Assuming he stays, this is Headband Jr’s team next year… we all know that. But, the key to next year could be Condon’s and Haugh’s three point shooting. These two freshman were so damn good this year, but could you imagine if they were knockdown three point shooters? We’d have been unstoppable. I hope TFG really gets them working on their outside shot, because if Clayton, Richard, Condon, and Haugh all can shoot consistently, it would be nuts.
They need a jump shot coach imo. Many times they don’t elevate enough and their shots are just short. We sign some more stars out of the portal, we will be tough to beat!
Im happy that we made it back to the tourny. Colorado was very underseeded (NCAA committee is terrible). Lets get working on building from this foundation and get to work for next season. Time to recruit and maintain our roster...so many good players
I have been begging Condon to take that 3 from straight away for several weeks. He doesn't have to shoot a high % he just needs to make their big respect it and have to guard it. Yesterday their big never left the paint on defense, but Condon was also not looking to shoot it on the catch either he was looking to pass it immediately. Haugh looks like he has a decent shot, he just came on late in the year and wasn't asked to hit those. The one he made yesterday looked good, and I could see him taking several a game next year and add that as a weapon to his game. Next year's team should be a high volume 3 pt shooting team, if everyone returns. Clayton, Richard, Aberdeen, kugel alone would be on the low side 15 attempts per game. I will be interested to see if Aberdeen can be the PG and not be Pullin, but be more of a shot maker at the position. Maybe we grab someone out of the portal that can be a more traditional PG. Aberdeen played defense and shot really well the last 2-3 weeks, really surprised me.
I believe Clayton comes back as he still has some things he needs to improve on before heading off to the NBA, and his NIL package is subsequently adjusted to make it worth his while to stay. I hope Riley Kugel stays as well, he remains a gold mine of untapped potential in my mind! I'd like to see the Gators find another true PG in the mold of Pullin, a true Wing/Guard combo 6'6"-6'8" type player and another big to opperate in a support role...(no one knows when Micah is going to be ready, until he is)? This team has a fantastic foundation for Golden to build on, if he can keep it all pieces together heading into the off season!
It will be interesting to see if anybody leaves via the portal and who Coach Golden can get from the portal to supplement what we already have. Replacing Pullin will be the key, although Samuel's physical presence inside was very important this year. Our other 3 bigs have to hit the weight room and get tougher inside. But I agree that there is a solid foundation to build on.
Maaaaan… that’s a tough ask for any player in the country. ZP had a couple of off games, but for the most part he was a reliable bucket when we needed it most. I had not expected his ability to hit a much needed three. If DA even equals ZP as a shot maker that would be a crazy leap and I’d gladly take that. I do see potential in DA, though. As far as Riley… the guy has serious potential. He moves like an NBA lottery pick. He really only has two flaws… getting indecisive at the rim, and butterfingers sometimes when dribbling.
I could see Aberdeen improving some in the offseason and being as valuable as Pullen overall. I say overall because obviously his offensive game and team running might not be as good but he’s already a much better defender. Pullen was a poor defender.
It may be worth noting that Kugel and Aberdeen played HS ball together. They weren't necessarily a package deal, but if one goes elsewhere, that may affect the decision of the other.
I think that Condon has an incredibly high ceiling, he's already so good in a lot of areas as a true freshman. Sky's the limit for him. He was an incredible international recruiting "find" by the coaching staff. I certainly didn't expect him to be so valuable right away.
a true Wing/Guard combo 6'6"-6'8" This. These guys are in short supply, but this team will be unstoppable next year if we can get a big, skilled wing.
Haugh might have the highest ceiling on the entire roster. That's a BIG might. But it looks like he could develop killer mid range and long ball. He already shown some swift moves to the basket and is smoother than he looks. Granted he could take a couple more years to put it all together but could really take a leap next year. Condon is impressive. Just adding muscle and confidence will turn him monster. You could see him gain confidence over the year. He learned he was tougher than most guys on him.
Apparently, Haugh nails 3s all the time in practice. Just need to get him hitting them more consistently in games. And he really needs to get comfortable at the free throw line.
TFG said in a recent presser that Haugh doesn't miss in practice, and that he just needs to settle down emotionally to shoot better in games. I am paraphrasing, but the general point is that he might indeed be a reliable shooter next season....seems to already have the ability.
Remember when teams could take an offseason trip every few years? I wonder if that's still a thing. Haugh could benefit from some tense games in off-season. Maybe he could discover he is part Lithuanian and play for the national team.
The sophomore leap could be crazy for Condon. I just hope he doesn't become our starting center unless he grows about two inches taller. I prefer him as a the smaller twin, in a twin towers application.
We could be a really long team if we play Haugh at 3, Condon at 4 and Micah at 5. We would need more big depth though to be able to do that.
