Thoughts on the players...

[J.R.K.]

Booker is my favorite player on the team. He brings athleticism, energy, and fearlessness. When OSU applied that half-court pressure everyone else panicked and just tried to unload the ball, he was the only one being aggressive and trying to punish them by driving to the hole and he does a great job of finishing around the basket. It will be interesting to see if he always plays that "6th man sparkplug" role or if he develops into a more complete player. At his size he's got to become a little bit better of a perimeter shooter and become a more "savy" player.

Dufault is the most reliable player on the team and should be a bigger part of the offense. He's leading the team in FG% and 3PT%. I love that move where he gets the ball on the baseline or in the post and then cuts across or towards the paint and puts up a little floater/short jumper, he hits that 4 out of 5 times.

Roberson is obviously a stud, consistency is lacking though. A good comparison for him is Kenneth Faried the Nuggets first round pick. They're both undersized but athletic PF who are rebounding machines, block shots, play great D and will give you 10-12PPG.

Dinwiddie is like a less athletic version of Burks, he does a great job of creating his own shot and can hit difficult shots. Good 3pt and FT shooter too and has a great undertsanding of the game for a freshman.

Chen plays hard and smart and might have a better touch around the basket then anyone on the team. Everytime he has a contested layup the ball somehow always seems to go in.

I'm begining to somewhat appreciate what Tommlinson brings to the team but it's still frustrating too see him pass on so many open shots especially when the possesions ends up ending on a turnover of worse shot then he had.

Brown had been a real nice addition (I love transfers). Best pure scorer on the team and also looks like the team leader. Wouldn't count on him getting drafted though, not consistent enough and not a good enough all around player.

Jeremy Adams has been a dissapointment, he just doen't look very good especially for a player who is over 2 years removed from HS. Hopefully he can step up next year with Brown leaving.

Tunks has been a dissapointment too (considering the high praise from Boyle last year). He gives us some size and that's about it.

 

[Shldr2Shldr]

I add that Tunks has stepped it up in the past few games. You see his confidence is his knee coming back. He has been more confident banging in the paint recently than he was through the first 12-13 games. Knee injuries are tough.

 

[jgisland]

Welcom J.R.K, agree with a lot of your assessements. I really like what Booker brings, but if there is one thing I would like to see in his arsenal next season is a floater in the lane (think tony parker). If Booker can add that to his game he could be really dangerous. Your analysis is spot on with Dufault, he has really played well this year (he also played well last year and was under appreciated). IMO the next couple of years this team is going to only do as well as Dinwiddie plays. Josh Smith, Xavier Johnson and Dre are only going to progress and develop as "the mayor" does.

 

[CVilleBuff]

I think Booker fulfills the "6th man sparkplug" role for the foreseeable future. That's not a knock on Ski by any means, but he is just perfect in that role.

 

[MtnBuff]

I add that Tunks has stepped it up in the past few games. You see his confidence is his knee coming back. He has been more confident banging in the paint recently than he was through the first 12-13 games. Knee injuries are tough.

This, the doctors may say you are back but until your head says your back you aren't the same player. Tad tends to be right on most things coaching and if he thinks that Tunks needs to keep playing then he has a reason. We could use his size if he can get his game back.

 

[Buffnik]

I think Booker fulfills the "6th man sparkplug" role for the foreseeable future. That's not a knock on Ski by any means, but he is just perfect in that role.

I think he might develop into a starting PG. That's a change for me, but I'm seeing a lot I like with Ski breaking down a defense and dishing well off his drives. He's not there, but I can see it as a possibility now.

 

[CVilleBuff]

I think he might develop into a starting PG. That's a change for me, but I'm seeing a lot I like with Ski breaking down a defense and dishing well off his drives. He's not there, but I can see it as a possibility now.

It's a possibility for sure. The ceiling is certainly higher here than many thought

 

[Buffnik]

It's a possibility for sure. The ceiling is certainly higher here than many thought

I was actually much higher on him than most. I told Goose before the season that Ski could end up as our leading scorer. I just never saw him as a "1" until recently. But his APG is at 1.7 just behind Mayor's 1.8 for 4th on the team despite playing 4 1/2 fewer minutes a night.

I'm starting to see 2012's starting lineup as:

1- Askia Booker
2- Spencer Dinwiddie
3- Xavier Johnson
4- Andre Roberson
5- Shane Harris-Tunks

 

[Shldr2Shldr]

I was actually much higher on him than most. I told Goose before the season that Ski could end up as our leading scorer. I just never saw him as a "1" until recently. But his APG is at 1.7 just behind Mayor's 1.8 for 4th on the team despite playing 4 1/2 fewer minutes a night.

I'm starting to see 2012's starting lineup as:

1- Askia Booker
2- Spencer Dinwiddie
3- Xavier Johnson
4- Andre Roberson
5- Shane Harris-Tunks

Only if shane continues to improve. Scott could over take him

 

[CVilleBuff]

I was actually much higher on him than most. I told Goose before the season that Ski could end up as our leading scorer. I just never saw him as a "1" until recently. But his APG is at 1.7 just behind Mayor's 1.8 for 4th on the team despite playing 4 1/2 fewer minutes a night.

I'm starting to see 2012's starting lineup as:

1- Askia Booker
2- Spencer Dinwiddie
3- Xavier Johnson
4- Andre Roberson
5- Shane Harris-Tunks

Are you going with SHT because of the time you expect we need to give Scott to develop, or because you're concerned about Scott's ability to thrive at the 5 and think the 4 is strictly where he needs to be? It certainly can never be underestimated the degree in which throwing a genuine 4 guy into the 5 spot can mess up both personal production, and thus the gelling of an offense as a whole. Also, what's your view on Talton -- do you think we aim for the RS?

SHT has been stepping it up in recent weeks, but there's obviously a long way to go.

I expect we're going to have a transfer or two this offseason.

As a random sidenote, I'm glad UVA transfer PF James Johnson who transferred out a few weeks ago decided to go to SDSU instead of a Pac12 school. Kid was a top 100 recruit out of HS that was heavily recruited by Arizona, Cal and ASU among others. He would have been an excellent addition to any Pac12 roster.

 

[MtnBuff]

Are you going with SHT more out of the time you expect we need to give Scott to develop, or because you're concerned about Scott's ability to thrive at the 5 and think the 4 is strictly where he needs to be? It certainly can never be underestimated the degree in which throwing a genuine 4 guy into the 5 spot can mess up both personal production, and thus the gelling of an offense as a whole. Also, what's your view on Talton -- do you think we aim for the RS if at all possible?

Don't forget about Gordon. He looks to be developing the size and game of a true 5. Not as talented as Scott but a guy who will play defense, rebound, and develop an inside offensive game. Comes with the advantage of being faster up and down the court than most 5s. He lets Scott play his true 4 position. That all said lots of colleges don't even play a true 5. They play forwards, wings, and a point, much like Tad often does with this team when SHT isn't in the game.


As to redshirting Talon. College BB rosters are short enough that its hard to justify a scholly on a guy who isn't playing unless he is hurt of just needs to develop before contributing. If Talon is ready to play I doubt they RS him, same goes for the rest of the class.

 

[Buffnik]

Are you going with SHT because of the time you expect we need to give Scott to develop, or because you're concerned about Scott's ability to thrive at the 5 and think the 4 is strictly where he needs to be? It certainly can never be underestimated the degree in which throwing a genuine 4 guy into the 5 spot can mess up both personal production, and thus the gelling of an offense as a whole. Also, what's your view on Talton -- do you think we aim for the RS?

SHT has been stepping it up in recent weeks, but there's obviously a long way to go.

I expect we're going to have a transfer or two this offseason.

As a random sidenote, I'm glad UVA transfer PF James Johnson who transferred out a few weeks ago decided to go to SDSU instead of a Pac12 school. Kid was a top 100 recruit out of HS that was heavily recruited by Arizona, Cal and ASU among others. He would have been an excellent addition to any Pac12 roster.

Until I see Scott, it's hard for me to pencil him in as a starter. Big guys generally take longer to develop, too. It wouldn't surprise me if he started, but for now I'm thinking it will be Shane.

Talton's young for a senior, so he could definitely use the developmental year. Redshirt wouldn't surprise me.

I'm also expecting a spot or two to open up after the season.

 

[CVilleBuff]

Don't forget about Gordon. He looks to be developing the size and game of a true 5. Not as talented as Scott but a guy who will play defense, rebound, and develop an inside offensive game. Comes with the advantage of being faster up and down the court than most 5s. He lets Scott play his true 4 position. That all said lots of colleges don't even play a true 5. They play forwards, wings, and a point, much like Tad often does with this team when SHT isn't in the game.


As to redshirting Talon. College BB rosters are short enough that its hard to justify a scholly on a guy who isn't playing unless he is hurt of just needs to develop before contributing. If Talon is ready to play I doubt they RS him, same goes for the rest of the class.

Definitely psyched about Gordon. He's a 4* talent, plain and simple. He's continuing to grow, up to 6'8 and another inch is certainly a possibility. I could certainly see Wesley playing the 5 to allow Josh to thrive at his natural 4. Just as a comparison, UVA lost their Center to injury a couple weeks ago. The first game without the Center, they tried to place PF Mike Scott (ACC POY this year, hands down) at the 5, and it failed and messed up their whole offense. After that, UVA has been playing Akil Mitchell at the 5 (Mitchell is literally identical to Wes Gordon in terms of size and style of game). Mitchell has proven he can at least be effective at the 5, and this is allowing Mike Scott to continue to kick ass at PF and continue to be the best player in the ACC and arguably the best PF in the entire country. Of course, SHT's constant improvement will prove to be a major factor here as well.

In regards to Talton, I have warmed up to him in recent weeks. I was skeptical at first, but I think Talton can turn out to be a nice serviceable PG for us. However, it is going to take some time. Adjusting from playing high school hoops in Sterling to playing Pac12 basketball is going to be a process. A red shirt is ideal here, and if we can have Shannon Sharpe stick around to finish up his career as a Buff, then it will be a given that we RS Talton.

This influx of talent is going to make our practices unbelievable. That's not to knock any current guys, but next year Andre, Josh, Gordon and SHT battling it out everyday in practice is going to make each and every player so much better. The same goes for the guards and SFs. Xavier Johnson, The Mayor, Ski, Jenkins. Simply awesome competition across the board. When you're facing off in practice against guys that are often better than the opponents you'll be facing, you are in for big things.

39 wins and counting now over the past two seasons. Rapidly approaching back to back 20+ win seasons. Let's keep this up and beat the Ducks tomorrow. We need to get better on the road, for sure, but the biggest key to success will always be taking care of business at home. We're right in the thick of it in the Pac, folks. We need the Keg packed and crazy tomorrow!!

 

[GoBuffs!!]

I was actually much higher on him than most. I told Goose before the season that Ski could end up as our leading scorer. I just never saw him as a "1" until recently. But his APG is at 1.7 just behind Mayor's 1.8 for 4th on the team despite playing 4 1/2 fewer minutes a night.

I'm starting to see 2012's starting lineup as:

1- Askia Booker
2- Spencer Dinwiddie
3- Xavier Johnson
4- Andre Roberson
5- Shane Harris-Tunks

I agree with 4 of your starters. But SHT will be a guy coming off the bench to Scott, and likely going to be battling for minutes with Gordon in my opinion.

I would typically agree with you on transfers, as many of the guys were brought in to be "starters" and are ending up on the practice squad, yet they are likely good enough to get playing time in another program. The difference is I think Boyle is selling them all on the fact they can make a championship team, and yes the individual contribution is smaller than most of them expected, but it seems as if they are all playing as a team.

Who are we thinking may be transfers?
Sharpe - I think he expected to play more, but realizes his limitation is his knee (watch him go side to side, it looks like he has lost a lot from his recruiting videos)
SHT - Dont know where he would get more playing time then here...
Mills - Others may disagree with me here, but I really think he will be a contributer as a Senior

Overall, everyone looks to be pretty happy on the team, not like before on Patton or Bz days, where you could feel the tension between players.

 

[BuffDog]

The only player I see leaving the program would be Mills. He could use a RS year to put on some weight and work on his game and then start his remaining two years and be a big contributor for a smaller D1 school. Sharpe and Adams have both used their RS year so they can't afford to sit out a year if they transfer to another D1 program. SHT will continue to get playing time and will enjoy his stay in Boulder.

 

[MtnBuff]

I agree about Mills being able to develop into a quality player but at the same time I see our team going away from a style of ball that would fit him. He is relatively mobile but nothing like Scott and Gordon are for big men. I think that Tad will want to go more to a defense that pressures the ball man on man or with trapping presses and an offense that also requires constant movement with quick breaks to the basket by all 5 guys on the floor. I don't see Mills becoming this at the level that Tad will want.

He has a much better chance of developing into a solid player getting significant minutes in a system that is more deliberate with defined roles. JMO, he seems like a really good kid and I would like him to work out in Boulder but I don't see it as his best option.