https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-field-of-68-after-dark-podcast/id1540628867?i=1000623261077

Usually a fan of their stuff but think there's some lazy analysis here. They are not bullish on us. Highlights:
- Say we'd be fortunate to be top 3 in the conference this season.
- Not sure if JaKobe will fair well in Big12 play as a freshman.
- We don't have a "dude" that will be able to takeover.
- Offense will be a struggle, slight uptick on defense mainly just cause we can't get worse than last year.
- Also they say we don't have a competitive NIL program even within the Big12 *insert clown emoji*

"Slight uptick on defense" and JaKobe struggling are the two that stand out to me as very far fetched.

Not that it totally corresponds to actual production on the court but Walter is the best pro prospect in the big 12 next year and is probably the best SG prospect in the country. Plays an efficient game and plays D. A good year makes him a top 10 guy. Think he'll be good to go

Slight uptick on defense is wild. Team was #100 level on D. Our best defender (bridges) is back and our two worst defenders are gone. Jon should be miles better than last year and is being completely overlooked. Nunn, Grimes, & Walter are all capable defenders. Love hopefully finally full mobility with the knee.

Offense comments are probably fair since we don't know how Dennis and Walter will take. Think they can put it together with Bridges and some complementary upside pieces.

Every team outside of KU has many questions. We don't even know for sure how KU will mesh. Texas is a little light but talented. Small at guard. K State full of question marks. Houston is small and doesn't have much talent in the front court and isn't that athletic in the backcourt. WVU was on track before the coaching change and shifts. TCU talented but replacing very key guys.

So is Walter one of those "one and done" kind of guys?

Yes, Walter should be a lottery pick next year with a solid season. First round is very likely outside of a complete collapse

Thanks

Quinton said:

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"Slight uptick on defense" and JaKobe struggling are the two that stand out to me as very far fetched.

Not that it totally corresponds to actual production on the court but Walter is the best pro prospect in the big 12 next year and is probably the best SG prospect in the country. Plays an efficient game and plays D. A good year makes him a top 10 guy. Think he'll be good to go

Slight uptick on defense is wild. Team was #100 level on D. Our best defender (bridges) is back and our two worst defenders are gone. Jon should be miles better than last year and is being completely overlooked. Nunn, Grimes, & Walter are all capable defenders. Love hopefully finally full mobility with the knee.

Offense comments are probably fair since we don't know how Dennis and Walter will take. Think they can put it together with Bridges and some complementary upside pieces.

Every team outside of KU has many questions. We don't even know for sure how KU will mesh. Texas is a little light but talented. Small at guard. K State full of question marks. Houston is small and doesn't have much talent in the front court and isn't that athletic in the backcourt. WVU was on track before the coaching change and shifts. TCU talented but replacing very key guys.

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I'm super high on our defensive upside this year. I think everybody that'll play for us this year is at least average on D with Bridges, Nunn, and Jakobe being above average, plus the energy/effort on that side of the ball will be miles better. So I'm thinking the D will get back into the top 30 range and if RayJ Dennis turns out to be as good as I think he'll be, he'll evolve into the go to guy and keep the offense in the top 30 range as well. That makes us a well rounded team that has depth and will compete for the big 12.

Dennis is the guy I'll be watching to see how it translates to the high D1 level. Typically guys that win player of the year in smaller conferences can hang at a high level.

I agree and think Dennis, Bridges, Walter, Jon, and complimentary pieces could put together a top 30 offense.