But honestly our defensive backs have mostly been solid to good over the last handful of years. 2023 was more of a challenge since we lost Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates plus had some injuries and the young guys just weren’t ready.
I think I've said this before but I actually quite like the class we have coming in. More versatility AND more upside across the board. But none of them are can't miss dudes who a new coach should be lambasted for losing. That's why I think this is the year for a change. There's really no defending the program's direction with the resistance to buy-in on the transfer portal–though as last offseason showed, even if Tad did, we've got ZERO NIL support for hoops–showing that our 2 year rebuild and boom strategy is too dated. With that being said, I do think people are going to be shocked with the caliber of replacement pool we fish in. As an aside, I'm kind of blown away by Tad's inability to get this team working on the defensive end. A lot of it starts with Eddie (who is, ahem, terrible) and Tristan. TDS' defensive effort has been legitimately embarrassing for about 98% of the season and he makes everyone else look bad. Hadley hasn't been good on that end, particularly defending the three, but a lot of it is based on TDS' man having blow by after blow by. Tad's lack of intensity in some games (at least per tv watching) and his lack of fire in press conferences show a sense of resignation about this group, that they are who they are. That falls on him, to be clear, since he built the roster. But we've got some fake tough guys and mental midgets on this team, so much so that I wonder *who* could actually get them defending and winning.
My least favorite of the 4 freshman (though I bet he will make me pay for that), but even if he becomes a stud eventually I would much rather fill that with a transfer big that can contribute next year. I have zero faith in the existing group.
I actually loved Onwu, so this is a bummer. But us doing it without a fight, or at least seeming to, tells me there's something more going on. Maybe some family stuff or health.
I know he is getting some good reviews and I did like him, I just have a personal love for centers that can really defend and move their feet and I don’t expect he fills that role (at least not early). Like I said, he will probably burn me haha. Also, after last offseason my faith in securing a strong transfer is incredibly low.
Yeah I don't love commenting on someone's defensive ability just from film, so I'll refrain, but I actually think he's got the highest defensive upside of any big man (not counting Bey) that we've recruited. Probably would be as immediately fundamental as Lovering but if his mental side developed as quickly as Lawson's, there are a ton of tools there.
Next year is going to be an absolute shit-show. No worries though, I heard English or Dusty May are on the way. Problem solved.
Unfortunate that Bishop couldn't remove his head from his ass but we move on. Nwanko was front squatting a Volvo the other day. Absurdly strong man.
Cornfed Buffalo what’s your streaming site of choice for this shitty TV station we won’t have to deal with soon? disregard. Found earlier in thread.
After that start to the game, with no Cody/Hammond, that's a gutsy one. Fucking Hadley 4/4 from 3... would not have had that on my bingo card.
It’s looking likely that Colorado men’s basketball freshman standout Cody Williams will make his return from injury on Thursday night in the Buffs’ Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinal game. As reported by Scott Procter of the Coloradoan, Williams returned to practice on Monday, about two weeks after injuring his ankle in the Buffs’ win over Utah on Feb. 24. “I’m good now, I’m back,” Williams told Procter after Tuesday’s practice.
Would be a big boost. I am less concerned about his starting/bench status (particularly if they think he is rusty from the time off), but getting back in time for the Pac tournament would be great for 1) shaking any rust he can, and 2) giving KJ even a little rest each game. The guys are rolling and in a good rhythm, but if Cody can come back and just fill in some gaps/burn some positive mins as he gets up to speed it would be huge.
Yeah the polk county kids are just notoriously boom/bust for that very reason When they hit though they end All Conf. or better so you can't just ignore em all together
Lampkin absolutely bullied Lovering. Was a pleasure to watch. Would feel much better with another win tonight.
We woke up alive boys. Last night was a fucking movie. Lawson won't sleep right for years. KJ is a legend. Vibes are incredibly high.