Expectations

[BBALLSTAN]

As a season ticket holder since Wimp, I had many thoughts while watching the
selection show. It has been a frustrating season in many ways but I got to
thinking with a couple more wins we are a four seed. Having a six seed is not bad, and
even though this team tried my patience, I appreciate the direction of our program.
Losing Primo when not expected and losing Burnett was a killer. Depending on two
freshmen (even though they showed promise) and on players like Miles, Gurley, Gary, and
Rojas ( any of whom couldnt play for any decent Sec teams) put us in a tough place.
So that puts us depending on JQ, Shack, and Ellis (all who were inconsistent at times.)
I agree with many complaints about this team, but i am grateful to be back in the
tournament and hope we can win a couple. And No, I am not satisfied with this season
but as a life long basketball fan, this program is in a good place and moving up.

 

[BamaNavyCPO]

We have to look beyond the mindset, "just happy to make the big dance," and expect to make it every year. Gonzaga has made the tourney 23 times in a row. They expect to be there. Seeding is a bit overrated if you don't bring your A-game. Teams don't make the dance by accident, they earn it, so on any given day, #1 can be had by #10-16. I want our team to play like they belong there. A new season starts this week and it's one and done time. Every loose ball, rebound, pass, shot selection, foul, FTs, etc. is important...PLAY LIKE IT!
RTR!!!!!!

 

[Bocat69]

As a season ticket holder since Wimp, I had many thoughts while watching the
selection show. It has been a frustrating season in many ways but I got to
thinking with a couple more wins we are a four seed. Having a six seed is not bad, and
even though this team tried my patience, I appreciate the direction of our program.
Losing Primo when not expected and losing Burnett was a killer. Depending on two
freshmen (even though they showed promise) and on players like Miles, Gurley, Gary, and
Rojas ( any of whom couldnt play for any decent Sec teams) put us in a tough place.
So that puts us depending on JQ, Shack, and Ellis (all who were inconsistent at times.)
I agree with many complaints about this team, but i am grateful to be back in the
tournament and hope we can win a couple. And No, I am not satisfied with this season
but as a life long basketball fan, this program is in a good place and moving up.

 

[Bocat69]

Miles, Gary and Rojas are actually not that bad. Gary and Rojas bring that toughness every team needs and Miles is that four year player every team needs in there program. Miles is a freak athlete also they all would see minutes on another roster.

 

[jtr4dad]

Miles, Gary and Rojas are actually not that bad. Gary and Rojas bring that toughness every team needs and Miles is that four year player every team needs in there program. Miles is a freak athlete also they all would see minutes on another roster.

Disagree on Rojas, He is awful. The least skilled Alabama basketball player that I can remember and I've been following it rabidly since 1969.

 

[TideFever]

In an overall sense, we're moving in a good direction at least. If not for last season this current 6 seed would have been our best seed in the tournament in something like 17 years. So back to back invites with a 2 and 6 seed is a dramatic improvement over going from 2006 to 2019 with 3 invites seeded at 10, 9, and 9. Plus 2 or 3 bubble seasons where we didn't hit the right metric for the committee that year and we got screwed.

 

[TideFever]

Disagree on Rojas, He is awful. The least skilled Alabama basketball player that I can remember and I've been following it rabidly since 1969.

You must have blocked out the Carl Engstrom experiment. Can't blame you if you did. A handball player trying to play basketball.

Rojas can at least play the game and helps us against lineups that play a more conventional post style.

 

[Sweetlou2.0]

Disagree on Rojas, He is awful. The least skilled Alabama basketball player that I can remember and I've been following it rabidly since 1969.

Woahhhh. I’m no fan of Rojas, but he can finish at the rim and make occasional threes. Does the name Moussa Gueye ring a bell? Carl Engstrom? Bola Olaniyan?

 

[michael1965]

Rojas brings toughness and energy to every game. No, he is not an elite ball handler but he has improved in that area. He has made some important plays for us and his contributions should be recognized.

 

[jtr4dad]

Woahhhh. I’m no fan of Rojas, but he can finish at the rim and make occasional threes. Does the name Moussa Gueye ring a bell? Carl Engstrom? Bola Olaniyan?

Yes, as do the names Ben Eblen, Thalamus McGee, and Travis Stinnett. I'd still rank Rojas at the bottom. He's the only player we've ever had that causes me to cringe every time he touches the ball.

 

[D Isaiah T Billings-Clyde7]

Rojas has a place On a team… I just don’t know that it’s the place we have him on ours lol. Gary is a good player but gotta be hampered by ankle and orbital bone injuries bc he hasn’t been the same. Miles has potential… maybe relied on too heavily this year due to Gary situation and Burnett out, but I hope he hangs around bc he could be good for us down the road. He shows flashes sometimes and his length is good for defense.

anyway, I love the direction of the program bc it’s moving upward. Great recruiting class coming in, expectations are raised as you can tell, new arena on the way, fans are interested even though some quit the team before the ncaa tournament which is… interesting. This season left a bit to be desired without a doubt but we’ll see how it wraps up before a final opinion is drawn… elite recruiting class coming in to look forward to, players want to play for Oats which is great when it comes to the portal. A lot to be happy about

In regards to “we have to move beyond just getting to the tournament being the bar.” No fans are just happy to be in, but some understand it’s an accomplishment and some seem to have lost sight if that in a hurry. We aren’t Gonzaga right now. It’s the 3rd season for Oats. Take the climb in stride and the bumps that come with it. This year being a bump should tell you all you need to know

 

[jtr4dad]

Rojas has a place On a team… I just don’t know that it’s the place we have him on ours lol. Gary is a good player but gotta be hampered by ankle and orbital bone injuries bc he hasn’t been the same. Miles has potential… maybe relied on too heavily this year due to Gary situation and Burnett out, but I hope he hangs around bc he could be good for us down the road. He shows flashes sometimes and his length is good for defense.

anyway, I love the direction of the program bc it’s moving upward. Great recruiting class coming in, expectations are raised as you can tell, new arena on the way, fans are interested even though some quit the team before the ncaa tournament which is… interesting. This season left a bit to be desired without a doubt but we’ll see how it wraps up before a final opinion is drawn… elite recruiting class coming in to look forward to, players want to play for Oats which is great when it comes to the portal. A lot to be happy about

In regards to “we have to move beyond just getting to the tournament being the bar.” No fans are just happy to be in, but some understand it’s an accomplishment and some seem to have lost sight if that in a hurry. We aren’t Gonzaga right now. It’s the 3rd season for Oats. Take the climb in stride and the bumps that come with it. This year being a bump should tell you all you need to know

I hope you're right about this year being a bump, but making that statement is a leap of faith IMO. Last year was great, but it's the only season of his 3 where we finished above .500 in the SEC. He's still a young coach and the jury is still out on whether he'll be successful long term or if last year was a flash in the pan.

 

[vegas man]

I'd still rank Rojas at the bottom. He's the only player we've ever had that causes me to cringe every time he touches the ball.

I cringe every time Gurley touches the ball. Whether he's dribbling or simply rebounding the ball. I had so much hope for him as a transfer. Needless to say those hopes have been completely dashed.

 

[OF3052]

I pull for Darius because of his enthusiasm and retro-burns! ))))

 

[Namron711]

Our biggest problem this year was the league was full of top ten teams.

 

[AnInterestedParty]

We have to look beyond the mindset, "just happy to make the big dance," and expect to make it every year. Gonzaga has made the tourney 23 times in a row. They expect to be there. Seeding is a bit overrated if you don't bring your A-game. Teams don't make the dance by accident, they earn it, so on any given day, #1 can be had by #10-16. I want our team to play like they belong there. A new season starts this week and it's one and done time. Every loose ball, rebound, pass, shot selection, foul, FTs, etc. is important...PLAY LIKE IT!
RTR!!!!!!

The good news is, we made it back-to-back for the first time in quite a while. We came to expect them during Wimp's tenure.

 

[Sweetlou2.0]

Yes, as do the names Ben Eblen, Thalamus McGee, and Travis Stinnett. I'd still rank Rojas at the bottom. He's the only player we've ever had that causes me to cringe every time he touches the ball.

Ellen couldn’t score but wouldn’t consider him “unskilled.” TRAVIS Stinett was a three point specialist and nothing more.

 

[BamaNavyCPO]

Woahhhh. I’m no fan of Rojas, but he can finish at the rim and make occasional threes. Does the name Moussa Gueye ring a bell? Carl Engstrom? Bola Olaniyan?

Sweetlou, you beat me to it. I was going to reference Moussa Gueye too, except for I couldn't spell his name! 😂

 

[BBALLSTAN]

Disagree on Rojas, He is awful. The least skilled Alabama basketball player that I can remember and I've been following it rabidly since 1969.

There is no Sec team among the first seven teams that these could play on.
I dont like saying that,but just being realistic.

 

[jtr4dad]

I pull for Darius because of his enthusiasm and retro-burns! ))))

Those sideburns remind me of Marv from Home Alone.

 

[winin11]

Yes, as do the names Ben Eblen, Thalamus McGee, and Travis Stinnett. I'd still rank Rojas at the bottom. He's the only player we've ever had that causes me to cringe every time he touches the ball.

That's your opinion, Oats seems to be on the opposite side you are taking. I'm going with the judgement of our Head Coach. Rojas gives great effort every time he's on the floor and his defensive skills are very good.

 

[BamaNavyCPO]

Rojas brings toughness and energy to every game. No, he is not an elite ball handler but he has improved in that area. He has made some important plays for us and his contributions should be recognized.

Agreed. I just wish he would only shoot the 3s he's going to make! 😎

 

[BamaNavyCPO]

Rojas has a place On a team… I just don’t know that it’s the place we have him on ours lol. Gary is a good player but gotta be hampered by ankle and orbital bone injuries bc he hasn’t been the same. Miles has potential… maybe relied on too heavily this year due to Gary situation and Burnett out, but I hope he hangs around bc he could be good for us down the road. He shows flashes sometimes and his length is good for defense.

anyway, I love the direction of the program bc it’s moving upward. Great recruiting class coming in, expectations are raised as you can tell, new arena on the way, fans are interested even though some quit the team before the ncaa tournament which is… interesting. This season left a bit to be desired without a doubt but we’ll see how it wraps up before a final opinion is drawn… elite recruiting class coming in to look forward to, players want to play for Oats which is great when it comes to the portal. A lot to be happy about

In regards to “we have to move beyond just getting to the tournament being the bar.” No fans are just happy to be in, but some understand it’s an accomplishment and some seem to have lost sight if that in a hurry. We aren’t Gonzaga right now. It’s the 3rd season for Oats. Take the climb in stride and the bumps that come with it. This year being a bump should tell you all you need to know

The mental state of players is an integral part of the game (see JQ). If they go in with the mindset, "glad to be here," instead of "we belong," then you already have one foot out the door. You can't steal 2nd if you keep your foot on 1st.

 

[frazor]

Miles has potential… maybe relied on too heavily this year due to Gary situation and Burnett out, but I hope he hangs around bc he could be good for us down the road.

While I believe him being a Sr on this team in a few years will be important, I just don't see how his role is going to expand. For a 20 year old he just doesn't show a lot of flashes.

 

[BaselineLeaner4]

Disagree on Rojas, He is awful. The least skilled Alabama basketball player that I can remember and I've been following it rabidly since 1969.

Agreed - Rojas is awful and anyone who disagrees doesn’t know sec basketball.

 

[michael1965]

Agreed - Rojas is awful and anyone who disagrees doesn’t know sec basketball.

I’m going to suggest CNO would disagree and he plays the man for a reason. His strengths don’t show on the stat line but they are real.

 

[Sweetlou2.0]

Agreed - Rojas is awful and anyone who disagrees doesn’t know sec basketball.

He’s not a good basketball player. But, unfortunately he doesn’t rank in the top 10 of unskilled players we’ve had since 1969

 

[D Isaiah T Billings-Clyde7]

Rojas is bull in China shop. There’s worse guys out there that play a sub 10 minute hustle and defend role. The problem is at times we’ve needed more and he ain’t it

 

[BaselineLeaner4]

I’m going to suggest CNO would disagree and he plays the man for a reason. His strengths don’t show on the stat line but they are real.

If we want to be the program many want, Rojas shouldn’t be playing. Plain and simple.

 

[cola68]

As a season ticket holder since Wimp, I had many thoughts while watching the
selection show. It has been a frustrating season in many ways but I got to
thinking with a couple more wins we are a four seed. Having a six seed is not bad, and
even though this team tried my patience, I appreciate the direction of our program.
Losing Primo when not expected and losing Burnett was a killer. Depending on two
freshmen (even though they showed promise) and on players like Miles, Gurley, Gary, and
Rojas ( any of whom couldnt play for any decent Sec teams) put us in a tough place.
So that puts us depending on JQ, Shack, and Ellis (all who were inconsistent at times.)
I agree with many complaints about this team, but i am grateful to be back in the
tournament and hope we can win a couple. And No, I am not satisfied with this season
but as a life long basketball fan, this program is in a good place and moving up.

It’s good to be in. I have calmed down from the frustration of the last couple of games. Hope springs eternal.
One exciting thing about the direction of the program, is the promise of the new arena for the team.

I can’t imagine the excitement this will bring to this program and the amazing trajectory this new building will help set Oats’ program up to achieve

 

[BAMACOASTIE]

I don't think most of the people on this board realize how good the teams in the SEC are this year. SEC is the most talented conference from top to bottom this year. It's not even close. Our out of conference schedule was crazy tough this year but In conference was tougher. The Georgia loss on the other hand was inexcusable.

 

[D Isaiah T Billings-Clyde7]

I don't think most of the people on this board realize how good the teams in the SEC are this year. SEC is the most talented conference from top to bottom this year. It's not even close. Our out of conference schedule was crazy tough this year but In conference was tougher. The Georgia loss on the other hand was inexcusable.

There were 3 bad teams. South Carolina was pretty bad as well but even they had a decent stretch in there and could cause issues. The other 10 teams were a tough out no matter what, with 4 teams that could win the title. It was a brutal schedule start to finish. I was glad to hear oats say he gave the players two full days off after the Vandy game. The mental grind during this schedule was probably worse than the physical…

 

[tydzbk]

Rojas gives us effort in some areas where we need help, but he's not any great answer obviously. His minutes are the result of a flawed roster and/or coaching. I don't have a problem with Rojas because his time on the floor just explains how poorly we execute a smaller lineup and our overall lack of productive forwards. You have to play at least one or two larger human beings on a basketball court and our options always seem limited.