Ditto on the props for Big John; while you could see glimpses of talent when he lumbered up and down the court his freshman year, you could never guess he
would finish his career as one of the best bigs Santa Clara ever produced. Hard work and self discipline can certainly inspire.
Losing 18 points, 14 rebounds and a solid defensive presence in the middle will be a challenge, but I also think that the Broncos will be a better team by next season's end. Rahon and Foster, relieved of PG duties should be able to concentrate on scoring and improving their defense. Add Cowels as another shooter, who is supposed to be able to defend and the '2 spot' seems to be in good hands.
Up front, Traz can develop into a special player; his improvement the second half of the WCC season was impressive and he'll only get better as well as stronger. I still think Thompson will be a major factor on this team and was encouraged when K2 mentioned him as part of SCU's future when discussing the All Freshman team awards. Another year of strength training will help and playing against Bryant every day in practice had to help prepare him for next year. Dowdell contributes in a lot of ways --defensively in particular, but he (and I know it's been said before) needs to improve his offensive game; a consistent 15-18 foot jumper would prevent defenders from sagging in the post and allow him to drive. It would also allow him to play some three instead of battling and fouling bigger PFs. I'm also betting that Niyi significantly contributes next season. Cunningham will provide depth at the 4 and (if he has grown) the 5. I'm not sure what will happen with DW; he is the only legit 3 on the roster (although he was so big, he did not move as well as I expected) but he certainly did not meet expectations. If comes back, let's hope it is with a different attitude. Actually if he does come back it will have to be with a different attitude. I think there is still a schollie to give (it might be the one Santos received this year);I would not be surprised to see a big (6'5-6'7") wing, recruited commit, especially if DW is no longer a Bronco.
With about 10 games of college experience at the point, I expect that SCU will be slow out of the gate next year. As Smith and Alexander gain experience, things should turn the corner by the Cable Car. In a more fluid offensive situation next season, P2 might be more effective than he was trying to run a half court sets. If not, he could see time as a 2, which might not be a bad thing.
On the floor with the Foster-Traz- Rahon freshman class, and on paper with the incoming class, Keating has shown he can evaluate and secure talent. Like his players, I think he will also improve in his decision making and approach. Patience will be a prerequisite for SCU basketball fans, but I think the wait will be worth it.
Losing 18 points, 14 rebounds and a solid defensive presence in the middle will be a challenge, but I also think that the Broncos will be a better team by next season's end. Rahon and Foster, relieved of PG duties should be able to concentrate on scoring and improving their defense. Add Cowels as another shooter, who is supposed to be able to defend and the '2 spot' seems to be in good hands.
Up front, Traz can develop into a special player; his improvement the second half of the WCC season was impressive and he'll only get better as well as stronger. I still think Thompson will be a major factor on this team and was encouraged when K2 mentioned him as part of SCU's future when discussing the All Freshman team awards. Another year of strength training will help and playing against Bryant every day in practice had to help prepare him for next year. Dowdell contributes in a lot of ways --defensively in particular, but he (and I know it's been said before) needs to improve his offensive game; a consistent 15-18 foot jumper would prevent defenders from sagging in the post and allow him to drive. It would also allow him to play some three instead of battling and fouling bigger PFs. I'm also betting that Niyi significantly contributes next season. Cunningham will provide depth at the 4 and (if he has grown) the 5. I'm not sure what will happen with DW; he is the only legit 3 on the roster (although he was so big, he did not move as well as I expected) but he certainly did not meet expectations. If comes back, let's hope it is with a different attitude. Actually if he does come back it will have to be with a different attitude. I think there is still a schollie to give (it might be the one Santos received this year);I would not be surprised to see a big (6'5-6'7") wing, recruited commit, especially if DW is no longer a Bronco.
With about 10 games of college experience at the point, I expect that SCU will be slow out of the gate next year. As Smith and Alexander gain experience, things should turn the corner by the Cable Car. In a more fluid offensive situation next season, P2 might be more effective than he was trying to run a half court sets. If not, he could see time as a 2, which might not be a bad thing.
On the floor with the Foster-Traz- Rahon freshman class, and on paper with the incoming class, Keating has shown he can evaluate and secure talent. Like his players, I think he will also improve in his decision making and approach. Patience will be a prerequisite for SCU basketball fans, but I think the wait will be worth it.
