20 October 2009

Two weeks 'til first tip off (exhibition)

We'll see everyone play in the Robert Morris Exhibition on Nov 4.  I'm projecting an experience-laden starting five, at least for most of the non-conference schedule, and a nine deep rotation.

Here are my WAGs for projected starting lineup for first game against No Ill:

Mirkovic
Shurna
Coble
Nash
Thompson

Bench:
Ryan
Crawford
Peljusic
Curletti

The early non-conference season represents a significant opportunity for Peljusic, Curletti, and possibly even Capocci to turn some heads with some minutes up for grabs while Rowley heals.

Expect Coble and Juice to be on the court 35+ minutes in contested games.  Shurna and Mirkovic are sounding like 30 minute players while Nash may be around 25 minutes.  That leaves only about 45 minutes for the bench.  Ryan and Crawford should split up most of the 20 minutes at the guard positions with Marcotullio coming in as a situational substitute.  Curletti, Peljusic, and Ryan should eat up the 25 minutes of front court time while Rowley heals.  Expect Curletti and Peljusic's minutes to dwindle if/when Rowley returns.

19 October 2009

On the frosh

My first glimpses of the frosh look promising and meet expectations based on recruiting hype.

Marcotullio is supposed to be the long range bomber to replace Craig Moore.  Well, he looks the part.  Time will tell if he can do it in game situations, especially when it matters, but his form looks sweet.

As much as I hate to say it, one notorious poster's wild predictions based on HS hype appears to be on target for Drew Crawford.  OK, who am I kidding.  Carmody Court has been secretly hoping that Drew Crawford really is THE GUY.  The guy who will lead NU to unprecedented heights (with the help of Coble, Juice, et al. this year).  At first blush, Crawford looks to be the type of athlete NU has longed for all these many years.  The guy looks silky smooth, ripped, and has some serious ups.  One can only hope he can pick up the offense quickly (Carmody sounds optimistic) and his defense comes along (his athleticism should help).

Man o man has NU's recruiting taken a turn for the better.  I can't wait to see what Carmody can do with some horses.  Look out Big Ten.

Coach Carmody's First Media Monday of 09-10 Season

Coach Carmody has some optimistic things to say about the coming season, the most optimistic that we've heard from him since he arrived in Evanston.  Much of it is music to Carmody Court's ears...

1.  Coble sounds stronger and has more range.  Sounds like a first team Big Ten player to me.
2.  Juice sounds confident, improved, and ready to take over team leadership after Craig Moore's departure for Hollandia.
3.  Mirkovic has bulked up and looks smooth.
4.  Shurna is improved and confident with his U19 gold medal in his back pocket.
5.  The frosh should contribute and provide depth in the guard position behind Nash and Ryan.

That sounds like 4/5 solid positions with a slew of choices for the 2G spot depending on situational need (Nash-defense, Ryan-offensive flow, Crawford-slasher, Marcotullio-bomber).

It's not just what Carmody said that caught my eye but also what he did not say.  Notably, there was no mention of Capocci, Fruendt, or Curletti.  Carmody Court tends to take the cup half-full take on this team so I think this says more about the players Carmody mentioned than those he did not. 

Carmody did give some mention to Rowley who broke a bone in his foot this summer and has been wearing a protective boot until very recently.  Carmody has been taking it cautiously with Rowley so far.  It sounds like he may play this season, though i wonder just how much and whether it might make sense to redshirt him to allow his foot to fully heal and for him to develop.  Sure, NU could use Rowley this year as his size is something that the other centers don't possess, and Carmody is most likely to do whatever it takes to get over the NCAAs hump.  Still, I'm not convinced that Rowley will be needed to make the NCAAs this year.