotten better mileage.

 

[SFspidur]

We also "lucked out" schedule-wise in beating Wisconsin in that it gave us a game against Auburn rather than a Q3 game against New Mexico.

We obviously didn't beat Auburn, but that Wisconsin win ended up being big for several reasons.

 

[SpiderK]

Sure wish Virginia would play us.

 

[spider23]

Sure wish Virginia would play us.

Does anyone know why he will not play us? I felt like in last years it was because we were not that great and he didn't see a point. I thought I read somewhere that they have played every other D1 team in the state during his reign?

 

[spiderman]

Does anyone know why he will not play us? I felt like in last years it was because we were not that great and he didn't see a point. I thought I read somewhere that they have played every other D1 team in the state during his reign?

I thought after the last time we played they said something like we're too difficult to prepare for in a short period of time. we were unusual defensively and offensively. and there was no benefit to preparing for us as they didn't play anyone that ran stuff like us later.

maybe as a straight man to man defense team now that isn't an issue. and plenty of teams now run offenses not unlike ours.

 

[97spiderfan]

Sure wish Virginia would play us.

Honestly, I don't want to play UVA. They run a system that is really difficult to play, plus if we played them it would be at UVA. That to me is a recipe for a loss. We need to find the best teams that we can play and beat. UVA is not in the category, due to Bennett and the system they run. Plus, they have one of the best transfer scorers in the nation who was redshirting this year. UVA is gonna be really good next year.

 

[spider23]

Yep, ideally we play a Memphis or similar that is highly ranked with a bunch of freshman all wanting the ball at the same time so they can one and done it. Those are the teams we can out execute, if not out jump.

 

[spider23]

And another one:
https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2020/03/30/2020-2021-college-basketball-preseason-top-25/

 

[spider23]

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketbal...sketball-rankings-gonzaga-baylor-headline-1st

I like that they say we could cause havoc . Isn't that word copyrighted by someone in TX?

 

[plydogg]

The Athletic today released their “way too early” top 25. Richmond was not represented. They then included the “Next 10 that missed”. Richmond was still not represented.

Oh boy I can’t wait for next season.

 

[plydogg]

Espn just released a “too early” top 25 for next season. They had us at #25.

 

[SFspidur]

Espn just released a “too early” top 25 for next season. They had us at #25.

This was actually their second one...we were #25 in the first one as well, mentioned on page 1. Other teams moving up or down with departures and additions, but so far we're steady, of course presuming the big three all come back, which everyone fully expects.

 

[SFspidur]

Goodman has moved us all the way up to #14.

https://watchstadium.com/jeff-goodmans-preseason-top-50-for-2020-21-04-23-2020/

 

[spider23]

No. 2 on mid major madness:
https://www.midmajormadness.com/202...-rankings-gonzaga-filip-petrusev-richmond-uni

Of course, c'mon Gonzaga is only mid major in conference affiliation. They probably have more top 50 recruits and transfers than some ACC schools year in and year out and seems like they have been in or around the top 10 for several seasons now.

More good pub!

 

[ChoppinBroccoli]

No. 2 on mid major madness:
https://www.midmajormadness.com/202...-rankings-gonzaga-filip-petrusev-richmond-uni

Of course, c'mon Gonzaga is only mid major in conference affiliation. They probably have more top 50 recruits and transfers than some ACC schools year in and year out and seems like they have been in or around the top 10 for several seasons now.

More good pub!

That's the second article I've seen that has us #2 in the country among mid-majors. Really, really cool.

 

[spider23]

Nice to see our opponent UNI up there as well.

 

[SFspidur]

We've moved up to #13 in Goodman's list after Nate Hinton announced he's remaining in the draft, which dropped Houston from #13 to #19.

https://watchstadium.com/jeff-goodmans-preseason-top-50-for-2020-21-04-23-2020/

 

[GKiller]

Now #28 on ESPN way too early top 25...

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-b...llege-basketball-way-too-early-top-25-2020-21

 

[SFspidur]

Dicky V has us at #29.

Dick Vitale's college basketball preseason top 40 for 2020-21

Dick Vitale gives his top teams for the upcoming season based on players returning and players lost, coaching and the VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index), which is in overdrive, baby!

www.espn.com

 

[8legs1dream]

I'm not concerned about where we are ranked or if we are even ranked preseason. Let's win some big games this season and prove we belong and that stuff will sort itself out.

 

[9Legs]

I'm with you, in fact I say let's not settle. Let's delete any posts which have us above top 15 preseason!!!

UVA was 15-5 in the ACC last year good for a # 2 seed in the ACC tourney yet were ranked #16 in the final AP pole.
Are you saying that if were in the ACC we would be at that level?

 

[Eight Legger]

The more I think about this, the more I really think that playing in empty or mostly-empty gyms is going to be a big benefit for us. Not that we necessarily need it, but going to Kentucky and WVU most years would be a bit intimidating with those crowds, the atmosphere, all of it. But without all that stuff, it's just 5 on 5 ball, and we've got 5 really good players who have been playing together a long time. Why are there more upsets in the NCAA tournament than during the regular season? Because the home-court advantage is gone for those P6 teams. Now that advantage is gone all year, most likely.

 

[SFspidur]

Why are there more upsets in the NCAA tournament than during the regular season? Because the home-court advantage is gone for those P6 teams.

I'm still bitter about the Spiders having to play a 6-seed Wisconsin team in Milwaukee.

 

[urfan1]

EL I have felt the same for awhile. We have a Senior team, one that seems to be pretty mature, and one that will likely be playing like they were cheated out of on opportunity to Dance last year.

 

[8legs1dream]

The more I think about this, the more I really think that playing in empty or mostly-empty gyms is going to be a big benefit for us. Not that we necessarily need it, but going to Kentucky and WVU most years would be a bit intimidating with those crowds, the atmosphere, all of it. But without all that stuff, it's just 5 on 5 ball, and we've got 5 really good players who have been playing together a long time. Why are there more upsets in the NCAA tournament than during the regular season? Because the home-court advantage is gone for those P6 teams. Now that advantage is gone all year, most likely.

I can tell you haven't been to a lot of NCAA tournament games. The big name teams most certainly do have a home court advantage as their fans generally travel well. Also there are plenty of upsets during the regular season, the only reason why you might think you see more in the tournament is teams are forced to play "lesser" teams that they would never play otherwise.

 

[spiderman]

meh, I'm with Eight Legger on this one. I've been to a bunch of early round tournament games and a couple final 4s. while the big name teams travel pretty well, it's certainly not a home court advantage. 25% at best might be hard core for the favorite. the rest are either rooting for their bracket or actively rooting for the underdog. it's relatively neutral.

I don't think our 23 year olds would be intimidated by a Kentucky crowd, but I agree an empty arena is to our advantage.

 

[Eight Legger]

I can tell you haven't been to a lot of NCAA tournament games. The big name teams most certainly do have a home court advantage as their fans generally travel well. Also there are plenty of upsets during the regular season, the only reason why you might think you see more in the tournament is teams are forced to play "lesser" teams that they would never play otherwise.

Well sure, but I mean would you rather play Kentucky at Rupp or in San Diego at noon on a Thursday? That's my point. Playing them in an empty Rupp is a lot more like the latter than the former. I don't think Duke loses to Mercer if they're playing them in front of a packed Cameron Indoor, but they did lose to them in the first round of the NCAAs a few years ago.

 

[97spiderfan]

Well sure, but I mean would you rather play Kentucky at Rupp or in San Diego at noon on a Thursday? That's my point. Playing them in an empty Rupp is a lot more like the latter than the former. I don't think Duke loses to Mercer if they're playing them in front of a packed Cameron Indoor, but they did lose to them in the first round of the NCAAs a few years ago.

One of the big advantages of the home court is friendly refs. Fans get on the refs and inevitably you get some home court calls (See Cameron indoor, literally every effing game they play there).

So, yes, going to Rupp and Morgantown with no fans is a pretty big advantage for us. Pretty much every game will be a neutral court game this year.

 

[spider23]

97, that is a good point about the refs. I think it was SI a few years ago, did some metrics on on home games, and found significant data on calls vs away team vs home team.
The flip side of the fan influence is the influence on the home team potentially - would they rally behind the crowd, or potentially here some boos if underperforming. The Kentucky game has so many layers, we are talking about our experience vs their young guys and then they probably have at least 6 or 7 future NBA guys I would think. No. 3 coach vs No. 132. Etc. Although with all the knocking of Mooney I do, I don't see Cal as a great schematic, or in game adjustment guy. I feel like his no. 1-4 attributes as a coach are recruiting. I am more worried about the Kentucky players playing up to the hype, they probably won't be great early, BUT could see them putting it together for a game or two - hopefully not vs our guys.

 

[97spiderfan]

97, that is a good point about the refs. I think it was SI a few years ago, did some metrics on on home games, and found significant data on calls vs away team vs home team.
The flip side of the fan influence is the influence on the home team potentially - would they rally behind the crowd, or potentially here some boos if underperforming. The Kentucky game has so many layers, we are talking about our experience vs their young guys and then they probably have at least 6 or 7 future NBA guys I would think. No. 3 coach vs No. 132. Etc. Although with all the knocking of Mooney I do, I don't see Cal as a great schematic, or in game adjustment guy. I feel like his no. 1-4 attributes as a coach are recruiting. I am more worried about the Kentucky players playing up to the hype, they probably won't be great early, BUT could see them putting it together for a game or two - hopefully not vs our guys.

I didn't watch a ton of NBA bubble games after my 76'ers were mercifully but out of their misery. But when I did watch, I saw a much cleaner officiated games. Officials were able to call a more accurate game (in my opinion) without the outsized influence of 20k screaming fans harassing him constantly.

We should have literally every single advantage we could ever have against Kentucky when we play them. 5 seniors versus a very young UK team with little home court advantage and game is early in the year before all of their new players have a chance to gel.

That said, Kentucky recruits a team full of NBA players, so talent alone gives a huge advantage that we can not discount.

 

[GKiller]

#30 here. Welser has been doing these for a long time. But he's under ranked us again just like last year, when inexplicably he didn't even have us in the top 144. Maybe he read this board. Now has us #2 in A10 behind St. Louis and 8 seed in NCAA.

https://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/18768

 

[SFspidur]

Welser is terrible, I don't know why anybody follows his predictions. I guess people are just starved for news before things getting started.

 

[spider23]

JR has us at 35, I think that is the same or around the same as he did before? He has SLU 31.

Preseason: Early Rothstein 45 for 2021

It’s never too early to start looking ahead to next season. Check out our list of 45 below. These will be updated instantly if any current transfers receive waivers from the NCAA to play immediately next season. 1. Villanova Projected Starting 5: G Collin GillespieG Justin MooreG Caleb DanielsF...

collegehoopstoday.com

 

[spider23]

And apparently he is not familiar with Weir or Grace, or may he does not expect them to see much floor time.

 

[spiderman]

And apparently he is not familiar with Weir or Grace, or may he does not expect them to see much floor time.

that's something to consider. Sal looks really good in the little clips we've seen this fall.

with Cayo and Burton dominating minutes at the 4 there's really no room for Sal there. if he's going to see the floor it's probably at the 5. he could definitely end up the primary backup for Grant. CM's not going to hand it to the freshman unless he's clearly ahead.

 

[spider23]

Good point sman. I would love to see Sal improve to the point where he is top big guy back up. Seems like a guy that was still trying to catch his body and timing up to our level of play last year. If he can be a contributor this year and beat out Grace, I think that would be a really good sign for next year too.

 

[97spiderfan]

Sal is not a 5. Mooney tried that last year and it didn't work. Now you add Weir into the rotation as well. Sal isn't getting his minutes at the 5.

 

[spiderman]

Sal is not a 5. Mooney tried that last year and it didn't work. Now you add Weir into the rotation as well. Sal isn't getting his minutes at the 5.

I'm betting he isn't getting minutes at the 4, and you're betting he isn't getting minutes at the 5. I assume we agree he isn't getting minutes at the 3. so either he isn't getting minutes (which would make us both right), or one of us is wrong.

I actually like some of what Grace does at the 5 and I'm excited about Weir. that said, I could see Sal beating out either of them easier than I can see him beating out Burton. Sal did start 2 games when Grant was out last year.

question is ... do you think Rothstein just wings it himself for his projected starting 5 and bench, or does he reach out to the teams he's ranking for their input?

 

[Eight Legger]

I'm betting he isn't getting minutes at the 4, and you're betting he isn't getting minutes at the 5. I assume we agree he isn't getting minutes at the 3. so either he isn't getting minutes (which would make us both right), or one of us is wrong.

I actually like some of what Grace does at the 5 and I'm excited about Weir. that said, I could see Sal beating out either of them easier than I can see him beating out Burton. Sal did start 2 games when Grant was out last year.

question is ... do you think Rothstein just wings it himself for his projected starting 5 and bench, or does he reach out to the teams he's ranking for their input?

Rothstein?? Come on, by the time he auto-schedules the same 12 tweets for every day of every year until the end of eternity and then works on coming up with some juvenile catch-phrases for every P6 team and does his podcast and radio show, there's no time left to proactively reach out to anyone.

 

[plydogg]

I can tell you haven't been to a lot of NCAA tournament games. The big name teams most certainly do have a home court advantage as their fans generally travel well. Also there are plenty of upsets during the regular season, the only reason why you might think you see more in the tournament is teams are forced to play "lesser" teams that they would never play otherwise.

Just want to chime in and say I’ve been not only to a lot of Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games and have attended every final four since 2009 (when Tyler Hansbrough’s Tar Heels stomped the competition). So I feel if that is the criteria to have an opinion here then mine should be viewed by you.

I absolutely agree with your sentiment that there are a lot of upsets during the regular season....but most of those are away games during conference play where crowd plays a huge role. In the tournament fans absolutely travel, but not every fanbase is Duke/Kentucky where they have fans in all 50 states and will sell out every game no matter what continent it is on. If Indiana and Marquette play a first round game in San Jose as a 5-12 game, do you really think whichever is the 5 seed is going to have a huge advantage because of the crowd? Let me answer that by telling you in 2005 (I believe that was the year) I attended the infamous UCLA-Gonzaga Elite 8 game in Oakland and the crowd was NOT a predominantly UCLA crowd despite being very close to home.

now you also have to factor in that in the rounds of 64, 32, 16 there are two games going on in each arena every day and only one set of tickets sold. That means in many cases that fans will get behind the underdog in the game not including their team. I have seen it time and time again both In person and while watching on tv.

You discredit his thoughts because you believe he hasn’t been to many tournament games. But I’m sitting here telling you that in my lifetime, at age 26, I have attended 39 NCAA tournament games and can say that he is spot on correct!