MBB Preview

When last we left our Falcon hoopsters, the scene was not good.  Having dragged an injury-ridden team into the MAC tournament, BG faced the #1 seed Akron Zips.  BG had ridden a zone defense to get that far, but Akron shredded it with 3FGs and the game was never competitive. They won 96-67 after leading 85-49.

The Falcons experienced just ridiculous injuries.  BG finished with a kenpom of 286, 

In the off-season...well, it was your normal off-season.  Most of the team transferred and a new one was recruited.  Also, Anthony Stacey returned home as an assistant coach, which was good news to the Falcon Nation, both because he's beloved and he's a good coach.

We thought we had lost Campbell, but we got him back.  We thought we had retained Khayat, but he went back to Lebanon to play in the pros. Towns is back, among contributors.

It is extremely tough to predict where this is all going.  Coach did an interview right around media day, and here are three things he said that I thought were interesting.

"We kind of doubled down on maybe a little bit more depth ... but all in all, we're pretty firm believers in what we're doing."  

He did do that.  BG has 17 players on the roster as the season starts.  Can't remember having that many guys.  Not sure how many are game-ready, but we should at least be able to practice.

"Our two junior college guys, they've exceeded expectations. They're going to be ready."

That would be Kimbrough and Goins.  

"I think we really went in on basketball IQ and guys that play the right way and not just one-trick ponies."

This is interesting.  And pretty smart.  You might not get the top stars, but when you get basketball players who can play with each other, adapt to different situations and execute the plan, you give yourself a shot.  On the other hand, you might not have the lodestar guy you need when you need a big play.

Here are some other random thoughts;

• Kenpom has BG 6th, going 17-13, 9-9. 
• Blue Ribbon and the MAC had us #7.
• Goins is a true 5 who can shoot the 3FG.  And let's not forget Squire when he is healthy.  He can do the same thing.
• Javontae Campbell now has two unbroken hands.  Be great to see him perform healthy.
• Coach Simon told Blue Ribbon that the zone we used because of the injuries is called the "web."
• My memory was that we badly lacked 3FG shooters, but finished #8 in the MAC in 3FG% and right at the national average for points coming from 3FGs.
• The biggest reasons to think we'll be better is Campbell being healthy, and what appears to be more offensive talent.  Whether we have enough to get into, say, the top 4, remains to be seen.