In Reply to: Portal Opens today posted by traprh on March 24, 2025 at 10:15:37
Cronin is clearly a superior coach. But he's a defense first coach. IMO any player he brings in should start by meeting Cronin's requirements for playing defense. A fine offensive player who can't play good defense ties Cronin's best hand behind his back.
Tyler Bilodeau does seem to be progressing with his defense - finally - but for most of the year, with Mara's injuries and illnesses, Bilodeau's lack of defense really limited this team.
I'd love guys who can score and can shoot the dang ball, fun to watch and if you can't score, you aren't going to win any more than you will win if you can't stop the other team from scoring.
In maximizing our chances I think you have to start by understanding your coach - and he has to start by understanding himself. Mick Cronin is not going to win with a Showtime team. He's going to win with a devastatingly effective defensive team that can also sore the ball - like one with Jaime Jaquez, Tiger Campbell, Johnny Juzang, a taller version of Riley one that can score the ball (maybe not 100 a game but make them when it matters most but that plays lights out defense.first and foremost.)
I think a wing like Jaylen Clark, an elite true PG who can also defend the best opposing PGs, and that other solid and large post you talk about. If they can find - and land - a truly elite wing who has the offensive ability on top of the defense all the better of course but I think DEFENSE has to be included atop Cronin's shopping list because, well, because Cronin is why.
Thoughts?