Finlandia Coaching Log
As we approach the finality of our abysmal season, (1-24 currently), I'll uncover the optimism - improvements. The following is the Player Ratings Improvement Chart:
Obviously, what jumps out at me is Wesley Tyson's growth as a player. I thought that I might get this type of improvement out of John Uribe instead, and had to pay a heavy recruiting price to get him. Whereas improving 57 points is okay, it comes no where near Tyson's 92. He should develop into a Stud by his Junior year. Had he more perimeter shooting ability, I could have converted him to a Small Forward, but he'll stay Finlandia's starting Power Forward for the next three years.
When I first took the job at Finlandia, I couldn't decide whether or not to ax one or three of the guards (who are Sophomores above). I decided to keep them, but will be starting Jackson (my Redshirt) and Williams. Nye should come off the bench and provide boosts in shooting the ball from behind the arc. His perimeter rating has climbed to over 85 and I'll let him shoot it (give him a +1 three point trigger next year). Nance, the second of the three Sophomore Guards above is an interesting case, as is Beck. They just don't rate well in the guard categories. Rescinding their ***** might be the best option, or perhaps keeping them around as bench guys. But I'd rather have role players for that. Big decision to make there.
Back to Williams; next year's starting Shooting Guard... He's already obtained a perimeter rating of 90, and he'll been getting the +1 green light next year as well. So, I've got some sharpshooters on the floor to match the solid improvements the Bigs have given me this year.
Haney will be my starting Small Forward next year. I think he still has another year of improving to do, but should be dynamic by his Junior year. Having shooters on the floor as well as Tyson's presence, he should be able to get free for shots.
Finally, the Center I dropped over $7K on; Uribe... I won't say Uribe has been disappointing, but I expected a little bit more. If he could have improved like Tyson (his Kearney, Nebraska) counterpart, I'd have force in the paint. I'm sure he'll continue to improve though, and will be a very good player by the time his Junior/Senior year roll around.
So................. 1-24??? The Community is getting restless. Enduring a one-win season in an area where the only other options are ice fishing and snow mobiling, must have been tough. Either that, or it was good for a laugh reading the paper, concerning last night's game, in the local coffee shops. No fear though, I've been through this before with Hendrix (Knight World). We improved to 20-9 the second season. I'll go on record and say we'll win 20 games next year...