So far, so good with Pearl. Not used to this much positive stuff going on without somebody getting kicked off, arrested, failing to qualify.... Just been too much of that year after year after year in this program. Hopefully, he's changing the culture. I know I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do.
In looking at the roster and reading several articles, it looks like this team is loaded with guards/scorers. Taj Mahal Sumpsadin Sham Paula Deen was running the point last year and he's been moved to an off guard, freeing him up to score and get some looks. We have the nation's leading scorer from last year, Antoine Mason, who came in from Niagara and our leading scorer, KT Harrell back as well.
I think the whole season hinges around what kind of play we can get inside. Not a lot of big bodies coming back. One huge one in Cimmeon Bowers, the top JUCO player from last year. 6'8" and about 270. Matthew Atewe is another 6'8" big body that can rebound and block shots but he didn't do squat offensively last year. After that....there ain't much in the way of size or experience.
The pre-conference schedule isn't loaded with powerhouses but overall, it's probably the toughest we've played in fo-evah. Most of the bigger names are on the road too. It includes:
Colorado
Oklahoma State
Oregon State
Texas Tech
Clemson
Winthrop (A perennial NCAA team)
Xavier
I know Pearl has got everyone jacked up and I love what he's done so far. But, for this first year, give me 18-20 wins. Give me competitive. Give me look the hell out next year.