So continuing on my personal quest to become a good/great coach I feel my current northwood team is the best I've ever put on the court so far... That being said I know there is room to improve and that's why I'm here...

Here is the link http://whatifsports.com/hd/TeamProfile/Ratings.aspx?tid=5565

What can I improve on? What is good? What is bad? I am too the edge where I've qualified for D1 and I feel my D2 road is nearing its end, I want to be a prime time D1 coach someday... My first thoughts is Fenton is not good but he comes off the bench for scoring value, I also know I have missed some ATH in my upperclass big men but have learned my lesson as you can see in my SO. And FR, what else everyone? THANKS!

Just my opinion, but I think your guards (other than Lyons) are too slow.

One thing I would suggest, in all seriousness, is to come back again next season. You may qualify for some D1 jobs after this year, but they are likely to be some pretty low level jobs at some pretty bad schools. Your roster for next year looks pretty good too and one extra season's worth of NT appearances would most likely only help in getting a better job. Now if you make a deep run this year, say Elite Eight or better, then I would definitely think twice about returning as that may actually be to your detriment.

Posted by jaxorbetter on 1/1/2015 5:16:00 PM (view original):
Just my opinion, but I think your guards (other than Lyons) are too slow.

Ya grinder has been a monster with that ATH and I haven't seen a major issue with his speed but I do agree with the rest of them. Another 10 spy on each would help a lot Cozart is high high on spd so he'll get there but Williams is tapped and Russo is average. I picked up Cozart out of the blue in hoping to start over Williams he has some super highs. But I do agree Emy that next season looks real good. I qualified last season of d- prestige and opted to stay because I knew this season looked real good but next season might be better

Dowden comes off the bench?  Not on any DII m2m defensive team that I've ever seen!  He starts at either F position this season.   I suppose your best lineup this season includes Stephens at PF; forcing Dowden to SF.    IMO, guys like Fenton & Butler (& Russ) do not help very much at DII.   No problem bringing them off the bench as role players, but they are not starters.   

If you follow my advice on getting Dowden in the starting lineup, then you need to stick Blackburn on the depth chart at PF with Dowden.  Alberto looks like a very good DII post player.  

I dumped your 2 Seniors from the team (Stephens should come back for a 5th season with 1 as Academic Non-Qual) .. here is how I would play them next season:

1.  I would move Butler to SG
2.  I would move Dowden to SF

You have 2 spots to fill .. I would fill them both with Bigs (PF or C)

PG:  Lyons, Williams, <blank>, Russo
SG:  Butler, Williams, Cozart, Russo
SF:  Dowden, Williams, Blackburn, Cozart
PF:  Stephens, Alberto, Blackburn, <best BIG Recruit>
C:    Hill, Alberto, <blank>, <best BIG recruit>

I would try to redshirt one of the recruits .. I always try to redshirt if possible.

You could also start Williams at SG and use Butler in the 3 spots where I have Williams (Backup PG, SG, SF).  I don't like Williams' Defense as a starter, but he still might be better than Butler.

PG:  Lyons, Butler, <blank>, Russo
SG:  Williams, Butler, Cozart, Russo
SF:  Dowden, Butler, Blackburn, Cozart
PF:  Stephens, Alberto, Blackburn, <best BIG Recruit>
C:    Hill, Alberto, <blank>, <best BIG recruit>

BTW, Division-1 is a completely different animal, especially in a Big 6 Conference.  There are battles for most recruits and it is just a completely different game at that level.

I personally like Division-2 better than Division-1 as far as recruiting and team building, etc.  At Division-1, you are basically stuck at the maximum prestige level you can attain, and for the most part you need to be in a Big 6 conference or CUSA, A10 to really compete for a championship.  I mean, you can compete for a championship from other conferences, but it is very hard.

In Division-2, you can complete from anywhere.

I didn't know dowden was that highly regarded lol! I know he's a stud in the making but damn! Thanks everyone! Lots of good ideas for today and the future