This team has the makings of a 2nd weekend NCAA team. 4 core guys are back - Naji, Ryq, Scruggs, Q. Ryq looks unstoppable in their first two games but let's wait until X faces a team with some real "bigs".
Carter is a nice addition and once he's 100% healthy, will be a great starter at the 4.
finally have some depth that can contribute off the bench in Bishop, Freemantle, B Moore (grad transfer), and KyKy (not healthy yet but when he is, i believe will play the most minutes out of these 4)
this team will live and die by how hard it defends and rebounds. they look dialed into it these first two games but once again, the opponents aren't a great measuring stick. tonite vs. Mizzou will be first real test.
how the season goes, whether they beat some teams that maybe they shouldn't, will depend on Naji and Q. if those 2 (and Steele) can figure out that shooting 3's is not their first option nor should it be the first option in X's offense, X will be fine. when those 2 end up taking more 3's than 2's or end up shooting more than 4 3's combined in a game, we will be in trouble. it's that simple - they AREN'T good 3 pt shooters. the guys who should be taking the more are Bishop, Moore, KyKy, Scruggs, and maybe Carter when gets back to full health. If Naji and Q can figure out that their best strength is driving to the basket and either finishing or dishing, then X should be fine. they'll be in trouble in games when those 2 try to do too much, try to jack early 3's in the offense, etc. (and BTW - i know Schrand has started two games but i believe that his minutes will diminish to almost nothing once we hit some better opponents, like tonite)
it will be fun to see this team when fully healthy - maybe KyKy will be back for Charleston Classic which would be huge as X could see some great competition if they win that first game.
either way, should be a fun season to watch. i predict:
26-8 (i didn't look at how many total games they play. just guessing)
3rd in the Big East.
NCAA Tourney
lose in the 2nd round.
let's go X