Analysis of each Gator player going into todays first practice by Chris Harry

Too many wild cards to predict how this team will mesh over the season. Most likely we will be a middle of the pack SEC team possibly sliding into the big tournament. Surprise me Gators!

 

I don't agree with Castleton being our best player, or that McKissic is our best transfer. I feel like Jones or Fleming are probably the answer to one or both of those. I'm also not sure Appleby is better than McKissic. But... we'll see. Going to be an exciting season.

 

Based on last season's performance, outside of Keyontae, Castleton is easily the best player returning. And he'll be even better this season. We can't say he'll be the best without seeing the newcomers in action, or without seeing how much our other returnees can improve.

 

It doesn’t say Appleby is better than McKissic. Says he’s the point guard.

 

Speaking only for myself but do any of you NBN'ers get the feeling that the upcoming season and Gator Squad is a complete mystery?

Obviously appreciate the boards feedback, Eric's and Chris Harry butttt....

Seems like this is the most "unfamiliar" I have been about a Gator squad in a long time.

Heck they could be anything between the 2006 Gators to ........ who knows?

After the last few years watching Andrew and Trey I get the feeling that good guard play out of the box will be essential to success and frankly I have no idea what to expect.

Really disappointing about KJ, season is just down the road and it looks like the
Young Man is still in limbo "officially" but I don't think he see's the court IMO.

As a fan I would obviously like to see him return to the hardwood, but honestly speaking, I would be freaking out about his health, especially his first game back.

Well, as an O&B glasses wearer I'm hoping for a good start and good season.

 

Yep. We know we have guys that can compete at this level, but this roster is mostly a mystery to all of us.

 

Can't Jitoboh lose just 2 lbs. per week to get down to 270 by the start of the season? Looking at his history, he probably won't, but it should be easy for him to do.

Given the 10,000 calories per day major college basketball players expend with all of the massive amount of running, conditioning, and practicing, and given that a deficit of only 1,000 calories per day would cause a loss of two lbs. per week (3,500 calories per loss of one lb.), instead of eating 10,000 calories per day, all he would have to do would be to eliminate only one tenth of his intake.

So, for example, he could eat HUGE breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and then add in only two bowls of ice cream per day instead of four bowls per day, and lose the two lbs. per week. He is not dedicated enough. What if all our players were twenty lbs. overweight?

 

They just released an article saying he stayed all summer on campus and worked out and has improved his conditioning. I think he’s made strides from last season and is poised to contribute. Dunno how that’s not dedicated enough or maybe you just weren’t aware of his recent efforts.

 

I could get a good look at a steak by sticking my head up a cow's ass.....but I'll take the butcher's word for it.

I'll trust what Harry is privy to.

 

I'm glad he stayed this summer for conditioning. However, after all this time, he still weighs 290, which is what he weighed two years ago when he was also too heavy, which rendered him unable to run up and down the court for more than a minute or two, and caused him to be unable to play even mediocre defense.

I know he was injured a year and a half ago, and that makes it tough to keep one's weight down, but if he were dedicated, he would not have gained 40 lbs. during that time. Let's see in the end whether or not he is dedicated. If he is dedicated he would easily lose an extra twenty lbs. by the season's start. I hope he does, but I predict that he won't. We BADLY NEED an extra big man to be able to come in and spell Castleton without giving up easy baskets. It is critical to our chances of success this season.

 

White talked about this being a veteran team that has the potential to be real good defensively. Meshing them together and getting each sufficient PT will be key

 

I am one of those people who find it easy to shed weight but my first wife was just the opposite and fought it the whole time we were married. That's the reason I have little to say about a person who finds losing weight to be hard. No doubt it takes commitment but even then it can, and often is, an uphill battle.

 

Wow, reading that article I didn't realize how many new faces this team has. Might take awhile to mesh all the newbies.

 

Per CC and CMW interview he will be shooting outside and doing more this year. Team defense will be strong.

 

I understand you. To you, I’m just some random guy on the Internet. I’m just giving my opinion. At this point, I trust my assessments as much as anyone else’s. Not saying I’m right or wrong, but I’m enough of a student of the game that I don’t just automatically defer to others.

 

Reeves may be the best player on this team, but it will be hard to find minutes with all the experienced players and transfers on the roster.

Believe this will be our best defensive team under Coach White. Not sure on the scoring front, but Coach White brought in some good talent.

Ladt year’s HS recruiting effort was poor other than Reeves. Looks like it will be better this new class, if can sign another top 50 kid.

 

I am able to predict the future. We end up in top 4 of sec and dominate the post season.