Last year we pounded teams on the boards which gave us so many extra baskets and run out layups/3s. That continues this year but I see no way to replace the senior guards we lost. However, I do think that our bigs should be able to do far greater offensive damage than last year by: hitting their short shots at a much higher rate, taking/hitting more 3s, and improved passing. I worry a little that players (Chin, Condon, Haugh) may try to prove to the NBA that they can do the things the league wants and it could hurt the team (be better if they realize they are not there yet and sacrifice their individual goals for the team - working on their shortcomings outside of games). I trust Golden explicitly and we have plenty of bigs if one is struggling. If the above improvements occur, we should be a tough out in March. Last season we had a great front court but won a Nattie due to incredible guards. This year I think the front court has to take us to the promised land.
Yes we destroyed Arizona State As for NIL, if we valued our roster as a “market value” vs what we’re paying them AND the value of our team’s chemistry - it would surpass any team in basketball. I say who cares what other teams budgets are - our team has more value. You can’t buy chemistry, experience and the do anything to win for each other core we have on this team. We should be fine against any team of mercenaries, outside of the NBA
