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Sports TwitterMiami's tough schedule hasn't helped
Friday, January 19, 2007
Are the RedHawks really as bad as their overall 6-10 record?
Although the RedHawks might deserve their record, especially for having an offense that simply disappears for 4, 5 or 6 minutes at a time, there probably aren't many 6-10 college basketball teams in the United States with as much talent and potential as Miami, or that have played so many good teams so well for so many minutes. For a mid-major conference team to have the 28th-toughest schedule in the nation, well, that should count for a lot. The RedHawks are better than their record would indicate, and if their injuries heal and the youngsters keep learning, this could be a dangerous team at tournament time.
Extras
What has been the biggest road block to the RedHawks' ability to win?
The point guard position. Miami took a big hit with the graduation of William Hatcher. Coach Charlie Coles had high hopes for sophomore transfer Carl Richburg, but Richburg's progression from a Division II star to a Division I starter was slowed by his ankle injury.
The injury forced Coles to play freshman Alex Moosmann more than he had planned, and at times Moosmann has taken a beating. Now that Richburg and Moosmann can spell each other more consistently, with help from Eric Pollitz once he recovers from his ankle injury, you should see improved play from this position.
What has been the best team Miami has played so far?
The Kentucky Wildcats, despite their inexperience, has become a team to be reckoned with. But the Xavier Musketeers aren't too far behind.
Which is the team to beat in the MAC?
The Akron Zips had an impressive comeback win over the Kent State Golden Flashes on Wednesday. But this season, the road for any MAC team to the NCAA Tournament, I believe, will run straight through the Ohio Bobcats. They have five starters who can light it up in Sonny Troutman, Leon Williams, Jermone Tillman, Bubba Walther and Whitney Davis.
Has sophomore Tyler Dierkers dethroned senior Monty St. Clair as the starting center?
Not necessarily, though it really doesn't matter who starts since both will see abundant playing time. St. Clair says his injured foot is feeling better, but he's still a little rusty for sitting for most of the last two weeks. Although he still can't seem to find his outside shot, St. Clair has the capability — mainly because of his intelligence and patience — of guarding big-bodied centers. Dierkers looks like a slight breeze would blow him over, but he has been an impressive post presence who can rebound, defend and score when necessary. And the more he plays, the better he'll get.
