2024 Target List

[CAVPUT]

Estrella is going to be the most versatile big we’ve had since Grant.

How far away is he physically? The SEC isn't usually so kind to freshmen post players. Same for the rest of the class outside of Dillione. He's obviously taken a head start. Just wonder if any will be ready to contribute early on.

 

[vol94]

That's the '24 class. Next year, we are bringing in Freddie Dilione, who already enrolled in January. Freddie is a borderline 5 star combo guard. Cameron Carr, top 75, 4 star pure shooting guard. JP Estrella, a top 50, 5 star, 6'10ish big that can score at all 3 levels, beat out Duke for him. Cade Phillips, 6'9 big, top 100, 4 star, reminds me of a more athletic Fulkerson. I think Freddie is 6'4 and Carr is 6'5

Of this list, Carr is the one I’m not familiar with. Hopefully Freddie is someone who can attack the rim and create his own shot. This current roster panics when needing a clutch basket to put away a game or limit a scoring drought. I hope Phillips decides to return as he can go to the rim if he can improve his ball handling skills in traffic and gain a bit of muscle.

It will be nice to force our opponent to guard our big men beyond 8 feet from the goal, so Estrella should have a huge impact.

 

[vol94]

That's the '24 class. Next year, we are bringing in Freddie Dilione, who already enrolled in January. Freddie is a borderline 5 star combo guard. Cameron Carr, top 75, 4 star pure shooting guard. JP Estrella, a top 50, 5 star, 6'10ish big that can score at all 3 levels, beat out Duke for him. Cade Phillips, 6'9 big, top 100, 4 star, reminds me of a more athletic Fulkerson. I think Freddie is 6'4 and Carr is 6'5

Thanks for responding and not telling me to go search another thread.

 

[The Dog]

Of this list, Carr is the one I’m not familiar with. Hopefully Freddie is someone who can attack the rim and create his own shot. This current roster panics when needing a clutch basket to put away a game or limit a scoring drought. I hope Phillips decides to return as he can go to the rim if he can improve his ball handling skills in traffic and gain a bit of muscle.

It will be nice to force our opponent to guard our big men beyond 8 feet from the goal, so Estrella should have a huge impact.

Carr was kind of a late bloomer and has been climbing the ratings into almost a top 50 recruit. Pure 3 point shooter that is long, has potential to be really good on defense, also. Played with Dilione, I think in AAU

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Carr was kind of a late bloomer and has been climbing the ratings into almost a top 50 recruit. Pure 3 point shooter that is long, has potential to be really good on defense, also. Played with Dilione, I think in AAU

They didn’t play AAU together.

 

[vol94]

Carr was kind of a late bloomer and has been climbing the ratings into almost a top 50 recruit. Pure 3 point shooter that is long, has potential to be really good on defense, also. Played with Dilione, I think in AAU

On paper, it seems next yr’s team may be better than this one, definitely in ‘24-‘25 season

 

[Stoerner Fumbles]

How far away is he physically? The SEC isn't usually so kind to freshmen post players. Same for the rest of the class outside of Dillione. He's obviously taken a head start. Just wonder if any will be ready to contribute early on.

He’s a strong mature kid, but his game is not just being a banger. Like Grant, he can distribute from high post, back players down, and shoot from outside. I think he’ll contribute next year, but it’s always tough to say how much. I like the idea of adding European style play to our big package. When other teams pack it in, it’s nice to have a guy that can pop out and hit a three.

 

[The Dog]

They didn’t play AAU together.

High school ?

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

On paper, it seems next yr’s team may be better than this one, definitely in ‘24-‘25 season

I think that if a couple of the 5 that might leave return it will definitely be a better team next year. And the international players all appear to be leaving. JJJ is 100% undecided and JP could really shine if he returns.

There is the PG issue looming however. I kind of want ZZ to sit out and be here for all of the following 2 years. He won’t get to practice with all of the new guys in the various roles over the spring, summer, and fall workouts. IMO it would be better to bring him back after he’s had a year to practice on his new knee and with the new faces.

 

[vol94]

I think that if a couple of the 5 that might leave return it will definitely be a better team next year. And the international players all appear to be leaving. JJJ is 100% undecided and JP could really shine if he returns.

There is the PG issue looming however. I kind of want ZZ to sit out and be here for all of the following 2 years. He won’t get to practice with all of the new guys in the various roles over the spring, summer, and fall workouts. IMO it would be better to bring him back after he’s had a year to practice on his new knee and with the new faces.

I totally flaked that ZZ will be out first part of season.

 

[Thunder Good-Oil]

I totally flaked that ZZ will be out first part of season.

Worse than that, ZZ will miss all of the preseason workouts. I think that it’s best to save him for the 2 subsequent years. It sure will make the decision easier if BJE can step up and/or a grad or regular transfer PG is added. It would be great if BJE resembles his 4 stars and ZZ could go back to being the spark off of the bench in 2024-25.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

In my perfect scenario, all of the seniors except for Santi leave, Julian stays, we bring in an elite PG prospect, and we bring in a pure scorer, the best available whoever that might be.

Starters
PG: Transfer
SG: Vescovi
SG/SF: Phillips
PF: Awaka
C: Aidoo/Transfer

Bench Rotation: (In No Particular Order)
Dillione
Maschack
Estrella
Jefferson
Edwards

Depending on who the transfers are that team has a chance to be really good. Lots of question marks but we’ll be an extremely athletic bunch and a very experienced bunch too assuming the transfers are upperclassmen.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

High school ?

No lol

 

[vol94]

Worse than that, ZZ will miss all of the preseason workouts. I think that it’s best to save him for the 2 subsequent years. It sure will make the decision easier if BJE can step up and/or a grad or regular transfer PG is added. It would be great if BJE resembles his 4 stars and ZZ could go back to being the spark off of the bench in 2024-25.

Agree 100%. Hopefully ZZ and Barnes come to the same conclusion as this team could be special in the ‘24-‘25 season.

 

[The Dog]

No lol

Well, didn't Carr play with someone we were recruiting?

 

[vol94]

Different topic, but interested to read your opinions about March Madness and possible matchup with Duke in 2nd round in Greensboro. We have a week left, but I brought up the recent projected matchups in the “watch party” thread in “basketball forum.”

Edit- basketball forum

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Different topic, but would love to read your opinions about March Madness and possible matchup with Duke in 2nd round in Greensboro. We have a week left, but I brought up the recent projected matchups in the “watch party” thread in around NCAA forum.

No thanks. I want no part of Duke in Greenseboro. Would be absolutely ridiculous for a 3-seed to play a literal road game against a lower seeded team.

 

[bleedingTNorange]

Well, didn't Carr play with someone we were recruiting?

Cade Phillips

 

[The Dog]

Different topic, but would love to read your opinions about March Madness and possible matchup with Duke in 2nd round in Greensboro. We have a week left, but I brought up the recent projected matchups in the “watch party” thread in around NCAA forum.

Agree with Mookie, I won't no part of Duke and all that NBA talent in Greensboro. Although, our defense can surprise and lock down teams with elite talent. Kansas, Bama, Texas and Arkansas are 4 examples. So, I would prefer not to play Duke in that arena, although, I wouldn't be surprised if we did pull off a win

 

[The Dog]

Cade Phillips

Thank you. See, weed hasn't completely destroyed all my short-term memory. Just got the wrong signee

 

[vol94]

Agree with Mookie, I won't no part of Duke and all that NBA talent in Greensboro. Although, our defense can surprise and lock down teams with elite talent. Kansas, Bama, Texas and Arkansas are 4 examples. So, I would prefer not to play Duke in that arena, although, I wouldn't be surprised if we did pull off a win

I don’t like the matchup at all. Plus, in Greensboro? I will try to find the link and post in the “watch party” thread around in basketball forum.

Edit- basketball forum

 

[vol94]

No thanks. I want no part of Duke in Greenseboro. Would be absolutely ridiculous for a 3-seed to play a literal road game against a lower seeded team.

Agree, so hopefully the matchup won’t come to fruition. But I can see the committee keeping Duke near home and TN in the East. Hope not as we will be going home early.

 

[vol94]

Agree with Mookie, I won't no part of Duke and all that NBA talent in Greensboro. Although, our defense can surprise and lock down teams with elite talent. Kansas, Bama, Texas and Arkansas are 4 examples. So, I would prefer not to play Duke in that arena, although, I wouldn't be surprised if we did pull off a win

I gave you a like but I would be surprised if we beat Duke as their athleticism and quickness would hurt us. Plus their big man would have a field day and TN into foul trouble.

 

[The Dog]

I gave you a like but I would be surprised if we beat Duke as their athleticism and quickness would hurt us. Plus their big man would have a field day and TN into foul trouble.

Trust me, I don't wanna play Duke, especially in Greensboro. I'm just saying, sometimes how we play defense surprises teams that rely on talent and athleticism, like the 4 teams I mentioned earlier. But, I don't wanna find out if it happens again, not against Duke on basically their 2nd homecourt

 

[vol94]

Trust me, I don't wanna play Duke, especially in Greensboro. I'm just saying, sometimes how we play defense surprises teams that rely on talent and athleticism, like the 4 teams I mentioned earlier. But, I don't wanna find out if it happens again, not against Duke on basically their 2nd homecourt

I rather have drop to a four seed and take my chances against someone else than getting the three seed and playing Duke. They are tell, athletic and starting to put it together down the stretch.