Rothstein's Offseason Notebook

[stlexplorer]

Good stuff as usual:

"2. HOW WILL LA SALLE HANDLE EXPECTATIONS?

The Explorers went to the Sweet 16 last season, but now for the first time under John Giannini they’ll have to deal with being the hunted. While many believed that VCU or Saint Louis were more likely to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament last season, La Salle played their best when it mattered most and found themselves as one of the premier stories during March Madness. Giannini has a savvy, veteran team that should be more than up to the task that is in front of them. The Explorers will start three senior guards — Tyreek Duren, Sam Mills, and Tyrone Garland along with two junior big men in Steve Zack and Jerrell Wright. Another name to watch on this team? Khalid Lewis. The Delaware transfer got bigger and stronger during his red shirt season, and should be La Salle’s first player off the bench."

He ranks us 3rd in his power rankings and Duren as a first team all-conference player

newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/07/01/jon-rothsteins-atlantic-10-offseason-notebook/

[ck]

And i don't see why there would necessarily be a drop off in 2014-2015. The two senior big men, Khalid Lewis, and assorted transfers and red shirts coming in. If Washington stays La salle could have options of 2- 3- or 4- guard lineups to put out.

[luhoopsfan]

Washington is likely not going to see the court this year.

Agreed, however, the drop off shouldn't be as dramatic as some might suspect. Many folks thought we would have a tough time replacing Earl Pettis' minutes and production and we seem to have fared pretty well. I think the team will be different next year, but a drop off isn't all that likely in terms of overall quality. I think the best possible upside is that Garland had plenty of games last season and should really hit the ground running right away this year with little to no remaining effects of rust from sitting out last year.

I also believe the chemistry between Mills and Duren as seniors will go a long way as back court mates and will set the tone for the whole year. I expect there to still be a lot 4-guard sets and I think the lineup will most often be Mills, Duren, Petersen, Zack, Wright to start the games and then bring Garland as the spark off the bench he has always been and to go to the 4-guard set of Petersen, Garland, Mills, Duren and then depending on minutes played, fouls, matchups either Wright or Zack.

We're going to be a really good team again next year and should have some equity with NCAA selection members after last year. Just need to win a few of the marquee games and avoid all bad losses.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2013 8:50:37 GMT -5 luhoopsfan said:

Washington is likely not going to see the court this year.

Agreed, however, the drop off shouldn't be as dramatic as some might suspect. Many folks thought we would have a tough time replacing Earl Pettis' minutes and production and we seem to have fared pretty well. I think the team will be different next year, but a drop off isn't all that likely in terms of overall quality. I think the best possible upside is that Garland had plenty of games last season and should really hit the ground running right away this year with little to no remaining effects of rust from sitting out last year.

I also believe the chemistry between Mills and Duren as seniors will go a long way as back court mates and will set the tone for the whole year. I expect there to still be a lot 4-guard sets and I think the lineup will most often be Mills, Duren, Petersen, Zack, Wright to start the games and then bring Garland as the spark off the bench he has always been and to go to the 4-guard set of Petersen, Garland, Mills, Duren and then depending on minutes played, fouls, matchups either Wright or Zack.

We're going to be a really good team again next year and should have some equity with NCAA selection members after last year. Just need to win a few of the marquee games and avoid all bad losses.

hoops, I believe ck was talking about Washington playing in the 2014-15 season.

Tony definitely won't be playing this year. Jordan Price's committment confirmed it. Price took the last scholarship which would have gone to Tony had he qualified. Like cva43 said, I've also heard that a financial aid package was put together for Tony that will allow him to enroll at La Salle and sit out this year as a non-qualifier.

I have to disagree with you on the lineup. I think Garland starts from day one and DJ or Khalid will be the first off the bench depending on the situation. In situations where G may want to start 4 guards, I agree that DJ will be one of them.

I'm also expecting a very successful 2013-14 season. Ramon will be missed but there is still plenty of seasoned, veteran talent that should allow this team to finish near the top of the A10 and make the NCAA's again.

[23won]

I agree with KJ. Lineup should be Reke, Tyrone, Sam, JW, Zack. Start strong, get a lead bring in DJ for Jerrell, go up tempo. Bring in Khalid and JW for Tyrone and Zack, amp up the D some more and you have a nice lead. Then rotate the guards and the bigs, and get some time for those lower in the rotation to keep everyone fresh.

One question on the Rothstein piece - doesn't Creek have to sit out a year with the IU transfer?

[luhoopsfan]

KJ - I just like the idea of Petersen starting the game because of how much I like the momentum change Ty can bring and present matchup issues and a jolt of energy. I actually think we might see a pretty fluid mix of starting lineups based on the matchup.

Here's a question I have, we are going to have 4 guys sitting out this year (Stukes, Washington, Price, Roberts) is there a possibility Stukes sees the court to provide a little depth? Or is there no real need and I'm over-thinking?

[big5vet]

I like Tyrone in the starting lineup now because we'll be relying more on his scoring this season. Would like him to average around 35 minutes per game. No disrespect for DJ.

Also, Rothstein favors UMass over the Explorers in his standings. Our team has proven more than UMass which is depending on a transfer and a freshman to help rise to the upper echelon on the A-10. We've more or less proven that we belong in the top tier.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2013 10:17:04 GMT -5 luhoopsfan said:

KJ - I just like the idea of Petersen starting the game because of how much I like the momentum change Ty can bring and present matchup issues and a jolt of energy. I actually think we might see a pretty fluid mix of starting lineups based on the matchup.

Here's a question I have, we are going to have 4 guys sitting out this year (Stukes, Washington, Price, Roberts) is there a possibility Stukes sees the court to provide a little depth? Or is there no real need and I'm over-thinking?

hoops, I don't disagree with your thoughts, but based on Rothstein tweeting the starting five (which more than likely came right out of G's mouth), I think Garland will be starting.

IMO, the only way Stukes plays is if one of the other guards has a prolonged injury that would keep him out for a large part of the season. There just aren't any minutes for him.

[Deleted]

Jul 1, 2013 11:15:53 GMT -5 big5vet said:

Also, Rothstein favors UMass over the Explorers in his standings.

Rothstein picked La Salle third and UMass fourth. He's one of the only preseason prognosticators to pick La Salle ahead of UMass.

[calidelphia]

as far as Garland starting, I think this line sums it up:

"THE SKINNY: Don’t be surprised if Tyrone Garland leads the Atlantic 10 in scoring." -Jon Rothstein

I like the sound of that.

[casey44]

With these four in waiting, I can't see G missing on another big man or two. Even the 5'11 jet we recently had visit would still work. Just leave one spot open for next years transfer! What a great group to play with in the upcoming years. Looking forward to the Washington situation getting resolved.

[MisterD]

Its all about Garland's shooting percentage for me. Don't care if he scores 13 per or 20 per.

[luhoopsfan]

I agree with MrD - nothing is more frustrating to watch than when Ty can't get shots to fall (Temple game @ Temple) but when he's on (like against Boise State) it's awesome - the more consistent he is the better off we'll be, we don't need an Iverson-esque 20PPG if it comes on 35 shots

[casey44]

Agreed. His percentage was great outside of the treys. Unless he can prove he can shoot at least 33%, his attempts need to be limited. Missed 3 ptrs. do nothing but start fast breaks all too often. Garland is the man this year imo. The question is who has the personality to lead. Maybe Khalid-everyone else is either quiet or happy go lucky.

[big5vet]

Jul 1, 2013 11:33:13 GMT -5 @kjmac12 said:

Jul 1, 2013 11:15:53 GMT -5 big5vet said:

Also, Rothstein favors UMass over the Explorers in his standings.

Rothstein picked La Salle third and UMass fourth. He's one of the only preseason prognosticators to pick La Salle ahead of UMass.

Sorry, Missed that.

[a10champion15]

I think Garland will for sure start. G hoping he picks up Galloway's role I believe so I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up HUGE numbers. As far as leading Tyreek will lead the offense again this year as he did this year. He is very composed on the court, doesn't let his emotions get the best of him and reads plays extremely well.

I believe the starting five will be Garland Duren Mills Wright and Lewis. I think Peterson and Khalid will rotate in and out seeing that they are both solid defenders. I don't believe Zack and Wright will be on the court together too much but will rotate in and out as well. Both of them seem to play better without the other on the court.

I actually am surprised to see Saint Louis still up their in the polls. They lost key players like Ellis and Mitchell. They will need a couple players to step up in order to be even close to as potent as last year.

Interesting to not see any acknowledgement of Maurice Creek on GW. Also, I don't but into Dayton quite yet. They picked up great recruits and will be a scoring machine but where are the defenders. That was why they lost the games they did simply due to defending and I thought, a lack of chemistry.

[explorerman]

As Fran Dunphy has mentioned before on several occasions.. It is Duren that runs the show and let no one forget that...

[cpico]

Jul 1, 2013 16:16:53 GMT -5 a10champion15 said:

I think Garland will for sure start. G hoping he picks up Galloway's role I believe so I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up HUGE numbers. As far as leading Tyreek will lead the offense again this year as he did this year. He is very composed on the court, doesn't let his emotions get the best of him and reads plays extremely well.

I believe the starting five will be Garland Duren Mills Wright and Lewis. I think Peterson and Khalid will rotate in and out seeing that they are both solid defenders. I don't believe Zack and Wright will be on the court together too much but will rotate in and out as well. Both of them seem to play better without the other on the court.

I actually am surprised to see Saint Louis still up their in the polls. They lost key players like Ellis and Mitchell. They will need a couple players to step up in order to be even close to as potent as last year.

Interesting to not see any acknowledgement of Maurice Creek on GW. Also, I don't but into Dayton quite yet. They picked up great recruits and will be a scoring machine but where are the defenders. That was why they lost the games they did simply due to defending and I thought, a lack of chemistry.

I would think that Wright and Zack will be on the court together a pretty good amount of time this year. I was thinking we might go small with the 4 guards for like 15 minutes a game (give or take). The rest of the time I think we will have two bigs on the court (Wright, Zack, and Davis with a little bit of Rohan as an "undersized" forward.

[casey44]

Tyreek may run the show, but he sure wasn't the vocal leader everyone rallied around. That seemed to be 95% Ramon. Takes a special personality that is charismatic without drawing too much attention to himself. Maybe Duren can do it, but he seems too quiet for it. We will see if one emerges. It's like the kid who's dorm rm. is filled with his buddies all the time.

[a10champion15]

Jul 1, 2013 16:45:43 GMT -5 cpico said:

Jul 1, 2013 16:16:53 GMT -5 a10champion15 said:

I think Garland will for sure start. G hoping he picks up Galloway's role I believe so I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up HUGE numbers. As far as leading Tyreek will lead the offense again this year as he did this year. He is very composed on the court, doesn't let his emotions get the best of him and reads plays extremely well.

I believe the starting five will be Garland Duren Mills Wright and Lewis. I think Peterson and Khalid will rotate in and out seeing that they are both solid defenders. I don't believe Zack and Wright will be on the court together too much but will rotate in and out as well. Both of them seem to play better without the other on the court.

I actually am surprised to see Saint Louis still up their in the polls. They lost key players like Ellis and Mitchell. They will need a couple players to step up in order to be even close to as potent as last year.

Interesting to not see any acknowledgement of Maurice Creek on GW. Also, I don't but into Dayton quite yet. They picked up great recruits and will be a scoring machine but where are the defenders. That was why they lost the games they did simply due to defending and I thought, a lack of chemistry.

I would think that Wright and Zack will be on the court together a pretty good amount of time this year. I was thinking we might go small with the 4 guards for like 15 minutes a game (give or take). The rest of the time I think we will have two bigs on the court (Wright, Zack, and Davis with a little bit of Rohan as an "undersized" forward.


I think your right. That time will depend on the match-up I think. We have a lot of options which will create problems for opposing teams. I am thinking were going to have a really interesting style of play. Will can run big like Saint Louis and smaller like VCU, the best of both worlds. 

[explorerman]

Jul 1, 2013 16:53:02 GMT -5 casey44 said:

Tyreek may run the show, but he sure wasn't the vocal leader everyone rallied around. That seemed to be 95% Ramon. Takes a special personality that is charismatic without drawing too much attention to himself. Maybe Duren can do it, but he seems too quiet for it. We will see if one emerges. It's like the kid who's dorm rm. is filled with his buddies all the time.

Casey.. Tyreek Duren runs the show.. The team runs through him.. Talking and yelling does not affect the ball.. The team runs through Tyreek.. And he was the best player in the city last year but since he doesn't do the yelling and attention grabbing things he might get overlooked.. But to the basketball people ala Dunphy, Giannini.. I wish I could find the Dunphy interview after Temple beat us and all he attributed it to was Duren not being on the court.. Success stops and starts with Duren

For a refresher:
philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/02/06/la-salles-tyreek-duren-is-the-best-player-in-the-city/

[durenduren]

I agree. While Tyreek might not be the most vocal, he's an undeniable leader come game day. He might not be yelling on the court or in the locker room, but everyone on that team knows everything flows through him.

[a10champion15]

Jul 1, 2013 18:25:32 GMT -5 durenduren said:

I agree. While Tyreek might not be the most vocal, he's an undeniable leader come game day. He might not be yelling on the court or in the locker room, but everyone on that team knows everything flows through him.

Exactly! He has been a proven leader countless times. Two games I can recall how well he led the team was both the Butler and Saint Joe's game. His pose on the court and confidence is why we won those games. Him and Garland are the best duo in the A10, great chemistry. 

[jellybean]

At the end of the Ole Miss game, who do you want to have the ball? Duren right. The most interesting side story is Garland asking Duren if the play was open. Duren says yes. Before the play starts to unfold, Garland waves to Galloway to switch sides. The rest is history.

Looks to me that Duren is the leader because he ran the show. The player you want to have the ball in crunch time to make the right decisions. Garland is a leader because he had the courage to speak up and suggest a play. Galloway is a leader because as a Sr. he put the team over self. Three leaders in three different ways.

[casey44]

I guess I misinterpreted the behind the scenes video. Everyone on the team rallied around Ramon. He wasn't yelling and screaming while play was going on, but there could be no doubt as to the locker room leader. Like I said, we will see who takes over THAT role, not the one who the offense runs through. Entirely two different animals. Tyreek is supposed to be that man on the court and before everyone gets too excited about me saying anything negative, there were a few times that TD got so cool that he appeared to be zoned out. Galloway, even when he was playing badly, usually laid it all out. Tyreek is arguably the best point in the league, but far from the locker room force that I'm talking about; the one who people rally around. That person doesn't even need to be a starter. Milko comes to mind. If some of you have seen this in Ty then I am through with my thoughts on it.

[durenduren]

This is how I see it, and I'm not disagreeing with anything said:

Garland and Wright are going to be the emotional leaders this year. Both are characters in their own way, and will fill the emotional absence left with Ramon's subtraction. I saw alot of Jerrell behind the scenes in Kansas, and that man had his coming out party. He grew balls the size of watermelons, and that team respects him to all end. He did a lot of growing up in 3 games.

Tyreek will always be the floor general, but not the in the sense where he's barking orders. He'll play any role needed, and has no issues putting up single-digit points or dropping 20+ at the Palestra. Regardless of his role, he'll get his fingerprint all over the game.

Duren and Garland are both leaders in their own way, but my sleeper leader is Jerrell. If March was any indication, he'll be right up there with those two.

[glorydays]

Jul 1, 2013 19:04:21 GMT -5 jellybean said:

At the end of the Ole Miss game, who do you want to have the ball? Duren right. The most interesting side story is Garland asking Duren if the play was open. Duren says yes. Before the play starts to unfold, Garland waves to Galloway to switch sides. The rest is history.

Looks to me that Duren is the leader because he ran the show. The player you want to have the ball in crunch time to make the right decisions. Garland is a leader because he had the courage to speak up and suggest a play. Galloway is a leader because as a Sr. he put the team over self. Three leaders in three different ways.

Good stuff, jb. In that situation so many things can go wrong that somebody can become viewed as the goat. Your examples are great.
(Was it the end of the Syracuse-Louisville game in the tourney where Boeheim got crucified when Trevor Cooney had to make a quick decision to go to the hoop?)
The end of the LaSalle-Ol' Miss game kind of reminded me of the end of the Ice Bowl. Now, there will be like 5 people who are old enough to remember that one.

[golasalle]

Jul 2, 2013 14:27:53 GMT -5 glorydays said:

Jul 1, 2013 19:04:21 GMT -5 jellybean said:

At the end of the Ole Miss game, who do you want to have the ball? Duren right. The most interesting side story is Garland asking Duren if the play was open. Duren says yes. Before the play starts to unfold, Garland waves to Galloway to switch sides. The rest is history.

Looks to me that Duren is the leader because he ran the show. The player you want to have the ball in crunch time to make the right decisions. Garland is a leader because he had the courage to speak up and suggest a play. Galloway is a leader because as a Sr. he put the team over self. Three leaders in three different ways.

Good stuff, jb. In that situation so many things can go wrong that somebody can become viewed as the goat. Your examples are great.
(Was it the end of the Syracuse-Louisville game in the tourney where Boeheim got crucified when Trevor Cooney had to make a quick decision to go to the hoop?)
The end of the LaSalle-Ol' Miss game kind of reminded me of the end of the Ice Bowl. Now, there will be like 5 people who are old enough to remember that one.

Slowly raises hand....