What makes you excited for your team next season?

by **CBB_Fan** » July 10th, 2012, 4:00 pm

Its July, and that means that officially nothing is happening in sports. That makes it the best time of the year to psyche yourself up for the next basketball season, and this July is no exception. What is making you excited this summer?

I'll start. For Wichita State, everything I'm hearing is telling me how amazingly athletic and tall they are. For example, take Ehimen Orukpe. He will be lucky to average more points than blocks, but that body, and athleticism is just crazy for a seven footer.

Also, lots of big, fast wings that can play multiple positions. Recently, they acquired man-child Chadrack Lufile, a 6'9 PF from Canada with some serious athleticism (see :50 and 2:15).

What is making you excited for your favorite team?

**Sponsor**

by **Jays26** » July 11th, 2012, 7:56 am

Doug...and Gregory. 8-)

by **LMS** » July 11th, 2012, 10:05 am

I was reluctant to click on a link titled "that body" but I think Orupke is a dud. He might have the measurables but has never made a contribution.

As for CU, I'm excited to see if Austin can step in and lead the lead now that Young is gone. Lots of pressure on the kid.

by **CBB_Fan** » July 11th, 2012, 10:36 am

LMS wrote:I was reluctant to click on a link titled "that body" but I think Orupke is a dud. He might have the measurables but has never made a contribution.

As for CU, I'm excited to see if Austin can step in and lead the lead now that Young is gone. Lots of pressure on the kid.

I agree on Orukpe's contributions. With his measurables, he should be practically a lottery talent (taller and more athletic than Drummond this year), but he's a backup center in the MVC right now. I think he'll be better next season; he's has a least a single post move (baby hook) now. But I'm just hoping he can stay on the floor for 15-20 minutes a game. Maybe give Greggy a run for MVC DPoY

I think what Creighton does at the PG position will be more important than McDermott. They could be ranked up to 15ish if they get it figured out, which would be great for the Valley. Otherwise, I see the road being a little more rocky.

I think the MVC might have a draft picks next year though, and that would be exciting. McD could be a first rounder with another good year, and Orukpe will get picked because NBA GMs seem to like big guys with low production.

by **BirdmanBB** » July 11th, 2012, 10:40 am

Simply the realistic possibility that the Redbirds can end their NCAA appearance drought.

by **CBB_Fan** » July 11th, 2012, 10:58 am

BirdmanBB wrote:Simply the realistic possibility that the Redbirds can end their NCAA appearance drought.

The Valley went through a period where 3 or 4 bids wasn't uncommon.

Do you think it could be a 3 or 4-bid league next year? (1 free-throw away from it happening last year)

by **DoubleJayAlum** » July 11th, 2012, 11:50 am

CBB_Fan wrote:I think the MVC might have a draft picks next year though, and that would be exciting. McD could be a first rounder with another good year, and Orukpe will get picked because NBA GMs seem to like big guys with low production.

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but I suspect that Echenique is more likely to get drafted than Orukpe.

by **CBB_Fan** » July 11th, 2012, 12:01 pm

DoubleJayAlum wrote:
CBB_Fan wrote:I think the MVC might have a draft picks next year though, and that would be exciting. McD could be a first rounder with another good year, and Orukpe will get picked because NBA GMs seem to like big guys with low production.

I can't tell if you are serious or not, but I suspect that Echenique is more likely to get drafted than Orukpe.

I'm half serious. I don't think Orukpe's college production is worthy of an NBA draft pick, but I think that he has the chance to improve that his senior year. Also, I think that some GMs are likely to make the mistake of ignoring his actual skills or production because of his size and athleticism.

I'm not sure about Echenique though. He might be a second rounder, but I saw a lot of skilled players from major conferences go undrafted last year. Being a 6'9 center doesn't help.

by **ictjay** » July 11th, 2012, 12:01 pm

I see EO playing a similiar role as last year. Mop up. Gotta have the coach's trust.

by **CBB_Fan** » July 11th, 2012, 12:09 pm

ictjay wrote:I see EO playing a similiar role as last year. Mop up. Gotta have the coach's trust.

Wichita has had a thing for their senior centers exploding (Stutz, Durley), so I think Marshall will role the dice on Orukpe. If nothing else he will be good at fouling and blocking shots, and they probably will get most of their low post scoring from Cleanthony Early or Carl Hall at the power forward spot.