Football Home Game
Sat, August 31, 2024
Sat, August 31, 2024
Basketball Home Game
Fri, November 1, 2024
Fri, November 1, 2024
Depth
Depth
On paper this may be the deepest Aggie team I can remember. On the zone today coach mentioned he believes they have added depth with some great recruits. I could make a case that against Washington and other times we struggled last year our biggest problem was depth.
How will coach keep all these guys happy? How will they gel? Will anyone redshirt or are they too good to redshirt? Who will take the backup point guard duties? (It has to be Sam IMO). Even if Sam is playing a lot of point guard will less be required of him because he is surrounded with more weapons? How many guys will be in the end of year rotation is 8 ideal or 12? Will our style of play get tweaked at all with Smith’s recruits coming in, in other words how much of last year was Smith adjusting to the personnel he inherited vs. what he really wants to do?
Even with a lot of promise for next season still a lot of questions for me. Can’t wait to watch Smith get his systems and philosophies further engrained in the program. Just based On an outside observation it seems Smith might just have something up his sleeve for this next season as an encore! Hope I’m right excited to see it unfold regardless.
My Incrementally bolder predictions!
1- Sam plays a lot of PG minutes and he makes Smith look like a genius for moving him over to point. (Not saying he starts there but plays all the backup minutes)
2- The starting 5 to start the year
Porter
Merrill
Miller
Bean
Quetta
The starting 5 to end the year
Porter
Merrill
Miller
Bean
Quetta
3- We will have the best bench in the MW hands down.
How will coach keep all these guys happy? How will they gel? Will anyone redshirt or are they too good to redshirt? Who will take the backup point guard duties? (It has to be Sam IMO). Even if Sam is playing a lot of point guard will less be required of him because he is surrounded with more weapons? How many guys will be in the end of year rotation is 8 ideal or 12? Will our style of play get tweaked at all with Smith’s recruits coming in, in other words how much of last year was Smith adjusting to the personnel he inherited vs. what he really wants to do?
Even with a lot of promise for next season still a lot of questions for me. Can’t wait to watch Smith get his systems and philosophies further engrained in the program. Just based On an outside observation it seems Smith might just have something up his sleeve for this next season as an encore! Hope I’m right excited to see it unfold regardless.
My Incrementally bolder predictions!
1- Sam plays a lot of PG minutes and he makes Smith look like a genius for moving him over to point. (Not saying he starts there but plays all the backup minutes)
2- The starting 5 to start the year
Porter
Merrill
Miller
Bean
Quetta
The starting 5 to end the year
Porter
Merrill
Miller
Bean
Quetta
3- We will have the best bench in the MW hands down.
- dyedblue
- Posts: 8431
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:21 pm
- Has thanked: 24 times
- Been thanked: 842 times
Re: Depth
Is there a difference maker in our recruits that would have gotten us past Washington? They absolutely killed us.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
“The winning team has a dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.” --Merlin Olsen
- hipsterdoofus21
- Mr. Buttface
- Posts: 18175
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Has thanked: 3251 times
- Been thanked: 3234 times
Re: Depth
I agree that we’ll see Merrill be our primary ball handler and play maker. That’s what good teams do. They scrap the notion of specific positions in exchange for playing their best players. Primary ball handlers replace traditional point guards.
Plus if Merrill has any NBA aspirations he needs to develop these skills even more. Like Curry did his senior year at Davidson.
Plus if Merrill has any NBA aspirations he needs to develop these skills even more. Like Curry did his senior year at Davidson.
-
- Posts: 8841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 1:39 am
- Has thanked: 917 times
- Been thanked: 536 times
Re: Depth
Bairstow is a 6'8 ball handler, Anderson is a 6'7 athletic SF and McChesney is a 6'9 3 point threat. Tough to pin huge expectations on 2 true freshman but they're 2 of our best recruits I've seen on tape/rating wise. The height and length will help
- dyedblue
- Posts: 8431
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:21 pm
- Has thanked: 24 times
- Been thanked: 842 times
Re: Depth
I love their potential, but they are true freshmen. I watched an athletic team completely dismantle our team. They took Merrill out and we had nothing. Queta is an absolute stud that looked average at best. Freshmen seem to disappear in games like that.MetsJetsAggies wrote:Bairstow is a 6'8 ball handler, Anderson is a 6'7 athletic SF and McChesney is a 6'9 3 point threat. Tough to pin huge expectations on 2 true freshman but they're 2 of our best recruits I've seen on tape/rating wise. The height and length will help
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
“The winning team has a dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.” --Merlin Olsen
- brownjeans
- Flatulent
- Posts: 18612
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 10:21 am
- Has thanked: 951 times
- Been thanked: 1739 times
Re: Depth
My issue with the Washington game isn't about who played for us as much as how we played.
I don't think we should let one game change all our thoughts about our team. Washington isn't the most talented team we played.
I don't think we should let one game change all our thoughts about our team. Washington isn't the most talented team we played.
-
- SJSU Ultimate Loser Award Winner - Given to someone that should probably give up but won't.
- Posts: 23464
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 8:09 am
- Location: Where the sagebrush grows!
- Has thanked: 1417 times
- Been thanked: 3217 times
Re: Depth
I thought we played like a team full of players that had never been to the tournament. We didn't match the intensity of Washington. When we had a chance to make a game of it, we followed it up with multiple turnovers and the game was over. I'm hoping that experience will help the 19-20 team perform better.
-
- Posts: 12841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2016, 8:47 pm
- Has thanked: 1289 times
- Been thanked: 2358 times
Re: Depth
Top 6 returning players
Merrill
Queta
Porter
Miller
Bean
Brito
2 players out injuried last year that are back
Grootfaam
Stall
4 new players
Kuba (JC)
Bairstow
Liam
Anderson (JC)
One open spot
We are pretty deep and probably adding one more guard (probably a PG).
If Grootfaam and/or Stall are 100%, this is a big addition to the depth of the team since they were not playing last season.
Stall is a ?, and I believe Grootfaam will be 100% for this upcoming season.
My projected depth chart at this point
PG-Porter, Merrill, Brito, Bairstow
SG-Merrill, Miller, Brito, Bairstow
#3 G-Miller, Brito, Bairstow
SF-Bean, Anderson, Liam
PF/C-Queta, Kuba, Grootfaam, Stall
This could easily change in who the starters since we added some highly rated recruits. Any of the 4 new players could be starters.
Merrill
Queta
Porter
Miller
Bean
Brito
2 players out injuried last year that are back
Grootfaam
Stall
4 new players
Kuba (JC)
Bairstow
Liam
Anderson (JC)
One open spot
We are pretty deep and probably adding one more guard (probably a PG).
If Grootfaam and/or Stall are 100%, this is a big addition to the depth of the team since they were not playing last season.
Stall is a ?, and I believe Grootfaam will be 100% for this upcoming season.
My projected depth chart at this point
PG-Porter, Merrill, Brito, Bairstow
SG-Merrill, Miller, Brito, Bairstow
#3 G-Miller, Brito, Bairstow
SF-Bean, Anderson, Liam
PF/C-Queta, Kuba, Grootfaam, Stall
This could easily change in who the starters since we added some highly rated recruits. Any of the 4 new players could be starters.
-
- Posts: 2741
- Joined: November 17th, 2010, 6:59 pm
- Location: Pullman, WA
- Has thanked: 318 times
- Been thanked: 656 times
- Contact:
Re: Depth
Did I miss something, or why isn't anyone talking about Karwowski being in the lineup? Does he have plans to redshirt? I think that since he is coming from a JC that he doesn't have to sit out, right?
My side projects:
Internet-connected Aggie A's: www.sports-iot.com
Physics and the Pinewood Derby: www.pinewoodphysics.com
Internet-connected Aggie A's: www.sports-iot.com
Physics and the Pinewood Derby: www.pinewoodphysics.com
-
- Posts: 12841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2016, 8:47 pm
- Has thanked: 1289 times
- Been thanked: 2358 times
Re: Depth
Kuba and Anderson don't have to sit out since they are from a JC. I would not rule out the possibility of Queta and Kuba both starting at the same time.
- Roy McAvoy
- Posts: 7557
- Joined: November 2nd, 2011, 1:30 pm
- Has thanked: 1196 times
- Been thanked: 2975 times
Re: Depth
Uhh hello?! There's an entire thread about predicting him starting alongside Queta.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=49571
- brownjeans
- Flatulent
- Posts: 18612
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 10:21 am
- Has thanked: 951 times
- Been thanked: 1739 times
Re: Depth
I think Kuba is shorthand for Karwowski... I don't know how, but that's what I'm guessing.
- USU78
- Pick'em Champ - '16 Weekly
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 6:43 am
- Location: Sandy
- Has thanked: 7168 times
- Been thanked: 2087 times
Re: Depth
Taking Stall out of the equation (I don't see him ever playing), we have an unbalance, at least as I view things. There are only 5 guards/wings (Bairstow, Brito, Merrill, Miller, and Porter), and 6 posts (Anderson, Bean, Grootfaam, Karwowski, McChesney?, and Queta). Just from a balance perspective, USU really needs that 6th guard/wing, hopefully another point to take the pressure off Porter and leave Brito/Merrill/Bairstow at wings.
I really like the ranginess of the posts: 7'2, 6'11, 6'9, 6'8, 6'7, 6'7 + Bairstow at 6'8. When has USU ever had that much height?
I really like the ranginess of the posts: 7'2, 6'11, 6'9, 6'8, 6'7, 6'7 + Bairstow at 6'8. When has USU ever had that much height?
Last edited by USU78 on May 29th, 2019, 11:44 am, edited 2 times in total.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
- USU78
- Pick'em Champ - '16 Weekly
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 6:43 am
- Location: Sandy
- Has thanked: 7168 times
- Been thanked: 2087 times
Re: Depth
Karwowski's first name is Jakub. Kuba is the Jim to Jakub's James in Polish.brownjeans wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:17 amI think Kuba is shorthand for Karwowski... I don't know how, but that's what I'm guessing.
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
-
- Posts: 14250
- Joined: December 15th, 2010, 6:29 pm
- Has thanked: 4437 times
- Been thanked: 4077 times
Re: Depth
We also have Miller on the wing...but to your point we need 1 more guard/wing.USU78 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:34 amTaking Stall out of the equation (I don't see him ever playing), we have an unbalance, at least as I view things. There are only 4 guards/wings (Bairstow, Brito, Merrill, and Porter), and 6 posts (Anderson, Bean, Grootfaam, Karwowski, McChesney?, and Queta). Just from a balance perspective, USU really needs that 5th guard/wing, hopefully another point to take the pressure off Porter and leave Brito/Merrill/Bairstow at wings.
I really like the ranginess of the posts: 7'2, 6'11, 6'9, 6'8, 6'7, 6'7 + Bairstow at 6'8. When has USU ever had that much height?
- USU78
- Pick'em Champ - '16 Weekly
- Posts: 15409
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 6:43 am
- Location: Sandy
- Has thanked: 7168 times
- Been thanked: 2087 times
Re: Depth
Fixed. Danke sehr!slcagg wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:39 amWe also have Miller on the wing...but to your point we need 1 more guard/wing.USU78 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:34 amTaking Stall out of the equation (I don't see him ever playing), we have an unbalance, at least as I view things. There are only 4 guards/wings (Bairstow, Brito, Merrill, and Porter), and 6 posts (Anderson, Bean, Grootfaam, Karwowski, McChesney?, and Queta). Just from a balance perspective, USU really needs that 5th guard/wing, hopefully another point to take the pressure off Porter and leave Brito/Merrill/Bairstow at wings.
I really like the ranginess of the posts: 7'2, 6'11, 6'9, 6'8, 6'7, 6'7 + Bairstow at 6'8. When has USU ever had that much height?
You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.
-
- Posts: 2741
- Joined: November 17th, 2010, 6:59 pm
- Location: Pullman, WA
- Has thanked: 318 times
- Been thanked: 656 times
- Contact:
Re: Depth
I guess this was my fault. I didn't know Kuba was his nickname and hadn't bothered to look up who this Kuba was that I hadn't heard of. Thanks for explaining instead of getting pissyUSU78 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:37 amKarwowski's first name is Jakub. Kuba is the Jim to Jakub's James in Polish.brownjeans wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 11:17 amI think Kuba is shorthand for Karwowski... I don't know how, but that's what I'm guessing.
My side projects:
Internet-connected Aggie A's: www.sports-iot.com
Physics and the Pinewood Derby: www.pinewoodphysics.com
Internet-connected Aggie A's: www.sports-iot.com
Physics and the Pinewood Derby: www.pinewoodphysics.com
-
- Posts: 8841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 1:39 am
- Has thanked: 917 times
- Been thanked: 536 times
Re: Depth
If he doesn't redshirt he will still only be a backup for Queta, don't see any way he starts at the 4. If Stall isn't 100% then we may need Karwowski next year, but I'd be tempted to start him off as a RS seeing as Queta will probably play 28-30+ mins a game and Stall, Groot, etc can be the backup 5s
I think Karwowski was a good insurance option in case Queta left, and he will have at least 2 more years after next year if/when Queta leaves then
-
- SJSU Ultimate Loser Award Winner - Given to someone that should probably give up but won't.
- Posts: 23464
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 8:09 am
- Location: Where the sagebrush grows!
- Has thanked: 1417 times
- Been thanked: 3217 times
- hipsterdoofus21
- Mr. Buttface
- Posts: 18175
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 9:39 pm
- Has thanked: 3251 times
- Been thanked: 3234 times
Re: Depth
Karwowski doesn’t have a redshirt year I thoughtMetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:03 pmIf he doesn't redshirt he will still only be a backup for Queta, don't see any way he starts at the 4. If Stall isn't 100% then we may need Karwowski next year, but I'd be tempted to start him off as a RS seeing as Queta will probably play 28-30+ mins a game and Stall, Groot, etc can be the backup 5s
I think Karwowski was a good insurance option in case Queta left, and he will have at least 2 more years after next year if/when Queta leaves then
-
- Posts: 8841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 1:39 am
- Has thanked: 917 times
- Been thanked: 536 times
Re: Depth
Maybe not, thought he had one. Either way he at least has 3 years of eligibility left, he will be good to have around when we eventually lose Quetahipsterdoofus21 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:05 pmKarwowski doesn’t have a redshirt year I thoughtMetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:03 pmIf he doesn't redshirt he will still only be a backup for Queta, don't see any way he starts at the 4. If Stall isn't 100% then we may need Karwowski next year, but I'd be tempted to start him off as a RS seeing as Queta will probably play 28-30+ mins a game and Stall, Groot, etc can be the backup 5s
I think Karwowski was a good insurance option in case Queta left, and he will have at least 2 more years after next year if/when Queta leaves then
- treesap32
- Moderator
- Posts: 16800
- Joined: July 28th, 2005, 1:00 am
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Has thanked: 1141 times
- Been thanked: 2688 times
- Contact:
Re: Depth
He is listed as a Junior on the official site.MetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 4:10 pmMaybe not, thought he had one. Either way he at least has 3 years of eligibility left, he will be good to have around when we eventually lose Quetahipsterdoofus21 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:05 pmKarwowski doesn’t have a redshirt year I thoughtMetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:03 pmIf he doesn't redshirt he will still only be a backup for Queta, don't see any way he starts at the 4. If Stall isn't 100% then we may need Karwowski next year, but I'd be tempted to start him off as a RS seeing as Queta will probably play 28-30+ mins a game and Stall, Groot, etc can be the backup 5s
I think Karwowski was a good insurance option in case Queta left, and he will have at least 2 more years after next year if/when Queta leaves then
https://utahstateaggies.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball
-
- Posts: 8841
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 1:39 am
- Has thanked: 917 times
- Been thanked: 536 times
Re: Depth
Then I believe he has 3 to play 2, meaning he is eligible to redshirt. Maybe I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure I saw that somewheretreesap32 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 4:12 pmHe is listed as a Junior on the official site.MetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 4:10 pmMaybe not, thought he had one. Either way he at least has 3 years of eligibility left, he will be good to have around when we eventually lose Quetahipsterdoofus21 wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:05 pmKarwowski doesn’t have a redshirt year I thoughtMetsJetsAggies wrote: ↑May 29th, 2019, 3:03 pmIf he doesn't redshirt he will still only be a backup for Queta, don't see any way he starts at the 4. If Stall isn't 100% then we may need Karwowski next year, but I'd be tempted to start him off as a RS seeing as Queta will probably play 28-30+ mins a game and Stall, Groot, etc can be the backup 5s
I think Karwowski was a good insurance option in case Queta left, and he will have at least 2 more years after next year if/when Queta leaves then
https://utahstateaggies.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball
- Aglicious
- Site Admin
- Posts: 7152
- Joined: January 14th, 2004, 12:00 am
- Location: Vega$
- Has thanked: 936 times
- Been thanked: 2435 times
Re: Depth
VerbalCommits lists him as a RS SO this past year, Aggies22 stated he only has 2 to play 2, and his official announcement said he had 2 years of eligibility left.
Re: Depth
I think there is, but only time will tell. As far as the Washington game I think the difference between winning and losing that game did not require a difference maker. It was a one point game with less than ten minutes to go in the second half. What got us back into the game was forcing some turnovers with our own pressure defense. Unfortunately that strategy was not sustainable due to the fact our guys were tired and there was no depth on the bench to give them a rest. Things I think would have gotten us past Washington that we didn’t have then that we plan to have next year:
1- depth
2- Additional ball handlers
3- another year of Quetta development and strength.
4- more scoring threats surrounding Merrill
5- more options and competition at every position (better practice better team)
On a side note I think landing Karwowski is huge even with Quetta coming back. I mean they will be practicing against each other for the whole year. That is gonna make both of them better.
-
- Posts: 959
- Joined: January 31st, 2015, 4:31 pm
- Has thanked: 130 times
- Been thanked: 400 times
Re: Depth
I think we'll need to bring in one more pg.
If I'm not mistaken we only have Merrill, Proter, and Brito as our ball handlers. Any one of these guys get hurt and we're really thin.
If I'm not mistaken we only have Merrill, Proter, and Brito as our ball handlers. Any one of these guys get hurt and we're really thin.
Re: Depth
BairstowAggieUprising50 wrote: ↑May 31st, 2019, 10:36 amI think we'll need to bring in one more pg.
If I'm not mistaken we only have Merrill, Proter, and Brito as our ball handlers. Any one of these guys get hurt and we're really thin.
McChesney
Anderson
All improve The collective ball handling skills of the team. Are they Point guards? No, but nonetheless provide a much needed improvement.
Based on Aggie22’s comments I’ve accepted we may not get another PG that can play immediately and I’m ok with that. Smith has earned my trust.
- brownjeans
- Flatulent
- Posts: 18612
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 10:21 am
- Has thanked: 951 times
- Been thanked: 1739 times
-
- Aggie Insider, Pick'em Champ - '18 Kickoff, '19 Weekly
- Posts: 19445
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 8:17 pm
- Location: Smithfield, Utah
- Has thanked: 23409 times
- Been thanked: 15593 times
- Contact:
Re: Depth
Or a 1,000 more from me saying that the coaching staff isn't going to be bringing in a point guard that will play immediately.brownjeans wrote: ↑May 31st, 2019, 10:06 pmWhat we need are another 1,000 posts about how we need a PG.
- These users thanked the author aggies22 for the post:
- brownjeans
- 2004AG
- Posts: 12423
- Joined: November 16th, 2010, 11:42 am
- Has thanked: 798 times
- Been thanked: 1601 times
Re: Depth
Let’s hope the coaching staff reads this board then and actually rethinks their dumb position.brownjeans wrote:What we need are another 1,000 posts about how we need a PG.
If all us know nothings on here can see the gaping hole as wide as the Grand Canyon, it’s amazing they refuse to.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
- dyedblue
- Posts: 8431
- Joined: November 3rd, 2010, 4:21 pm
- Has thanked: 24 times
- Been thanked: 842 times
Re: Depth
I know you are right '22, but what about bringing in a young kids that can play next year when we lose everyone that can handle the basketball?aggies22 wrote:Or a 1,000 more from me saying that the coaching staff isn't going to be bringing in a point guard that will play immediately.brownjeans wrote: ↑May 31st, 2019, 10:06 pmWhat we need are another 1,000 posts about how we need a PG.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
“The winning team has a dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.” --Merlin Olsen