In Reply to: I think folks are shortchanging Mack. He's the 2nd leading... posted by Born2BBruin on May 11, 2024 at 16:03:22
Good point of course. It's certainly possible.
i'm thinking it will mostly a developmental year - refining his game, his approach, growing as a player. As a freshman he was forced into a role for which he really wasn't ready, The team through much of the season would just go static on offense and someone had to try to make something happen. Early on his energy and aggressiveness on the drive was effective but as teams scouted him better that bogged him down some. And the ball often stopped when it got to him. He was a one-man gang, playing to rescue the offense rather than fitting into a sound half court offense that involved all the players. We just didn't have such a thing and Mack did what he had to do - but that was last year and I think we all expect this year will be very different especially in terms of our offensive strengths and execution.
His shooting has to improve to balance his offense and give him a chance to be more successful on his drives again. And he's going to be far from the only option on offense.
His defense was quite uneven - when expending max energy he made things happen and he did play for Mick for a full year - significant advantage but - as a freshman - he left a lot to be desired on the defensive end.
His off season may be nearly as vital to his chances of playing as that of Mara and Devin Williams who badly need to increase their strength to be able to earn and hold onto significant PT. I've said I think he will be invaluable in practice with all the new guards coming in. That's the experience and leadership factor. But PT - we can see the highpoints of each of the players Mick has brought in. We have no idea yet how they will come together and which combinations will prove most effective overall. We will have shooters, but how well will they fit Mick's defense? How will they fit together? The matter of ball dominance comes up on a team with three point or lead guard types - how will they work together? Etc.
Anyway, agree that Sebastian's Cronin experience gives him a significant advantage. But the others also have their advantages - and disadvantages no doubt. Harris' three point shooting is one thing last year's team lacked badly. Perry's PG skills and mindset. Clark's maturity and BB experience and PG mentality. (Freeney has been described as a great Mick Cronin fit but his youth and inexperience most likely makes this a learning and support year for him imo.)
How Sebastian Mack does is one of the real points of interest in watching this new team develop in the late fall