This team may be Coach Drew's most challenging rebuilding task since the first several seasons after he arrived. I can't think of another.
He's working with a roster of FIVE transfers, including, Gillespie, a former walk-on at a D3 school (plus another two transfers, Teague & Mitchell, sit this season), a former BU football player (Okeke) and three true-freshmen.
One of our/his two most experienced players, Lindsey, is, of course, out for the season.
Kegler has only played in two games. Mason was injured most of the past two seasons & earlier this season.
Allen & Bandoo weren't even full time starters at their respective junior colleges.
We have little size/experience with true-sophomore Clark at 6'9" & two true-freshman at 6'10".
We all know that learning a system takes some time, but developing chemistry can take much of a season. "Good chemistry can defeat good talent." We may be a little down on "talent" this year, so...........
Add the fact that most of our guys are new to D1 basketball, & it's easier to understand the challenges facing Coach Drew & our Bears.
The second half of the Wichita State game instilled some optimism, outscoring them by 21 in the second half (granted they were not playing with their earlier intensity, but still, 21 points before a full house on the Shockers' home court?!).
We have just four games before the onset of B12 play on January 5th. The conference looks competitive top to bottom. Let's hope our chemistry & rotation gels in time..........
Patience required.
This just may be a very trying season for us fans, with our usual high expectations, but even more so for our overachieving coach!
He's working with a roster of FIVE transfers, including, Gillespie, a former walk-on at a D3 school (plus another two transfers, Teague & Mitchell, sit this season), a former BU football player (Okeke) and three true-freshmen.
One of our/his two most experienced players, Lindsey, is, of course, out for the season.
Kegler has only played in two games. Mason was injured most of the past two seasons & earlier this season.
Allen & Bandoo weren't even full time starters at their respective junior colleges.
We have little size/experience with true-sophomore Clark at 6'9" & two true-freshman at 6'10".
We all know that learning a system takes some time, but developing chemistry can take much of a season. "Good chemistry can defeat good talent." We may be a little down on "talent" this year, so...........
Add the fact that most of our guys are new to D1 basketball, & it's easier to understand the challenges facing Coach Drew & our Bears.
The second half of the Wichita State game instilled some optimism, outscoring them by 21 in the second half (granted they were not playing with their earlier intensity, but still, 21 points before a full house on the Shockers' home court?!).
We have just four games before the onset of B12 play on January 5th. The conference looks competitive top to bottom. Let's hope our chemistry & rotation gels in time..........
Patience required.
This just may be a very trying season for us fans, with our usual high expectations, but even more so for our overachieving coach!