2016-17 Season

[NilesGold]

^ I'm a little confused by your comments. Are you asking what additional players they should add to their 2016 recruiting class?

[vanmeter]

This years OOC schedule was terrible. Other than Providence there not be any other team in that schedule that makes the NCAA tournament

[Floyd]

^ I'm a little confused by your comments. Are you asking what additional players they should add to their 2016 recruiting class?

No, the following year

[NilesGold]

^ I would think a wing guard or wing forward has to be the #1 priority in the 2017 class, with Clark, Berger, Coleman and Anderson all on pace to be seniors that year. Of course as of right now all 13 scholarships are spoken for, so if anyone leaves to free up a scholarship that could change what the priority is.

[UMassHoops]

So, going in a little different direction here, what would people like to see as the focus of incoming recruits for the following year? I'd love to see a true center type, a 7' rebounding/shot blocking machine. Some real size. I'd love to see Baldwin be the PF in the mold of a Ty Weeks. We look to be fairly deep in the guard and small forward slots for a few years, so do they focus on getting bigger or just take the best talent regardless of position? I'd like to see a roster of complimentary players so the team is balanced at most positions. Thoughts? (Ya, it's a slow day and I'm bored)

I'm always in the take the best talent you can regardless of position camp. A good coach will find ways to mix talented pieces on the floor and get the most out of them.

Of course if you can find a 7' rebounding shot blocking machine that would be top priority any year but good luck with that...

I'd like to see us develop our overseas recruiting as well, lot of talent abroad.

[69MG]

Right now, we have ZERO scholarships available for 2017. However, the chances of that holding up for over a year are pretty slim. I think we need to see how things play out next year (what do Holloway, Hines, Baldwin and Gresham look like in 2016?) before we can decide on what position needs help.

[Floyd]

It looks like we should have a lot of good depth at the guard spots and Flowers sounds like he could be a great wing forward for a while. Sounds like Baldwin and Gresham could be pretty effective inside players, and I like that Coleman and Berger can give us a little of both. But if we had that big athletic anchor in the middle, not necessarily a big scorer type, maybe like that big guy st bona had a couple years ago, who can get out and run and be a rim protector, we'd look like a pretty complete team

I realize this is a tough find, and I generally agree with umasshoops about getting the best talent you can regardless of position. But the balance we would have would look pretty good. Not giving up on Holloway because I think he's going to be pretty good, just like to see someone with some size that can get out and run

[UMassHoops]

I agree, if a big man was out there that blocks shots and rebounds and had high interest in UMass that would immediately go to the top of priorities.

Imagine how different our team now would look with a Stephon Lasme type in the middle and no other changes. A great shot blocker allows wings to play much more aggressive defense without as much fear of getting beat since the shot blocker can bail them out and alter shots.

[69MG]

I agree, if a big man was out there that blocks shots and rebounds and had high interest in UMass that would immediately go to the top of priorities.

Imagine how different our team now would look with a Stephon Lasme type in the middle and no other changes. A great shot blocker allows wings to play much more aggressive defense without as much fear of getting beat since the shot blocker can bail them out and alter shots.

That's my hope for Gresham. He's 6'9 and athletic. Here's part of his eval from ESPN.com

Gresham is along athletic and mobile power forward. He runs the floor extremely well and is an above the rim finisher. He is an excellent shot blocker on or away from the ball and is a rim level rebounder. He also has good touch and feel in and around

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baaqoImFeAo

I guess I should have included Baldwin in this discussion.

Courtside Films
‏@CourtsideFilms
Final
Notre Dame (MA) 60
IMG (FL) 58
UMass commit Chris Baldwin was an absolute enforcer on both ends, great strength & motor
#NPSI

Corey Evans
‏@coreyevans_10
Chris Baldwin doing what he does best.... Protecting his basket, rebounding, and finishing. UMass 2016 class is as complete as they come

[Floyd]

Umasshoops, Lasme was on my mind when I was posting that. Your points are right on about a backline defender, I think we do apply decent on ball pressure but when guys get picked off or beat, that help isn't there right now. Plus without everyone having to help on the boards, with that type guy back there, it might allow more runouts with the guards

69, good points about Gresham. I was under the impression that he was in the 6'-7" range, not much bigger, so maybe he can be that guy. How nice would a 7 footer with size look back there though.

Just saw your posts about Baldwin, maybe we're all set

[69MG]

^ They will both be freshmen, if they qualify, but there seems to be more potential for strong interior play than we have this year. For me the key is Holloway. I can't imagine what a 285 pound Holloway could do, given his skill set. If he's ready along with Gresham and Baldwin, they could split the 80 minutes between the 4 and 5 spots and I would be pretty comfortable with our interior. If we want to go BIG, we play two of them and Flowers (6'8) at the 3. We've also got Seth and Zach to alternate at the 3 and 4. There's also Hines, but I have no idea what to expect from him. So many more options that we have now.

I was talking to a guy the other day who is a long time follower of UM BB and has seen Baldwin play. He said his style of play reminded him of Harper Williams. God, would I take that in a heartbeat.

[Swampy]

He has always played with an edge. His attitude is EXACTLY what this team needs, imo.

[uz2b-len]

Wow, Gresham looks really complete in that highlight video.

[Swampy]

^ Looks like the Putney HS videos we saw but he doesn't have as high an arc on his jumper.

[69MG]

^ Dream about next year, that's what I do. Tryn Flowers game yesterday.
https://twitter.com/rdm203/status/696194128749727746