SPORTING NEWS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MEN'S BB

IslandEagle · October 19, 2015

The latest Sporting News magazine is fairly high on the Mean Green despite our pessimism. They are projecting North Texas to finish 6th overall (ahead of Western Kentucky, Rice, FIU, FAU, UTSA, Marshall, Southern Miss and Charlotte). They seem very high on Combs and J'Mycall Reese. Unfortunately, they went to press before Aniefliok left the team. They also like the upside on Harris, if he can control his emotions.

Interestingly, the point out that it took "Jones six seasons to ramp up the Mean Green" and wonder if Benford will be given that time to build his program.

At least some people think the program is on the upswing.

Harry · October 19, 2015

That is indeed encouraging. We need a pick me up and a boost right now. Too much infighting and losing breeds it.

UNTFan23 · October 19, 2015

That is indeed encouraging. We need a pick me up and a boost right now. Too much infighting and losing breeds it.

If MBB has another poor season though, look out!

southsideguy · October 20, 2015

finishing 6th and we are excited. wow, just wow

Army of Dad · October 20, 2015

The latest Sporting News magazine is fairly high on the Mean Green despite our pessimism. They are projecting North Texas to finish 6th overall (ahead of Western Kentucky, Rice, FIU, FAU, UTSA, Marshall, Southern Miss and Charlotte). They seem very high on Combs and J'Mycall Reese. Unfortunately, they went to press before Aniefliok left the team. They also like the upside on Harris, if he can control his emotions.
Interestingly, the point out that it took "Jones six seasons to ramp up the Mean Green" and wonder if Benford will be given that time to build his program.
At least some people think the program is on the upswing.

yeah, I guess we are on the upswing. Even Benford can't keep churning out seasons where we finish in double digits in the standings.

IslandEagle · October 20, 2015

finishing 6th and we are excited. wow, just wow

It would be a big improvement over where we have been....and with a young squad.

Army of Dad · October 20, 2015

If MBB has another poor season though, look out!

yeah. I'm not looking forward to that, or the sound of my voice echoing off of the other side of the Super Pit.

southsideguy · October 20, 2015

i went to the game against SFA two years ago and i could hear the ball bouncing and the players talking on the court. the game was so bad the SFA crowd was even silent. It was almost spooky. I was sitting in the seats in lower level but the top row. I have never been to game that was more like a practice in my life.

Andrew · October 20, 2015

i went to the game against SFA two years ago and i could hear the ball bouncing and the players talking on the court. the game was so bad the SFA crowd was even silent. It was almost spooky. I was sitting in the seats in lower level but the top row. I have never been to game that was more like a practice in my life.

There was also icy roads that day. The weather kept the crowd small (smaller). Not saying the crowds haven't been small.

Censored by Laurie · October 20, 2015

the sporting news is still around?

GRN-WHT · October 20, 2015

I remember the days when we'd get disappointed if we were predicted to finish 2nd. Ah, the good ol' days.

Travis · October 20, 2015

We have no idea about this team... too many new faces to tell.

untjim1995 · October 20, 2015

finishing 6th and we are excited. wow, just wow

Extension worthy, probably...

Greendylan · October 20, 2015

We have no idea about this team... too many new faces to tell.

Very true. What concerns me even more than the inexperience, though, is an imbalanced roster with only four front court players.

Andrew · October 20, 2015

Very true. What concerns me even more than the inexperience, though, is an imbalanced roster with only four front court players.

We only had four front court players last year. Still I too am concerned about the front court. They lack experience but they are larger then what we had last year.

Greendylan · October 21, 2015

We only had four front court players last year. Still I too am concerned about the front court. They lack experience but they are larger then what we had last year.

Yeah, that's a good point about last year. If Brice is ready to contribute and earn significant minutes early in the season, then we might be better than some people think. If he and Fuller need time to develop, then that will put a lot of pressure on Combs to produce points, especially since it doesn't sound like Katenda will be much of an offensive threat.

Andrew · October 21, 2015

Yeah, that's a good point about last year. If Brice is ready to contribute and earn significant minutes early in the season, then we might be better than some people think. If he and Fuller need time to develop, then that will put a lot of pressure on Combs to produce points, especially since it doesn't sound like Katenda will be much of an offensive threat.

I hate that Thomas didn't qualify, but I am still wondering what happened to Thompson. His height alone could have warranted at least some decent practice time.

I actually ran into Benford at the last football game. I should have asked him about Thompson.

CMJ · October 21, 2015

If we actually finish as high as 6th, I'll be pleased. I don't think we get there.

UNT90 · October 25, 2015

Very true. What concerns me even more than the inexperience, though, is an imbalanced roster with only four front court players.

with one being a true freshman and needing to add some serious muscle.

Lack of depth in the front court will be the undoing of this team.

Well, that and 3 point shooting.

I think the Sporting News thinks JJ still coaches here...

Andrew · October 25, 2015

with one being a true freshman and needing to add some serious muscle.
Lack of depth in the front court will be the undoing of this team.
Well, that and 3 point shooting.
I think the Sporting News thinks JJ still coaches here...

if you think Brice needs to add muscle I think you should have gone to the mean green madness. He is huge! Biggest player I have ever seen suit up for the mean green. I agree we lack depth and we will have issues in the post, but size won't be an issue. Based on the game and what we have heard from practice Brice will struggle offensively this year, but he will clog the paint. I am more worried that he may foul to much with his size.

Army of Dad · October 25, 2015

if you think Brice needs to add muscle I think you should have gone to the mean green madness. He is huge! Biggest player I have ever seen suit up for the mean green. I agree we lack depth and we will have issues in the post, but size won't be an issue. Based on the game and what we have heard from practice Brice will struggle offensively this year, but he will clog the paint. I am more worried that he may foul to much with his size.

I think he needs to add muscle and not just size. I'm concerned with his defensive movement too. He seemed kind of clunky the other night and I think that will result in lots of fouls as he adjusts to this level.

Andrew · October 25, 2015

I think he needs to add muscle and not just size. I'm concerned with his defensive movement too. He seemed kind of clunky the other night and I think that will result in lots of fouls as he adjusts to this level.

it's going to be a growing year for Brice and Fuller. The potential is there for this team though. Fuller is huge and could be a beast. We have good young talent, but seems like we are missing a piece or two. Would be nice to have Thomas and Anefiok. We could probably do without eaglin or ward.