Going into this game I think you can look at it one of two ways.

1. The Sixers will face another team that prefers to take it easy on defense in order to go full blast on the offensive end.  Meaning the Sixers should be able to score points easily.  They should be able to get out and run and get easy baskets.  On top of that this is the 5th game of a 5 game road trip for the Suns and the 2nd half of a back-to-back.  That all should allow them to stay in the game and have a chance to win at home.
2. The Sixers will get completely scorched!  Phoenix has started the season shooting the ball at blistering rate.  That spells disaster for a team that has yet to show an ability to defend the perimeter.  Check that, defend anything.

Let me elaborate a bit on the second point for complete clarity of how bad this could play out for the Sixers.

Going into the game here are Phoenix’s shooting numbers:

• eFG% – 56.2% (1st in the NBA)
• FG% – 49.7% (2nd in the NBA)
• 3pt% – 46.5% (1st in the NBA)

The average FG% in the NBA is 45.5%.  Phoenix is shooting better from three than 18 NBA teams are shooting from the field.

Going into this game here are the Sixers defensive numbers:

• Defensive Rating or points per 100 possessions – 109.6 (23 in the NBA)
• Opponents eFG% – 54% ( 27th in the NBA)
• Opponents FG% – 48.2% ( 26th in the NBA)
• Opponents 3pt% – 40.6% ( 25th in the NBA) Yes, teams are shooting 40% from three on us on 143 attempts.

On top of that the Sixers have the 23rd worse turnover rate and 21st worst defensive rebounding rate.

Get the picture?

So are you going into tonight’s game with mindset one or mindset two?

Related posts:

1. Sixers vs. Suns: Celebration is Over, Time to Get Back to Work
2. Sixers vs. Milwaukee: Will We See A New Sixers Team Tonight?
3. Sixers vs. Orlando: I Feel Bad for the 76ers Tonight

I think it was the right move, and with the market for 3B fairly robust, it gives us a chance to fill the one hole we had in our line-up in the playoffs this season.

In this post, I will detail 8 options the Phillies have as a replacement. 7 are free agents, and 1 (Garrett Atkins) is an obvious trade option. There are likely to be other trade options out there (Brandon Inge?), but I’m just going to stick with Atkins, who is absolutely on the market.

I’ve put together charts of the last 3 years of performance for each player. The 2 stats at the end are UZR (Ultimate Zone Rating, a defensive stat) and EqBRR (Equivalent Base Running Runs, a base-running stat). After a brief summary of the player, I will share what I would offer them contract-wise (or trade wise) if I was Amaro. The players are ranked in alphabetical order and I will rank them in order of my preference at the bottom.

Garrett Atkins

Atkins was relegated to the bench for most of the year last season due to emergence of Ian Stewart. The Rockies see Stewart as their 3B of the future and are definitely looking to trade Atkins. In fact, one article said they might even release him if they can’t trade him as he would probably make upwards of $7-$8 million in arbitration. Atkins performed very poorly in a mostly back-up role last season, sporting a .650 OPS, over 40 points worse than the departing Feliz. If we were to trade for him, I wouldn’t expect a return to the 2007-08 Atkins, given that he would be departing from Coors Field, is 2 years older, and was already showing a downward trend. His defense is below average at 3B, as is his baserunning. I think he would end up as an upgrade over Feliz offensively and a downgrade defensively. On the positive side, he would only be a 1-year arbitration contract and wouldn’t cost us anything past 2010.

What I would trade for him: Not much, to be honest. Atkins could have a renaissance in Philly in a low-pressure situation and playing every day again, but I wouldn’t offer the Rockies good players based on that assumption. Maybe someone like Johan Flande or Drew Carpenter and a C-level prospect.

Adrian Beltre

Beltre is an interesting option. He is a tremendous defender, younger than you think, and has more pop than anyone on this list. He would be a top choice for sure if I was confident he could stay healthy. Every single time I’ve seen him play he’s been battling some sort of ailment and he missed 50 games last year. Add to this that his performance in the games he did play last year left a lot to be desired, and he’s no sure thing. There are a lot of things I like about him though – the defense is a big plus, and his power numbers came primarily in a big time pitchers’ park. He is an above average base runner and is young enough that he should have several years left in him.

What I would offer: 2 years, $15 million with a team option for a 3rd year. I more confident that Beltre can bounce back than I am about Atkins. He is a big-time talent who does a lot of the little things right. He is an upgrade over Feliz defensively, on the basepaths and with the bat, you are just taking a risk that he could get hurt.

Mark DeRosa

DeRosa is a player the Phillies have been linked to a couple of times in the last few years. He’s versatile and a solid hitter though leaves something to be desired on defense. Like a couple of other players on this list, he is coming off an injury and just had wrist surgery a couple weeks ago. He is expected to be ready for spring training. Despite the injury, he is one of the safest bets on this list. I really like his on-base percentages in 2007-08. If could get back to that form, he would be a huge asset for us.

What I would offer: 2 years, $14 million with a team option for a 3rd year. He doesn’t have the upside that Beltre has and would be a step down on defense, but he’s a safe pick-up, would easily mesh with our guys and can play multiple positions.

Chone Figgins

Figgins is the name on this list that will likely garner the most interest and the highest contract. He was really good for the Angels last season, sporting a .395 OBP (7th in the AL) and flashing an elite glove at 3B. Unlike the other guys on this list, he has virtually no power, is capable of stealing 40+ bases and is a top base-runner. He’s not exactly in his prime, but with a short swing, he is less likely to regress quickly. I would love to see Figgins in the lead-off or 2nd spot for the Phillies given his OBP and baserunning skills. You could then drop Victorino or Rollins down to #7 in a more run-producing role.

What I would offer: 3 years, $25 million with incentives that could bring it up to $30 million. Figgins getting on base in front of Utley, Howard and Ibanez would be a great sight and his addition would only improve our already stellar defense and base-running. He is the only player on this list I would guarantee 3 years to, but if the rumors of 4 year, $40 million contract demands are true, I’ll take a pass.

Troy Glaus

Glaus will be mentioned because of his 2008 season and above average defense, but signing him just reeks of Freddy Garcia to me. I just don’t see him staying healthy at this point.

What I would offer: 1 year, $4 million with incentives that could bring it to $7 million.

Melvin Mora

Another guy that I want no part of, but will be mentioned. You don’t sign 38-year olds who showed a sharp decline the year prior.

What I would offer: Nothing, I’d offer 1 year, $4 million to Feliz.

Placido Polanco

*- defensive data is for 2B

Who knows whether Polanco would switch over to 3B full time at this point in his career, but in my opinion, he should have already been playing there for us for the last several years. Polanco is a professional hitter who doesn’t strike out (only 46 K’s in 618 AB last season), but he has declined in BA, OBP and SLG% each of the last 2 years. He’s an upgrade offensively, but he’s not a big impact guy.

What I would offer: 2 years, $15 million with a team option for a 3rd year. Same as Beltre and DeRosa. He would have a similar impact to those 2 guys with less power but minimal frustration. The unknown would be how he plays 3B full time.

Miguel Tejada

*- defensive data is for SS

Tejada was tremendous last year for the Astros. He doesn’t hit as many HRs as he used to, but he has turned them into doubles, which he led the NL in in 2008. He’s a fierce competitor and could probably make the switch to 3B as many SS’s have done later in their career. Like DeRosa, I think he is a great fit for this team given his work ethic and competitive nature. Like Polanco, he doesn’t strike out (only 48 last year), but he also doesn’t walk (only 19 in 2008!).

What I would offer: 2 years, $19 million. I think Tejada has 2 good years left in him, and I would love to see them in Philly in the 7-spot. This is the same contract Bobby Abreu just signed with the Angels. I think he is the best pure hitter on this list and like many great hitters, will be able to hit in his late 30’s.

So who is the best choice?

Given the options above, and the contracts I would offer (I realize I am probably low on many of them, but given that Bobby Abreu’s last 2 contracts, I don’t think they are unrealistic) – here is how I would rank my preferences based on the value of the contract and the player.

Guys I’d Be Happy With…

1. Miguel Tejada (2 years, $19 million)
2. Mark DeRosa (2 years, $14 million)
3. Chone Figgins (3 years, $25 million)

Guys I’d Be OK With…

4. Adrian Beltre (2 years, $15 million)
5. Placido Polanco (2 years, $15 million)
6. Garrett Atkins (1 year, $8 million and 2 prospects)

No Thanks…

7. Troy Glaus (1 year, $4 million)
8. Melvin Mora (Re-sign Feliz)

So that’s what I think – what do you guys think? Who is your top choice? Who would you pay more or less for? What other options would you pursue?

Related posts:

1. Phillies Rumors: Lee Back, Myers Out, Feliz… Maybe?
2. What Amaro Inherits: The State of The Phillies Contracts
3. The ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies Infield

The Eagles lost to the Cowboys tonight, a game in which I believe they were the better team, in a fashion that we have seen so many times before. McNabb inconsistent, Reid stubborn and stupid, and the fans left wondering how a team can look so good one week, and so bad the next. Thanks for helping us forget about the Phillies loss.

Let’s get to the venting…

• I honestly want to speak to Andy Reid and ask him how he can watch us not convert on short distance over and over again and not hand the ball off to Leonard Weaver every…single…time. He did it once tonight, and it worked. Every single other time it didn’t. How that does not compute in his head might drive me insane one of these days.
• McNabb was inconsistent, but he didn’t lose this game. We lost this game primarily because the Cowboys scored 3 times on a short field. Once on a pass Maclin tried to catch with his facemask, once on a poor pass by McNabb that was picked, and once on a 4th and 1 replay that should cost someone his job. The Cowboys did very, very little to win this game.
• On that last point – explain to me how that ball wasn’t re-spotted. It was clear and indisputable that McNabb was down about 6 inches ahead of where the ball was originally spotted. There was a clear point on the logo where the tip of the ball landed, and that’s not even including the couple inches of forward progress he had before that. That non-call was so dumbfounding, you want to look around and see if camera’s are taping your reaction for some sick reality show.
• The official the entire night was point the wrong direction and getting calls and teams wrong. Was the dude hammered or something? Is that why he couldn’t see the spot?
• Dear Sheldon Brown – when it is 3rd and 14 and you have safety help underneath and none behind you, you don’t jump a route.
• How about the play that set up the Cowboys FG before the half. Nothing quite adds to frustration like your own players tackling each other.

Other observations…

• Jason Peters did a tremendous job on DeMarcus Ware.
• The look on Andy Reid’s face as he realized that whatever math he did to decide to kick a field goal instead of going for it on 4th and 11 was wrong, was comical.
• We better have a new punter next year. 75% of Sav Rocca’s punts are terrible.
• I think it is very unlikely we will see Westbrook past this season.
• I thought Brent Celek’s Captain Morgan “celebration” was funny – and don’t know what Jason Avant was doing anywhere near him.
• Aside from one play, Trent Cole was virtually non-existent.
• We need Chris Gocong back, and we need Akeem Jordan to not be hurt.
• We are on pace for a 10-6 record, but our 2nd half is much harder than the first. We play, in order, SD, CHI, WAS, ATL, NYG, SF, DEN and DAL. The way our consistency has been, we are really going to have to play better to do any better than 5-3 there.
• Why did we sign Mike Vick?

Related posts:

1. Belated Eagles Venting Post
2. Eagles Steamroll Hapless Chiefs
3. Boldin to the Eagles? Give me one good reason…

The rules for my organizational depth chart can be found here.

I will update these charts as the off-season progresses, and will likely put them up as a easy-to-access page on the right hand side under “Philly Sports Goodness.”

Phillies Payroll Analysis

Phillies Organizational Depth Chart

* – indicates team option

I like to do as best as I can to be forward thinking and look at things they way I think our GM should, not just from a how to be better next year, but how to be better for the next decade. This helps put things in perspective and I’ll probably reference it a good deal during the off-season.

Related posts:

1. Phillies Organizational Depth Chart and Payroll Analysis – Post Lee Trade
2. Phillies Organization Depth Chart: July 2009
3. Phillies Payroll Analysis: 2009-2012

We are only 6 games in and 3-3.  Not panicking at all.  This type of start was expected on two fronts.

1. New coach, new offense, new players
2. Sixers aren’t that good to begin with

But some trends are starting to develop.

Defense is not good at all. I honestly don’t even think I’ve seen any good team defense from this group yet in 6 games.

Today Detroit didn’t shoot all that well.  BUT that doesn’t mean the Sixers defense had anything to do with it.  As a team they did an okay job on Gordon.  They helped and doubled him on all pick and rolls and did a decent job helping on screens.  BUT, he was lost and left open as well.  That can’t happen.  Besides that other guys had a host of wide open looks all night such as Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko.  Had those guys made a just a couple of the open looks from deep this game wouldn’t have been close at all.

We still don’t shoot the three well as a team.  Coming into the Detroit game we ranked 20th in the NBA shooting 32.9% from deep.  That number will drop after the 3-18 performance they put up this afternoon.  Kapono is doing his job.  He was shooting 50% from three before today’s game.  The rest of the team is shooting 27.6% collectively.

Elton Brand is marginally productive but has no clear role on this team right now.  Before the season, check that… Before last season all the talk was about how the Sixers would incorporate Brand into the offense.  Well last season was a mess to start then it became a moot point after Brand was out for the season.  To start this season the same questions were there.  After 6 games I have a partial answer.  He has no role.  He has no place.  He is barely being utilized offensively.

He is playing less than 30 mpg.  He isn’t getting plays run for him offensively.  He has been suspiciously missing in the line-up late in games.  And he has made no impact whatsoever in 6 games.  Plus, he clearly can not score inside while guarded.  He can make face up jumpers and against weaker, smaller defenders he can sometimes back a guy in close for a little fadeaway.  But that’s about the extent of his offensively repertoire.  AND he is only averaging 7.7 boards and 1 block per 36 minutes.  Conversely, Speights has been the teams best rebounder so far this season and blocking more shots than Brand.

The question is why doesn’t Brand have a bigger role on this team?  Why isn’t he being given a chance to make a bigger impact?

Only Eddie Jordan can answer that.  But do know this.  If he continues to be under utilized and having little impact on the success of the Sixers Stefanski MUST find a way to cut the team’s losses and move him.  He has shown no signs of being a highly productive player again – and Jordan has shown no signs of doing much with him on court.

Rotations?  Line-ups?  Does Jordan have a clue? Jordan has opening said his first big man off the bench is Speights.  His first wing is Kapono.  But has not had anyone step up to be his top reserve guard.  That’s been pretty clear as Willie, Ivey and Jrue have all been given a chance with none doing much with the opportunities.  That’s all fine.  I don’t mind that too much.  In my opinion the bench guard must be a guy that doesn’t hurt you offensively and really locks up defensively.  That is where the team needs the most help.

Where I am at a lost is Jordan’s weird line-ups at different points in the game.  He often has no impact starter on the floor with the reserves which has lead to lost leads and deeper holes.  His end game line-up has been nebulous.  Not including Brand, Kapono or no Kapono, Speights or Dalembert.  I think he is still trying to figure out who  he can trust and waiting for the contenders and pretenders to separate themselves on this team.  Sooner rather than later he needs to find his go-to line-up though.

Sammy may still be on the block.  That article says he was offered to Golden State back in the summer.  Hopefully for one of their young bigs and/or Anthony Morrow and some crap not named Stephen Jackson to make up the rest of the salary difference.  That would be okay with me if we got a nice young player for same.  Aside from that,  moving Sam would make this team considerably worse in the short term and depending what they got back could actually hurt them long-term as well.

Only Sam and Iguodala are playing any substantive defense for this team and that’s still isn’t much.  Ivey pitches in when given a chance but that’s about it.  You move him and your front court is softer and weaker than cotton candy.  We would get decimated inside, on the boards and by penetrating wing players.  Combine that with the porus perimeter defense and terrible defensive rotations and you see what could be without someone to put up a little fight at the rim.

On top of that I am of the belief that the true value in Sam for this team is his number FULLY coming off the books in summer of 2011.  I don’t want to take back contracts that prolong that money coming off the Sixers’ cap.

To be clear those aren’t all the issues we have either.

I can only sum this up by saying the Sixers are NOT a good basketball team right now and have shown NO signs of becoming one.  I do not see their defense getting any better.  I see them getting out worked and beat up inside.  I see their offensive rating and overally FG% not staying as high as it is now.  And I see them scratching and clawing just to make the playoffs.

Now of course this is based on a small sample size of games this season, I know that.  I usually do not commit one way or the other until I see a good 20 games. But right now the signs are nothing to be optimistic about.

I offer anyone a challenge.  If you feel differently about the team and their prospects leave a comment below as to why we should all be optimistic about this team THIS season. And if you have something substantive shoot me an email and I’ll get you up as a guest poster.

I like to keep things balanced but right now I am personally finding very little in the form of good news regarding our Sixers.

Related posts:

1. Sixers vs. Pistons Sunday Afternoon Showdown
2. Extra Practice, Same Result: Sixers Fall to the Jazz
3. Sixers Fall to Minnesota End 3-Game Winning Streak

Tayshaun Prince is out with a ruptured disc in his back.  Richard Hamilton is listed as day-to-day but it has been confirmed he will not suit up for Detroit today against our Sixers.

The starting line-up new Piston’s coach John Kuester has been running out the last couple games has been:

1. Rodney Stuckey
2. Ben Gordon
3. Charlie Villanueva
4. Jonas Jerebko (R)
5. Ben Wallace

Detroit is 2-4 and has been struggling offensively and rebounding the ball.  Those two weaknesses bode well for the Sixers – IF we can execute.

Of all the games to start the season this was the one I was really looking forward to.  That is, before I found out Rip and Prince wouldn’t be playing.

Right now we know two things about the Sixers.  We are not an elite team and we are not one of the worst teams either.  We are somewhere in the very large middle.  The question I have is where in the middle?

Are we middle 4th/5th seed or are we middle 7th/8th seed?

Detroit would have been a good game to find that out as they are in a similar situation as the Sixers.  New coach, new system, new players and a fringe playoff team with a ceiling of a middle playoff team at best.

We will still get a good idea today.  Detroit still has Ben Gordon who can light it up from outside.  I am really looking forward to seeing Andre Iguodala chase him around and attempt to use his size to take away is opening shooting opportunities.

Lou will be facing two guards very similar in style to himself.  Stuckey and Bynum will attack off the bounce and try to get to the cup and get to the line to score.

Thad will have his hands full with 6-10 rookie Jonas Jerebko.  He is an athletic combo forward just like Thad who will run the floor, play inside and out, rebound, block shots and try to make an impact with his energy.  Thad must keep him off the boards and from getting garbage baskets.

Once again Brand will have to deal with another perimeter oriented power forward.  BUT he should be able to use his girth to back down Villanueva and give the Sixers some consistent offense for a change. Well, we can hope right?

I’ll be here chatting during the game this afternoon.  No Eagles til later, no reason not to join in for a good Sixers chat.

Related posts:

1. 2009-10 NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons
2. Sixers Fall to Undermanned Pistons – We Have Problems
3. Sixers Get a Big Win Against A.I. and the Pistons

Right now, it’s safe to say that barring any trades, these players will be on the opening day 25-man roster:

Those are the definites in my opinion, but there are many other options in-house not set in stone.

There are 4 players who are ours if want them, either with contract options or arbitration…

• Pedro Feliz
• Chad Durbin
• Clay Condrey
• Eric Bruntlett

There are also 6 minor leaguers who will / should have a fair shot to make the team out of camp…

• Kyle Drabek
• Antonio Bastardo
• Scott Mathieson
• Sergio Escalona
• Drew Carpenter
• John Mayberry Jr.

Of the first four, I expect Condrey to be back and I’m pretty sure Durbin will be too. Of the bottom six, I expect (and will be angry if this isn’t the case) that Bastardo and Mathieson, two young very live arms, will both make the squad.

One player I did not mention, Jamie Moyer, is under contract and could be our 5th starter, but I don’t expect that he will be fully healthy by spring training.

So where do that leave us?

If all 4 of those relievers are added to the chart, that fills up all the relief roles unless Charlie carries 13 pitchers, which I am going to assume he will (or Mathieson or Bastardo won’t make the team).

That means the holes that have to be filled are…

• 5th starter
• Third Baseman
• Middle Reliever
• Back-up Catcher
• Utility Infielder

A quick look at the available free agents yields the following options to keep an eye on. I’m not going to get into exactly what I think Ruben Amaro should do, but I will bold players that particularly interest me.

5th Starter: Justin Duchscherer, Doug Davis, Jon Garland, Bradan Looper (there is very, very little in the FA market that would be a good value)

Third Baseman: Miguel Tejada, Placido Polanco, Adrian Beltre, Mark DeRosa, Chone Figgins, Melvin Mora

Middle Reliever: Luis Ayala, Joe Beimel, Rafael Betancourt, Kiko Calero, Scott Eyre, Kevin Gregg, Bob Howry, LaTroy Hawkins, Brandon Lyon, Chan Ho Park, Jose Valverde, Rafael Soriano

Back-Up Catcher: Josh Bard, Jason LaRue, Jose Molina, Mike Redmond, Brian Schneider, Gregg Zaun

Utility Infielder: Ronnie Belliard, Kevin Millar, Chad Tracy, Adam Everett, Geoff Blum, Jerry Hairston Jr., Ryan Freel, Frank Catalanotto

So you can see we have a lot of free agents options for third base and middle relief, but not as many for the other areas, particular a reasonably priced 5th starter.

So there is your jumping off point for the 2010 off-season. What do you think and what players do you want (or not want) to see in red pinstripes as we defend our NL pennant next year?

Related posts:

1. Phillies Mid-Season Review
2. The ReclinerGM’s 2009 MLB Preview: Philadelphia Phillies Bullpen
3. Phillies Top 20 Prospects: Mid-Season 2009

There is really NO reason to over analyze this game.  The Nets will be without:

• Devin Harris
• Yi Jianlian
• Keyon Dooling
• Chris Douglas-Roberts
• Jarvis Hayes
• Tony Battie

This team is easily the least healthy team in the NBA right now and it will stay that way for a couple weeks.  The expected starting line?

1. Rafer Alston
2. Courtney Lee
3. Terrence Williams
4. Eduardo Najera
5. Brook Lopez

Am I overlooking the Nets?  Damn straight.  This unequivocally should be a win.  This should be a blowout.  Period.

Now I fully understand what “should” happen doesn’t always follow true.  And with this team that’s even more the case.  Let’s see of they come out and take care of a severely undermanned team that wasn’t even that good to start with.

Related posts:

1. 2009-10 NBA Preview: New Jersey Nets
2. Sixers Play the Worst Offensive Quarter of Basketball I Have Ever Seen, Lose to the Nets
3. 2008-09 NBA Preview: New Jersey Nets

The off-season moves quickly and I’m going to write a post about the Phillies’ needs and the options out there this weekend, but there is already some news to report.

• Cliff Lee’s option was picked up (about as suspenseful as the Cavs extending LeBron’s rookie deal)
• Brett Myers was told he would not be back next year. This is a lot more surprising to me. All along I had thought that Myers would come back on a 1-year deal to prove he can be a good starter and then get paid somewhere else next year. We need a 5th starter (I’m not counting on Drabek or Moyer) and I thought he would be perfect. Unlike Rollins, Utley and Howard – Myers never really came close to what we thought he would be. But like Burrell, he played a big part in our title last year, and will be remembered in a relatively positive light by the fans.
• The Phillies have not yet decided on Pedro Feliz’ option, and appear to be looking at other options first. Those other options are plentiful, and include free agents Chone Figgins, Placido Polanco (if he’ll switch), Miguel Tejada (if he’ll switch), Mark DeRosa and Adrian Beltre. Like the outfield market last year, that appears to be more 3B than teams that really need them – so there is a chance of getting a Bobby Abreu-type discount. I know I’ve said I’d love Figgins, but if his price is too high, I would love Polanco or Tejada on a 2-year deal.

Related posts:

1. Phillies Off-Season: What Are The Needs?
2. Phillies Rumors: Myers out…Halladay, Oswalt, Peavy in?
3. Phillies Rumors: Loretta as Utley Insurance?

I’m going try, I really am, to do a lot more Villanova stuff this year. I only got a post or two in last year. I’ve been a huge Nova fan for a very long time. They are down the street from my high school, I went to Rollie Massimino and then Steve Lappas camp every year, and in high school my friends and I would constantly sneak in to the pavilion and play on the main court (one time being chased out by Lappas himself).

This is a very exciting time for Villanova basketball. They are coming off their first final four trip since 1985, they are bringing in the #1 recruiting class in the country (with several elite players already committed for 2011 and 2012 as well) and they have a man at the helm, Jay Wright, who is very capable of turning Nova into a perennial championship contender the likes of UConn, Kansas, Duke and North Carolina.

Nova’s season began last night with an exhibition match-up against Kutztown. Usually in these match-ups you aren’t looking at the final score, but rather how the new players are doing, and which players are getting what kind of minutes.

Here are some quick takeaways from the game…

• Mouphtaou Yarou is going to play early and often. Nova’s most heralded freshman since Jason Fraser (hopefully he has better knees) started beside Antonio Pena last night and played 26 minutes, the same as Corey Stokes and Corey Fisher. Yarou scored 8 points, grabbed 6 boards and had 1 block. Jay Wright’s teams have always been guard-heavy, but the 6′10”, 205 lb Yarou will add an elite size and toughness element they haven’t had in the past.
• Taylor King did not forget how to shoot. King, the high school All-American transfer from Duke, sat out last year due to NCAA rules and played his first game in a Nova uniform. The result? 17 points on five shots. 5-5 from the field, 4-4 from 3-pt range and 3-4 from the line. With Fisher and Reynolds penetrating, he and Corey Stokes are going to have some serious fun behind the arc this year.
• The other frosh will play as well. PG Maalik Wayns (17 minutes) and SG Dominic Cheek (14 minutes) also got significant time in the exhibition. Neither put up huge numbers (Wayns had 8 pts and 3 assists while Cheek had 2 points, 4 boards and 2 steals) but it’s clear Wright thinks they are ready to play right away.
• This team has TALENT. I’m going to a more in-depth post about this later, but last night, 9 players played more than 9 minutes for the Wildcats. Of those 9 players, 3 were 5-star prospects coming out of high school and 6 were 4-star prospects. By comparison, this year’s pre-season #1, Kansas, played 9 players in their opening exhibition and the break-down was 3 5-stars, 5 4-stars and a 3-star. Bottom line? Nova is stacked, and is going to be stacked for several years.

That’s all for now – like I said, I plan on doing a breakdown of the talent on Nova’s current squad going forward compared to the teams of the past and other big-name programs in the country.

If you have interest in reading more Nova stuff – please speak up! (even if you don’t usually comment) I’ll have a lot more motivation to write stuff if we have a good conversation going with it.

So what are your expectations for this season? Do you think this team is capable of winning it all despite losing Cunningham and Anderson?

Related posts:

1. NOVA LIKE WOAH-VA!
2. Jay Wright and Villanova: The Start of Something Big
3. Villanova vs. Duke Sweet 16 Game: You Better Be Watching