14-11-1 on year...2-2 yesterday...Another "juice" day...at 56% right now, but want to get it up to the 60% area...
Michigan -18'
The Chippewas lost Nelson (17ppg) and fellow guard Browne (7ppg). Watson and Barrett return and Spencer will join them starting. CMich lost to Northwood by 21 in exhibition play. Not a lot of experienced depth here.
Tommy Ameker's squad could suprise some poeple in the Big10 this year, IF they avoid injury (and domestic violence charges). Abram is back from shoulder surgury and will provide a very good backcourt with Harris and Horton. Amaker has stated that he wants to turn up the tempo this year and get more transition baskets. Look for the depth of Michigan and overall better talent to turn this in a rout by the second half.
UL-Lafayette +8'
The Ragin' Cajuns lost Green to the NBA, Hamilton to graduation (actually I don't know that he graduated but you know what I mean), and Wade to stupidity. Wade hired an agent before the NBA draft and lost his eligibility. Returning are Mitchell and Cameron. Mitchell transfered from Auburn a few back and is one of the best guards in the SunBelt. Cameron, a 6'11" Aussie, is back thanks to the NCAA giving another year and shows a nice touch especially for a big guy. JuCo players are the standard fill-in for UL-Laf and have worked well in the past.
The Salukis have been a force in the "Valley" for a few years now. SoIll has to deal with losing Brooks (Two time MVC POY) and Hairston. Tatum will fill in most of the guard void left by Brooks. Shaw also returns with key reserve Young. Many of the contributing bench players are back but need to step up to larger rolls.
Both teams lost key players from last year, but both teams have dealt with this almost every year. Each year, these two teams seem to be at the top of their conferences. The Salukis should get the win on their home court but it won't be easy.
Gl to ALL
Michigan -18'
The Chippewas lost Nelson (17ppg) and fellow guard Browne (7ppg). Watson and Barrett return and Spencer will join them starting. CMich lost to Northwood by 21 in exhibition play. Not a lot of experienced depth here.
Tommy Ameker's squad could suprise some poeple in the Big10 this year, IF they avoid injury (and domestic violence charges). Abram is back from shoulder surgury and will provide a very good backcourt with Harris and Horton. Amaker has stated that he wants to turn up the tempo this year and get more transition baskets. Look for the depth of Michigan and overall better talent to turn this in a rout by the second half.
UL-Lafayette +8'
The Ragin' Cajuns lost Green to the NBA, Hamilton to graduation (actually I don't know that he graduated but you know what I mean), and Wade to stupidity. Wade hired an agent before the NBA draft and lost his eligibility. Returning are Mitchell and Cameron. Mitchell transfered from Auburn a few back and is one of the best guards in the SunBelt. Cameron, a 6'11" Aussie, is back thanks to the NCAA giving another year and shows a nice touch especially for a big guy. JuCo players are the standard fill-in for UL-Laf and have worked well in the past.
The Salukis have been a force in the "Valley" for a few years now. SoIll has to deal with losing Brooks (Two time MVC POY) and Hairston. Tatum will fill in most of the guard void left by Brooks. Shaw also returns with key reserve Young. Many of the contributing bench players are back but need to step up to larger rolls.
Both teams lost key players from last year, but both teams have dealt with this almost every year. Each year, these two teams seem to be at the top of their conferences. The Salukis should get the win on their home court but it won't be easy.
Gl to ALL