This year's team to be more physical...?

Umass89 · Post by **Umass89** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 6:45 am

Nice (if brief) article on Bailey and the more physical nature of this year's squad: http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ss ... _up_b.html

(Mike please delete if already posted elsewhere)

Floyd · Post by **Floyd** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:57 am

I think this team, if it gels, can be very good. Sean Carter, Tyrell, & Bailey should control the boards. I think Tyrell will have a very good year, he showed some flashes last year that he can be very effective down low. If he comes back in great shape he could be a beast. I think Sean Carter will surprise us with his athleticism. If Bailey has an offensive game, he'll overpower guys down low. On paper it looks like we're much improved, let's hope so

Post by **MikeUMA** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 11:40 am

The article was mostly about the offensive game, but Floyd hit it. The focus of the big men, especially Bailey, needs to be on rebounding.

We got our arse kicked last year on the boards, a -3.7 average margin on the season, good for 12th in the A-14, in front of only Richmond and (may as well have been a D2 school last season) Fordham. Bonner always playing the perimeter certainly didn't help, so his graduation is rebounding's gain. Lynch as a freshman won a battlefield promotion into the starting center spot, but it was clear at times he was still learning the nuances of the college level.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Carter & Bailey can deliver on the offensive side, but I want them to get the boards first and foremost.

uz2b-len · Post by **uz2b-len** » Tue Aug 04, 2009 10:42 pm

Really. With the guys we have on the perimeter, we just need the big men to get them the ball.