If mashburn is too 4, this isn’t a top 20 roster or a top 5 in the conference roster....it’s as simple as that.
I never argued that it was a top five conference roster. I rejected the idea that this was a roster void of talent.
Carr is a legit number one. Pitino often gives him too long of a leash. I don't think his method of play would fly under a more seasoned coach.
Robbins is a legit number two. Unfortunately he's done some disappearing acts. Can't really blame him for being hobbled and not showing well.
Brandon Johnson is typically consistent....especially on the defensive end. He also has the ability to put up a good number of points when he is on.
Mashburn has quickly picked up the pace of the game. Over the past few contests, he's proven to be a starting calibur player as a true freshman.
Tre has shown an aptitude for scoring the ball. His ability to slash to the rim has been something that has been sorely missing on this team. However....like with Carr....he's also shown the tendency to take bad shots when he's feeling solid.
Gabe is a decent role player. Depending on the matchup, a good spot start. His shooting problems have been a major issue and unfortunately it appears he is what he is. On the flip side....he's one of the teams best defenders which is a major boost to him depending on who we are playing.
Ihnen and Gach both show potential. Ihnen more than Gach has flashed starter potential at times. Curry is a warm body that can play spot minutes.
There's not nearly enough tape on Mitchell or Freeman.
My opinion on the matter is that this is probably Pitino's most talented team. But it also appears that the development of players under him has been lacking. He's too slow to make adjustments on the fly. He gives certain players too long of a leash which encourages bad decision making. Gameplan doesn't seem to change from game to game....whereas the top teams in the conference clearly plan for the team that they are playing. Even game situations in which most coaches have set plays....Pitino seems to have very few or none.
I've been patient with Pitino....but I've been wrong. He probably shouldn't have lasted this long. One or two players have made his teams competitive enough to keep us out of the cellar....but there have always been positional deficiencies in more than one spot when you hit the bench. For that...it was hard to make a solid judgement on his abilities as a truly green coach. No longer. He's in his eighth year and has his most talented team. The bench has enough solid players to bring in without allowing the opposing team to feast. As I said....the talent is there. You don't manage an NCAA high (tied, or at least was) top 25 win number on a team void of talent. But that simply proves that other teams can adjust to us but we cannot do the same to them. That's on Pitino.
