The NCAA Tournament has a high bar, and that's as it should be. If next years team makes the field, it'll be a huge overachieving accomplishment. Best of luck to them.
It will be an accomplishment to make the Dance, but overachieving? I'd say it would be closer to meeting expectations. Considering the lineup:
Murphy - All-B1G level player who lost his fellow post player and fell from National Player of the Year consideration as a result. Double, double machine. A pulse at center will put him right back to effectiveness. And Oturu is WAY more than a pulse.
Coffey - All-B1G freshman, who if recovered fully from his injury should be expected to be right back where he should be.
McBrayer - Senior, competent shooting guard with length on defense. I healed fully, should easily average 12 points per game.
Curry - Near Murphy level forward on good nights when healthy. Sorely missed this year. Sounds like his rehab is going well and he is a valuable contributor.
IW - Trying rookie season for this young man. What with the notoriety, the legal issues, his subsequent deportation to Canada and that countries refusal to accept him! Well, that's more than most teenagers can handle! OK, he's not Oggie Oglethorpe and he wasn't the second coming of Earl the Pearl, but he looked good at the end of the season and I think the lightbulb is now on!
Oturu - Looks like the second coming of Mbawkwe! Kid can rebound block shots and score with authority. Definitely will be able to free up Murph to go to work or he will make teams pay.
Hurt - Guy got valuable minutes and should take another step. Confidence has to be gained and it seems he is in collection mode.
Harris - Had flashes. Just needs to get up to speed.
Stockman - Dude. I have no expectations for this guy at all. Just hope he can be better than Bakary and Gaston. Is that asking too much?
Kalesheuer - Love the name I can't spell! If he shoot it like they say he has to be an improvement to the 10 deep spot on the team. Did we have 10 players this year?
Omersa - I think this guy is going to be a steal! A full year younger than the rest of his recruiting class in a man's body. Just being a beast would help immensely! May be red-shirted though.
Empty Scholarship spot - Just need a PG. Doesn't have to be amazing, just has to limit the turnovers and run the offense. I think we can get that.
Replacement transfer for Fitz: if this materializes, and I don't see why it wouldn't, They would not be the key to making the Dance, but moving up to the top 4 of the conference in my opinion.
I have no doubt that those top 11 guys could have gotten a 9-9 record in the B1G this year. Will next year be harder? I kinda doubt it.
So, I agree with Pree!