Originally posted by IUPbigINDIANS
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Redshirt Joe did an hour-long podcast interview over the weekend. Lot of interesting discussion. It's worth a listen.
He talks about last year, this upcoming team, his recruiting philosophy, etc.
Some highlights:
* Joe said this upcoming team is likely his most talented group since Webb's team made the national final
* Tommy Demogerontas has made an 'exceptional' recovery from his knee surgery. Said Demo may have been the POY last year if not for the injury. Basically, he'll play all 5 positions at times this year.
* Tomiwa Sulaiman is physically ready to play as a true freshman and is a very skilled post player. Joe said he typically doesn't like talking about new guys who 'haven't even made us a layup yet.' However, it sounds like Sulaiman will figure in to the rotation.
* He thinks Armoni Foster can be a back-to-back All America selection the next two seasons.
* Shawndale Jones doesn't get talked about enough ... but is the reigning PSAC Tournament MVP
* Porterfield is up another inch and had a tremendous off-season. Sky is the limit.
* Ousmane Diop will be a key guy off the bench this season. They are expecting him to give them a real spark on defense and be a legit rim-protector. Joe said he's extremely athletic and fast for his size (6'10", 225 lbs).
* Was very pleased with Dave Morris' transition to PG last year
* K.J. Rhodes is a player Joe said isn't great at any one thing but is very solid at everything. It sounded like he could take over the Anthony White role this year.
* Talked about why IUP has been such a good road team over the years ... 'competing or performing'
My interpretation -- and as we know from over the years with Joe sometimes you have to listen between the comments a bit -- he's planning on a bigger rotation this year.
They don't have to redshirt anybody this year as it doesn't count toward eligibility.
That said, it sounds like the minutes will be:
Starting 5
Demo
Porterfield
Armoni
Shawndale
Morris
Subs
Diop (PF)
Rhodes (2 or 3 guard)
Sulaiman (SF or PF)
Radford (PG)
Benton (utility)
Deep Bench
Cordon (freshman)
Polce (freshman)
Burk (freshman)
He talks about last year, this upcoming team, his recruiting philosophy, etc.
Some highlights:
* Joe said this upcoming team is likely his most talented group since Webb's team made the national final
* Tommy Demogerontas has made an 'exceptional' recovery from his knee surgery. Said Demo may have been the POY last year if not for the injury. Basically, he'll play all 5 positions at times this year.
* Tomiwa Sulaiman is physically ready to play as a true freshman and is a very skilled post player. Joe said he typically doesn't like talking about new guys who 'haven't even made us a layup yet.' However, it sounds like Sulaiman will figure in to the rotation.
* He thinks Armoni Foster can be a back-to-back All America selection the next two seasons.
* Shawndale Jones doesn't get talked about enough ... but is the reigning PSAC Tournament MVP
* Porterfield is up another inch and had a tremendous off-season. Sky is the limit.
* Ousmane Diop will be a key guy off the bench this season. They are expecting him to give them a real spark on defense and be a legit rim-protector. Joe said he's extremely athletic and fast for his size (6'10", 225 lbs).
* Was very pleased with Dave Morris' transition to PG last year
* K.J. Rhodes is a player Joe said isn't great at any one thing but is very solid at everything. It sounded like he could take over the Anthony White role this year.
* Talked about why IUP has been such a good road team over the years ... 'competing or performing'
My interpretation -- and as we know from over the years with Joe sometimes you have to listen between the comments a bit -- he's planning on a bigger rotation this year.
They don't have to redshirt anybody this year as it doesn't count toward eligibility.
That said, it sounds like the minutes will be:
Starting 5
Demo
Porterfield
Armoni
Shawndale
Morris
Subs
Diop (PF)
Rhodes (2 or 3 guard)
Sulaiman (SF or PF)
Radford (PG)
Benton (utility)
Deep Bench
Cordon (freshman)
Polce (freshman)
Burk (freshman)
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