As official practice begins

[muskieman]

What are your concerns? What are you excited to see? WHAT is X's biggest question mark?

I think we have a lot of talent and will be looking to see how Richard can mold this team. The post position is my biggest concern. I think Nwoko is the guy; he better be. He is the highest-paid guy. But he averaged a little over 21 minutes last year and seems to be a foul machine. Also, there were concerns over his health, so if he is healthy this year, he is #1 for 25 to 30 minutes, but the question is: who is his backup when he needs a blow? Aligbe and Asher Elson seem to be the answer, and while the former is a rim protector, I am eager to see the guy Richard says might have the biggest potential in Elson, reportedly a 7-footer now. Sure, he will be raw, but sources say not that raw.

The other position is point. Westry has advantages in size, length, and experience, but the new guy, House, is said to be more than capable. Richard said he was, at times, the best guard on the floor. I hope Richard is right, and the competition is tough, because X needs a guy who can run the team and distribute the ball to the bevy of shooters.

Finally, Poz vs. Ruben. There is some excitement; if they are as good as advertised, our point guard might set an assist record sometime this season. I know you are all watching the OSU/Kent State game, but give me your opinion on what you want to see.

[muskieman]

anyone know the cutdown day?

Without Filip listed on the roster, X has 16 players. Only two are walk-ons: Wolf and Thole. Do they go on the practice squad if Filip becomes eligible?


Gabriel Pozzato Position F Academic Year R-So.Height 6' 7'' Weight 200 lbs

Mike Nwoko Position F Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 10'' Weight 260 lbs

Kalek House Position G Academic Year Fr. Height 6' 3'' Weight 200 lbs

Tru Washington Position G Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 4'' Weight 210 lbs

Harrison Aligbe Position F Academic Year Fr. Height 6' 8'' Weight 220 lbs

Asher Elson Position F Academic Year Fr. Height 6' 11'' Weight 200 lbs

Rolyns Aligbe Position F Academic Year Jr. Height 6' 9'' Weight 243 lbs

Ruben Dominguez Position G Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 6'' Weight 214 lbs

Chance Westry Position G Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 6'' Weight 205 lbs

Braden Appelhans Position G Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 6'' Weight 200 lbs

Kason Westphal Position C Academic Year R-Fr. Height 7' 0'' Weight 260 lbs

Nikos Chitikoudis Position F Academic Year Sr. Height 6' 9'' Weight 235 lbs

Gedeon Basson Position G Academic Year Fr. Height 6' 1'' Weight 218 lbs

Henry Thole Position F Academic Year Jr. Height 6' 7'' Weight 230 lbs

Jovan Milicevic Position F Academic Year Jr. Height 6' 10'' Weight 241 lbs

Michael Wolf Position G Academic Year Gr. Height 6' 1'' Weight 195 lbs

[skyhops]

Biggest concern is at PG. Westry is talented, but has been injured a lot in college and our backup is a PG. House is going to be a stud but he is frosh and not sure who is third in line maybe Washington? 14 million better get us a tourney bid.

[Kevin Reilly]

Here here.

[Anti-Homer]

Top three concerns are defense, defense, and defense.

The concern is with our elite shooters, Milicevic and Dominguez. They are two of the top 20 shooter in cbb, but both lack lateral quickness. Fortunately, X has good depth with both spots if they struggle.

I know Westry has been injured throughout his career, but he did play 31 min a game last year. I like that he isn't a high-volume shooter and has a good A/O ratio. I think House is more of a combo guard, so I am mildly concerned about the backup pg role.

I think this team with be a top 25 offensive team in cbb. They can score in every way: On the block, driving to the hole, and on the perimeter. Teams will have to pick their poison. Just play decent D and hit free throws, and X will be an 11 seed.

[muskieman]

The biggest concern for fans in the current basketball landscape is the influx of new players each year. At X, we have seen turnover big time in the last few years, and while we have Westry, Washington, Milicevic, Applehans, Nwoko, Aligabe, Dominguez, Chitikoudis, Pozzato, Westphal, along with the 4 freshmen and possibly Filip 6 of these guys have played for Richard at X or in the past. They know his system, and a few have had success with it.

If Westry and House are healthy all year, I think we will compete for a top spot in the BE, which should earn us a spot in the tourney. I still can't believe we have a guard who likes to distribute the ball and is 6'6" and had double-digit assists 4 times last year.

Richard said in the recent interview on BE media day in New York, "We wanted to go out and get some guys that have experienced high-major basketball and been productive in high-major basketball." I think Nwoko, Dominguez, Washington and Westry fill that search.