The exodus continues ...

Where is Mr. Brick-by-Brick?

I'm at a loss to understand how we're "building a program" here. The two best front court players we had this year have left. This past season's team was built around three guards who were destined to play 38 minutes a night until one got hurt. We now have two returning starters and a bunch of role players returning. We add three promising freshmen and a PG who will be a big-time A-10 player, but next year is now officially a rebuilding year and it might take two years beyond that to have the next pretender/contender possibility here, assuming we can backfill for Lewis and Robinson.

I wish LG well, I think he's a terrific ballplayer, but we are in some trouble for next year.

ElDuque wrote:

Where is Mr. Brick-by-Brick?

I'm at a loss to understand how we're "building a program" here. The two best front court players we had this year have left. This past season's team was built around three guards who were destined to play 38 minutes a night until one got hurt. We now have two returning starters and a bunch of role players returning. We add three promising freshmen and a PG who will be a big-time A-10 player, but next year is now officially a rebuilding year and it might take two years beyond that to have the next pretender/contender possibility here, assuming we can backfill for Lewis and Robinson.

I wish LG well, I think he's a terrific ballplayer, but we are in some trouble for next year.

You never once said he was a terrific ballplayer all year. You ripped him apart for not doing this or that. Now that he is leaving, all of a sudden he was Michael Jordan.

I think he has an NBA power forward body. Inside the paint, he was a good ballplayer. Playing the Ferry "Shoot as soon as you cross midcourt" system, he didn't always look so good.

A lot of people who are considered "experts" share the opinions I had, BTW.

At no point did I make a Jordan comparison. That's ludicrous.

Gill's departure leaves us paper thin up front, just like we are in the backcourt.

That's the sum of my post. The rest of the conversation that's taking place in your mind is best left there, if you don't mind.

Econ69 wrote:

Gill and Powell's new schools will go a long way in explaining why they transferred and the strengths and weaknesses of the program and Ferry.
Harper's challenge to improve the program has now gotten harder.
Castro is probably next.
Six new players for next year.
 

...and only three graduating. Smith replaced another year-end departure, IIRC.

There is no stability in this program.
 

Well reading the tea leaves I thought someone else was leaving, I did not think it would be Gill.  Just like that our best returning player, and one of two senior starters is gone.  The defection of Powell and Gill may be the last nail for Ferry if he does not win next year.  I agree El Duque.  Ferry came in with his brick by brick comment, and his condescending comments about the status of the program he inherited, and four years later under Ferry we have one senior player.    

This definitely isn't good news for next year's chances, but gill has always been immensely disappointing. There is so much ability there but he always seemed to not quite reach it. As much as we whined about the revolving door during the end of ron's tenure, unfortunately this seems to be standard operating procedure in college basketball anymore. Hopefully we can bring in another freshman and a transfer

With Gill leaving we have lost our top three scorers and our best rebounder.  Craig Meyers tweeted that Ferry said Duquesne will look to fill Gill's vacancy with...a grad transfer. Good luck with that.  Any big grad transfer worth having will be flooded with offers.  We may get a body but I will be surprised if it is anyone can contribute let alone the caliber of player of Gill.  Got to hope that minute deprived players like Sanders and Robinson can take a big step forward next season, and Mike is as good as advertised. 

Gill & Powell got bulk of front court minutes while Sanders and Robinson sat.

I don't think Ferry read either situation (Gill/Powell) well.

Craig MeyerVerified account ‏@CraigMeyerPG   38m38 minutes ago Ferry said only transfer limits he'd would possibly place on Gill, a Richmond-area native, would be schools on Duquesne's schedule in 16-17.

Projected starting line up
Smith-PG-35 min
Steel-SG-25 min
Lewis C-20min
James Sf-25 min
Sanders PF-20 min

bench
robinson-15 min
Jackson-15 min
Lewis- 15 min
Mike-10 min
LIttleton-5 min
TBD-replace powell-5 min
TBD-replace gill-5 min
TBD-replace castro-5 min

I would see a grad student as front line back up along after Mike and Robinson.  If Sanders doesn't play because of a grad student then Sanders will leave.

When will the administration get it. This guy is not a division one coch. Three things you need to do in order to be a division one coach. First you must be able to recruit the type of player who fits your program. Secondly you must be able to prepare for your next opponent and have a game strategy. Thirdly you must make adjustments during the course of the game. Ferry possess none of these qualities. I wrote on this blog weeks ago that we should of gotten Travis Ford before he was available and that he would not cost much because of his contract with Okie State. Well St. Louis picked him up.  This new athletic director has not shown any insight or imagination. At best it will be another four years for a winning season, but most likely not one for a long time. Being a fan of the Dukes since the late sixties, I am resigned to the fact that I root for the other A-10 teams and schools very similar to Duquesne like Xavier, Seton Hall and Villanova.(smaller Catholic schools)