Thanks rogabee. 40 something seasons of following this program, games start to run together in my mind. 

We were under .500 last year, we lost Soko, and we're in a conference that may be coming off one of its best-ever seasons. Even the most loyal optimist has to predict a bottom tier finish. Still, I think this is an important year for Ferry and the program. Despite all of the above, I think there has to be a .500+ finish, and a push for a postseason berth. 

I'm much more optimistic about next season than most people.  I think we will finish above .500 and make a post-season push.  I expect a third level post-season tournament bid at the worst.

E.D., allow me to share VBC's optimism and accept these osteo-morsel tidbits to satisfy your thirst for some indicia of reasons or reasoning for optimism. I base my opinions on seeing last years summer league and regular season games and all of this years summer games.  At PG last year we had DC and Travaugh White and nothing else! As much as you disdain DC, I like him  much more this year and we have Jordan Stevens who shows a lot to like, a more experienced Des Ridenauer and Micah Mason.  We are better substantially at PG by anyone's measure.  At the 2G we have Micah Mason, Des Ridenauer, Jordan Stevens, Jere Jones and perhaps Eric James.  We are at least the same or better because of experience and talent.  At the three-SF- we have LG Gill, Eric James or Tysean Powell.  We have far superior talent at the SF spot and probably are close to or as good as when we had Billy Clark, et. alia playing that spot.  At the PF we have the real McKoy, Tysean Powell, LG Gill, or Jordan Robinson.  By any measure again we are substantially better with experience and talent.  finally we have at C Jordan Robinson with spot time from the real McKoy or Darius Lewis.  We are no worse off than last year.  Robinson will be a better center than McKoy was for us.  So, I see no loss at center.  Let me premise this next statement with a very big I REALLY LIKED OVIE SOKO A LOT.  But, sometimes you get additon with subtraction.  As good as Ovie was, he did a boatload of stupid things on offense or defense that took away from his positives.  He did us no good in a lot of games sitting next to coach Big John.  From a coach's perspective, I think the talent level will allow coach Ferry to do more things that are part and parcel of his arsenal.  He likes to double high-low but did not have the experience or talent level or for that matter the time to implement what he wanted to do.  Remember that the JUCO's, Ovie, Micah and the Frosh had to learn new systems.  Plus an injured Watkins and an absent Robinson gave us little to nothing when the expectations were surely moderate to high.  The core to this years team already know what to expect and what to do.  Well, there are my reasons and reasoning process that I think justifies my optimism.  Of course I already said this before in a different way when I wagered  some donuts to a dollar with you--Remember???

Last edited by grammudder (7/09/2014 4:17 pm)

I'm with you, grammy!
 

After what I saw in  Montour tonight, I am even more sure that Jordan Stevens will be a PG and a 2G and play aabout 30 minutes a game juggling between the two guard slots.  And, wait til you see this kid Tysean Powell. He absolutley lit up the scoreboard with an assortment of 5-7 ft. shots of the glass and one or two handed dunks, alley-oop dunks, etc. After my prior post referencing Billy Clark, who should I have had the opportunity to talk with but Billy Clark.  He  thinks Jordan Stevens is the man and should lead th team in scoring!  After watching him tonight he might lead the team in assists.  He likens Tysean Powell to himsell but in the sense of his intesnisty, ability and that "edge" that good players have.  As Billy said the kid knows himself.  Jere Jones had a big night scoring and showed some 3- pt. proficiency.  Des Ridenauer made me look like a prophet with his ball handling and penetration scoring and Domo McKoy was the real McKoy again tonight.  Had some nice chit-chat with Ray Goss and Cal State Hall of Fame hooper from Homestead High Pat Hobart.  Hobart is sky high on Jordan Stevens ability.  And he likens Tysean Powell to his own basketball capabilities.  Looks like Jordan Robinson is done for the summer rehabbing his knee as a precautionary thing.  Nothing alarming or serious reported. Nice game for Darius Lewis.  Rene Castro a no-show due to school committment. did not see any of Colter's game.  Mason and Gill were their usual selves in the one half I saw them.  Think Micah had 3 of 5 from three range. Gill also had three 3's and a couple of lay ups while I was there and did a good job on the boards. Only saw Eric James for a half and he still has that elevation thing going for him and a seemingly endless motor.