Originally posted by IUPalum
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It was early enough in the season that activating one or both of the redshirts only would have cost them 4 games. I honestly think based on some comments Joe made at the time that he thought the season was kind of lost. And, then, of course, everything changed. Ethan Porterfield became a man seemingly overnight. Chucky's increased role saw big gains. Anthony White played like 2 minutes in the first 4 games and then instantly became a huge bench asset from the moment he was given an actual chance -- scoring 18 points against ESU in his debut. I think everybody around knew Anthony White could start for about 90% of teams in the PSAC -- yet he wasn't being given a true shot.
I know they went 'all in' last year -- and that was supposed to be his big team. Problem was, it wasn't. It had holes. This team has tremendously better overall guard play. This team is much better defensively -- and offensively. For being much smaller in size, this team rebounds much better and has night-and-day faster team speed. This team, right now, is Joe's highest-scoring team of his era. They are also giving up in the low- to mid-60s per game on defense -- an incredible number.
You can't play 'what if' now ... but, man, it'd make me feel a lot better to have just one more guy on the bench. And, for the crowd thinking the 6'10", 245 lb (ripped) Ousmane Diop must be some sort of 'project' player ... he's not. He's ready. In fact, those close to the program say he's a Day 1 starter in 2020-21 along with Ethan, Demo, Morris and Armoni. Imagine that post ... wow.
I don't know how far this group will go ... but if they stay healthy it's a scary bunch to play.
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