1. I really expected more out of Derryck Thornton and Chase Jeter this year. Both have a lot of work to do. Derryck needs to make better decisions and improve his shot. That said, I don't think he'll ever be a dynamic scorer. Hope I'm wrong, and I know I need to remember he should still be in high school. Chase needs to work on his hands, boxing out, getting stronger, improving his body fat %, etc.
2. Brandon Ingram was a joy to watch on the offensive side of the ball. He is so smooth and versatile. I am just glad he didn't choose UNC, because they'd win the title easily with him. With regard to defense and rebounding, he just wasn't physically able to bang down low, and I think that hurt us a great deal, especially since we were so low on depth and Plumlee was, well, Plumlee.
3. Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen could be the nation's most lethal scoring duo next season if Grayson returns. I was pleased with Luke's play overall. He's never going to be a plus defender, and he's still learning that he's not in high school anymore, but I am very excited about his future. Kid can flat stroke it. I think Grayson has pretty much maxed out at the college level, and I wouldn't blame him if he headed to the NBA.
4. I have never been more excited about the future. I think we all knew this would be a relatively down year, in which case I am pleased with a Sweet 16. We have some seriously talented guys coming in. Giles and the return of Jefferson will improve our interior defense and rebounding tremendously. Hopefully Chase will be able to give us better minutes. Tatum will look to replace the offensive production of Ingram. Frank Jackson will give us another scoring threat. Javin may see some quality minutes. Really anxious/excited to see Derryck's improvement. If Vrankovic or Jack White give us anything next year, it will be gravy. We should seriously contend for a Final Four berth and a national title.
2. Brandon Ingram was a joy to watch on the offensive side of the ball. He is so smooth and versatile. I am just glad he didn't choose UNC, because they'd win the title easily with him. With regard to defense and rebounding, he just wasn't physically able to bang down low, and I think that hurt us a great deal, especially since we were so low on depth and Plumlee was, well, Plumlee.
3. Luke Kennard and Grayson Allen could be the nation's most lethal scoring duo next season if Grayson returns. I was pleased with Luke's play overall. He's never going to be a plus defender, and he's still learning that he's not in high school anymore, but I am very excited about his future. Kid can flat stroke it. I think Grayson has pretty much maxed out at the college level, and I wouldn't blame him if he headed to the NBA.
4. I have never been more excited about the future. I think we all knew this would be a relatively down year, in which case I am pleased with a Sweet 16. We have some seriously talented guys coming in. Giles and the return of Jefferson will improve our interior defense and rebounding tremendously. Hopefully Chase will be able to give us better minutes. Tatum will look to replace the offensive production of Ingram. Frank Jackson will give us another scoring threat. Javin may see some quality minutes. Really anxious/excited to see Derryck's improvement. If Vrankovic or Jack White give us anything next year, it will be gravy. We should seriously contend for a Final Four berth and a national title.
