Honestly, making the tournament last year could not have worked out more perfectly for Pastner. He preached a “five year plan” and “get old, stay old,” and he brought forth the best season in over a decade on those two points
Coming into this season was the perfect opportunity to build on that. Losing Jose and Moses stung, but returning four seniors with more than enough playing experience to get this team over the wall.
Yes, not having Bubba makes a huge difference, but as Cunningham noted, two guys who more than likely will be All ACC in a weak ACC should have this team in a better spot than 7-9 (1-5). Granted, it’s early, and the team didn’t make a run until that buzzer beater loss to Clemson that dropped us to 9-8 (5-6), but while we knew that team was capable of more, I just don’t see that with this team
We’re small but have spent a good chunk of this season running a high post offense through a but with very little offensive capability, which has led to a ridiculous amount of wasted possessions.
We’re athletic, but we don’t move quick on offense, have trouble shooting the three, and are inconsistent on defense. We also only have two capable offensive possessions, and teams are starting to take Devoe out of the picture, and considering his selflessness and not making his own opportunities, I can’t tell if he’s scoring 20+ or six.
Overall, I just don’t see this team, which coming off of last season, the returning experience, and the talented freshmen class, will be disappointing.
Again, we’re past five years, and we’re old…now what? Next year is seven years; which was Pastner’s original contract length. If one tourney appearance in seven years, is what he’s given us, he’s failed.