Next year

[DJay23]

We lost. It sucks. But we can sit here and feel sorry for ourselves, or we can look on the bright side, and realize that what lays ahead will be pretty good.

Here's what I think for next season:

Starters:
PG - Selby: I think we land him and his ability trumps Tyshawn's experience
SG - Johnson: Tyshawn may start the season there, but I think EJ, even a year younger is more mature than Taylor.
SF - Little: Judging by Mario's reaction after the game yesterday, he really wanted this for a team he didn't log a minute for. As a 5th year senior, who's gone through a lot of adversity, I think he'll make a HUGE impact next year. Could see time at PF just to get him on the floor, but we're already pretty deep at the post.
PF - Marcus: Could be all Big XII, player of the year time year next year for him. If he continues his progression upward. I don't think he'll go pro yet. One more year of development like we saw this year could land him in the lottery.
C/PF - Markieff: Showed some big improvement down the stretch this season. Will continue to be that steady role player rather than a show stopper. He won't bring in Aldrich numbers, but I can see him averaging 10 and 7 easily.

Guard rotation:
Releford: All accounts are that he and Little were two of the best players on the floor any given practice. If his perimeter game has improved as much as some reports indicate, he and Little could see time on the floor together.

Taylor: His athleticism will get him on the court, but I just don't see "it" with him. To tell the truth, if he were to transfer, I wouldn't be all that upset.

Reed: I think he's our heart and soul next season. They guy busts his ass non stop. I wouldn't be upset if he starts next year, especially early. We know he can shoot and that he's not flashy with the ball, but he doesn't turn it over.

Woolridge: Hopefully he can play his way into some minutes where EJ couldn't.

Bigs rotation:
Robinson: An offseason with Danny and the Morrises could be the difference for him. He reminds me a lot of Gooden his freshman year. So full of energy and moves, but just has the accelerator pinned. He has to learn how to slow down.
Withey: Seems to have a soft touch offensively, and at least a few moves in his bag. We know he can block shots. An offseason with Hudy could be the difference between him starting or coming in off the bench.

Coaching staff:
Self: Steady as a rock. We can nit pick in hindsight when he should have started pressing, but he's won a national title and we haven't.
Dooley: His name has come up for some open positions. He may be gone.
Manning: I hope Danny stays forever. He's done wonders for guys like Jackson, Kaun, the Morrises, and hopefully he can whip Robinson into shape.
Townsend: Keep getting those big recruits Coach T.

If Dooley leaves, who fills the spot? Hinson is rumored to be the next guy in. Ballard is headed to Baker. Norm Roberts is out of work as is Gillispie, though I could see Billy taking a job at a lower tier school next season.

Long post I know, but I have to turn this crappy feeling into something positive.

I hope the talk of actual basketball keeps away a certain element.