Post by uscg2012 on Mar 6, 2018 9:49:09 GMT -6
After the off season the Phoenix had last year, a lower half finish was expected in the Horizon League. That is what took place.
In looking back there were several games in which the Nix should of won but blew the lead late or just couldn't get over the hump. Think about Bowling Green, Belmont, IUPUI, @cleveland State, @ YSU, @iupui and you could even throw @nku and @ Wright State if you want too.
If you end up winning 6 out of those 8 games, now look at our record. A majority of those games fell in the first half of conference play when were playing it seems every other day for 2 weeks. The Horizon League did us no favors when it came to that. Hopefully in the 2018-2019 year they make it up to us with a more balanced schedule.
A big thing for me this year was development and getting better/more confident as the year progressed. Pipes/Patterson were totally different players from the first game till the last game. Their confidence soared when they finally realized they have the talent to play at this level. I look forward to seeing them for the Nix over the next 3 years. I'll run down each player below on how I think they did this year. (I am by far no expert, just my thoughts)
Small- Enough said, a true star. All players should strive to be a 4 year player at one school like he did.
Jesperson- His defense actually wasn't too bad down low and his ability to hit the big shot was evident this year. Glad he came back home from Pepperdine.
Hankerson- Up and Down year for him. Will be one of the leaders of the squad next year and has the ability to be great. Just needs to cut out the silly turnovers.
Pipes- See above
Patterson- See Above
Christ- Also became more confident throughout the year and became a pesky guard on the defensive end. He can hit the 3, hopefully he can turn into our sharpshooter.
Bains- Defensive Sub, hopefully next year he can be out lock down defenders after a offseason of getting stronger. Needs to finish at the hoop better.
Bell- Tons of potential, can hit the 3 and the mid range J. Defense needs work but an off season in a College level strength program will do him well.
Chevalier- I love this kids future. Can hit the 3 and showed at Motor City Madness that he could handle Loudon Love. This offseason in the weight room/gym will be huge for him.
Schwartz- I know he didn't play but looking forward to see what he can contribute.
Cohen- Also had an up and down year this year. When he was on he was a star but seemed to get into foul trouble a lot. His leadership/play next year will determine if we are top 3 team or a top 5 team.
Parham- Received lots of minutes at the start of the year then almost zero when conference started. Towards the end he was a main rotation guy and showed he could hit the tough shot. Needs to work on his defense but otherwise could be a huge player next year.
Powell- Saw little minutes but you never know. Sometimes these walk-ons can surprise contributors.
Simeon Parker- Hopefully his red shirt year was a success! Looking forward to see him out there.
I really hope everyone returns next year but in this day of college basketball you odds aren't in our favor. With the addition of Jayquan McCloud next year, we really do have a chance to have a strong team next year. AND we still have two open scholarship's.
It was a fun year and honestly I would rather have a young team like we do now instead of an older squad. Gets me excited for the future!
Go Phoenix!