I started to feel like my cautious optimism is at least warranted, when I read that Dave Glenn is drinking Sid’s Kool Aid:
If Atsur had another year, this team would have had an incredibly high ceiling. As it is, the key factor moving forward for the Wolfpack will be the development of a reliable point guard or two from among Degand, Gonzalez and Johnson. (Any of the three could end up as the starter.) Considering the talent — and, for a change, some quality depth — available at other positions, State will compete for the ACC title if that one, huge question can be answered in a satisfactory manner.
Needless to say, this would be a fantastic result. I’m still hoping GT suffers some personnel losses, and even if not – Paul Hewitt doesn’t have a great regular season track record (especially when expectations are high). It also looks like Dave’s analysis does not assume that the Degand/Javi combo will produce “league average” PG play. Then again, nobody expected Maryland’s duo to provide that this past season, either. I think Terp-level PG play is a realistic hope, but we shall see. Dave’s next tier of predictions is posted here.
Lastly, to continue my crusade of sorts (and good-natured sparring with fellow SFN blogger Rick and several respected commenters), please note that Dave does have JJ Hickson starting…
