ForumsThe Halfcourt Trap, Vol. I, No. 1.
With temperatures comparable to the surface of the sun throughout the Southeast and CSTV’s riveting wall to wall coverage of C-USA Media Days, it’s easy to overlook college hoops. To quench everyone’s thirst for hoops, here’s a six pack of issues to think about during the dog days of summer.
1. Ethical Dilemma. Several sources have reported that there is a move afoot among some league coaches to declare a moratorium on the recruitment of prospects who committed to Wake Forest before Skip Prosser’s death. Does, for example, Paul Hewitt go along with said unwritten prohibition? He is the coach most affected by such a stance. It’s very easy for coaches who weren’t in the running for the Wake commits to exclude themselves. It will be worth watching to see how this plays out.
2. Caracter Development. Louisville is going to be very good. Just how good will depend, in large part, of the conditioning of Derrick Caracter. Once the big man got in shape, the Cardinals took off last year. If Caracter returns to campus svelte and ready, the Cards are a legitimate threat to reach San Antonio.
3. Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Bob Huggins exiting Manhattan after only one year to return to his alma mater was one of the most talked about coaching moves of the offseason. It will be intriguing to see what kind of talent he brings to Morgantown. The commitment of NYC PG Truck Bryant indicates Huggs will do just fine.
4. European Vacation. Tennessee is one of the “it” teams going into next season. Bruce Pearl has indicated he will add a couple of strategic wrinkles during the team’s trip to Europe. The efficacy of said moves will impact the team’s rotation this winter.
5. Billy Clyde Wasn’t Insane. The Kentucky job is a thankless, unyielding pressure cooker. Billy Gillispie is the perfect man for that job. His continuing recruiting success, coupled with his ability to charm the boosters, indicates that the SEC East is about to lap the lagging West.
6. Barbarians At The Gate. Love them or hate them, Duke is basketball royalty. Tennessee, on the other hand, is best characterized as commoners with pitchforks. The Elliot Williams recruitment is going to provide a status check for the Vols. Beating the Blue Devils for a big time player will indicate that UT is closer to climbing the castle gates than one might think.
From the Hartford Airport, this is your humble hoops correspondent signing off until next week.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Who is going to help Truck Bryant in 2 or 3 years?
Huggs will mine his connections in the Pittsburgh area and JUCO ranks to stock his roster. He’s also in good shape with Kevin Jones, an impact power forward. If he adds Jones to Bryant, that’s a good start.
As always, well done Hat.
Good stuff, Hatvol. I always enjoy your basketball analysis.