What will we look like in 2018-2019?

[NilesGold]

^ Most upside, compared to who?

[MJatUM]

There was a lot of chatter on twitter as to who the 5th starter should be. Almost everyone agreed on Holloway, Laurent, Pipkins and Pierre. The discussion revolved around Cobb's career at Fairfield and some commented that he hurt the team in his 2nd year with poor shot selection, no defense and perhaps a lack of effort.

After seeing how MM was able to develop LP's game and also CJ's I am moderately confident that he can do the same for Cobb. Did anyone ever think that CJ would shoot 40% from 3? I recall one year where he didn't score for 6 weeks. His FT % also went up, from 65% to 81% under MM.

I want 3 shooters on the floor so that the D cannot double LP or Carl and I think Cobb has the most upside if MM can get him going in the right direction.

Agreed with you, especially the last point, but for a different reason. If Holloway has 3 guys he can kick to that are a legitimate threat to knock down open three's it is going to be A LOT harder to double him in the post. A healthy and committed Holloway can score against anyone in the A10 1 on 1. It's funny because they are completely opposite positions and would never sub in for each other, but I almost never want Keon and RH on the floor together unless we're talking end of game / defensive situations. I think both will excel in a drive/post-up and kick out offense.

[69MG]

^ Most upside, compared to who?

Hayward, McLean and Clergeot with regard to outside shooting. I'm not including the 3 freshmen in the discussion until I see them play against D1 competition.

[NilesGold]

^ Without having the benefit of seeing the transfers play in the last 12 months, here's sort of how I envision most of the players' roles for the season:

Pipkins, Pierre, & Laurent will be mainstays in most any lineup. Most of the offense will run through Pipkins, and his number will still get called when the team needs a basket, or the clock is winding down. Pierre will still look to spot up and take 3's whenever possible, but he'll also diversify his game (mostly out of necessity), to involve attacking closeouts, or attacking off the dribble if his defender plays up on him (as I'm sure they do more of). Laurent might not take a ton of shots, but they'll use him in a variety of ways to take advantage when he's got a big man defending him, or a smaller guard defending him.

Holloway will be used the same as last season, maybe a lot of inside-out, or PnR, with Pipkins.

Cobb & Hayward are likely the two best shooters after P&P, so it makes sense to have 1 of them in the lineup anytime Holloway is on the floor. I don't expect a ton of shots for either one, but if Pipkins and/or Holloway are struggling, they'd be tasked with picking up the slack.

Clergeot & Diallo aren't known for their shooting, but rather for their motors, and defensive ability. They're athletic, excelling in transition and in attack mode. When Holloway isn't on the floor, putting one, or both out there and doing a lot of pressing and trying to push the pace would make a lot of sense.

Wood seems like he'll probably mostly be used as Pipkins' backup at PG, but with his speed and athleticism maybe he'll see time in smaller lineups, or lineups where McCall wants to really push the issue with the press.

Chatman is a bit of a mystery in terms of how he might be used. He's about 6'8" 225, so it's conceivable McCall could use him to give Holloway a breather (which could be upwards of 20 mpg), or maybe he could be used if we need to defend someone who's too mobile for Holloway, but too big for Laurent/Diallo.

[NilesGold]

^ Most upside, compared to who?

Hayward, McLean and Clergeot with regard to outside shooting. I'm not including the 3 freshmen in the discussion until I see them play against D1 competition.

Of that group, I'm expecting Cobb to be the most polished/ready this season, but I'd say Hayward has the most upside.

Here's some film of Hayward from 3 years ago. I've been told that Hayward is a real gym rat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELyBDEVJ1oc&t=1s

[69MG]

^ I hope you are right about Hayward as we can always use another shooter. I arrived early at several games last year and watched some pre-game shoot-arounds. Hayward never had a good day when I was there (maybe I'm his jinx) so I began to question his shooting ability. Fortunately, there is no pressure on him for early season production so he has time to get it together.

In your other post you did not mention KTM and I am a little worried about his development. There has been very little said about him and in MM's interview he didn't exactly rave about him. Have you heard anything?

[NilesGold]

^ Just to be clear, I think Hayward has a lot of potential, he's an athletic kid with good size, who appears to shoot it with confidence, and the gym rat thing is generally a really good sign in terms of development... but he's also completely unproven at this level. I still suspect Cobb will start, alongside P&P, Laurent, and Holloway.

[capezona]

Enjoyed watching the tapes of Hayward. The kid clearly shows skills in a variety of aspects of the game. Good blocking skills - reminds me of Gaffney. Has good moves off the dribble. Uses both hands. Hopefully he can add some energy off the bench. After all the pain of the past season, it will be a lot of fun watching the current team play next year.

[NilesGold]

In your other post you did not mention KTM and I am a little worried about his development. There has been very little said about him and in MM's interview he didn't exactly rave about him. Have you heard anything?

I haven't heard positive, or negative, about KTM.

[NilesGold]

I only have a little bit of confidence in my individual player expectations, but I feel a little more comfortable making some general team expectations.

I think UMass will play much faster, trying to get out in transition whenever the opportunity is there, and with a fair amount of pressing defense. UMass will make the most 3pt shots in the conference, at either the best, or close to the best %. UMass as a team, in 2017-18, shot 40% from 3 with 293 makes. As far as I can tell, in the last 16 years (probably all-time), no other A10 team has shot 40% or better from 3 with more than 273 makes. % might dip in 2018-19, but I expect the # of makes to increase substantially.

The biggest question marks are rebounding and defense.

Oh, and Sy Chatman looks bigger by the day. Wouldn't be at all surprised to see him logging minutes as the biggest player on the floor for us at times this year, and in the future (meaning no Holloway or KTM on the floor).

[69MG]

I sometimes find good info on A10talk.com, but Grant may have been drunk when he wrote this article. He did get the confidence in MM correct and he recognizes LP, Pierre and RH as key pieces. But this headline is weak:

Massachusetts’ keys to success lie in coach McCall and a plethora of new & returning talent

What else is there besides "New" and "Returning" as far as talent possibilities. Then, the only current player he talks about is Cobb, ignoring the other 3 transfers and the 3 freshmen.

Finally here's a gem:

Massachusetts has a chance to essentially go from “first to worst” in a manner of one offseason.

https://www.a10talk.com/massachusetts-k ... ng-talent/

[Roadtrip]

^ Guy definitely needs a ploof leader.

[capezona]

[Ajmal]

Looks like Vanderbilt big Djery Baptiste will be joining us midseason.

https://247sports.com/college/basketbal ... 120433874/

[bobolink]

Given the roster so far, who jumps at opening tip?