|
|
Post by ay2013 on Feb 5, 2019 19:08:57 GMT -5
Obviously very early, transfers are still in the works etc., but to start 2019, who do you have in your top 10? who are the teams to beat to start the year:
1- Stanford
Only loses Alade’s blocking (which is a big loss), but they have options. Stanford a block less per set is still a crazy good team.
2- Minnesota
SSS is a loss, nobody is doubting that BUT I don’t’ think its as much of a loss as people maker her out to be. They keep all their arms.
3- Kentucky
Kentucky ran into a hot Nebraska team and have picked up, IMO, the best transfer so far to date in Meyer. Make no mistake, this is a good team
4- Wisconsin
Doesn’t lose much, plenty of talent to shift around, but the question is ceiling. If the LS can’t score, they aren’t going to win the big matches, no matter how much production they get from Rettke in the middle. They need two viable scoring options on the pins to make a push for the NT, I dunno if the current crop gets them there, but time will tell.
5- Texas
Texas loses YBG and Morgan Johnson. But per usual, just plug in the next top 5 recruit and keep humming along. Their ceiling comes down to the first two contacts, per usual, and I don’t see that getting distinctly better. However, it’s good enough with their stellar front line to still win most matches.
6- Illinois
Like Minnesota, they lose a very good setter, but they have some options for replacement. I actually think that Bastianelli is the bigger loss for them. There is simply no one on that roster coming close to her blocking production. Quade could very well be the 2nd best OH next year, but are the Illinois arms good enough to best an opposing defense that won’t have to deal with the speed and accuracy of the Poulter sets?
7- Florida
Probably the second biggest transfer of the off season in Caesar. Gives Mary yet ANOTHER quality pin player to mix into the fold.
8- Nebraska
Foecke is gone, Maloney is gone. On paper Nebraska can replace them with very good talent and Cook has proven he can coach, but this is going to be a pretty young team, plenty of freshmen and sophomores on the floor. Time will tell.
9- Washington
Returns the entire starting lineup. Like Wisconsin (without a player the caliber of Rettke), general ceiling is the issue here. Can the backcourt actually improve enough and establish at least two consistent offensive options to push teams ranked above them? Time will tell.
10- Pitt
I liked Pitt generally last year. It’s a shame that Lund was out in that Michigan match as this was a sweet 16 team. They have a ceiling, for sure, but they have enough returning options to give most teams in the country a loss.
Next 6 or so:
Pac-12: Oregon; USC
Big 10: Penn State
SEC: Tennessee
Big 12: Baylor
WCC: BYU
|
|
|
|
Post by BLASÉ on Feb 5, 2019 19:54:09 GMT -5
this is really a weak year. stanford should schedule every one of these teams and they win ez pz.
|
|
|
|
Post by curiousvolleyballdad on Feb 5, 2019 20:31:01 GMT -5
Obviously very early, transfers are still in the works etc., but to start 2019, who do you have in your top 10? who are the teams to beat to start the year: 1- Stanford Only loses Alade’s blocking (which is a big loss), but they have options. Stanford a block less per set is still a crazy good team. 2- Minnesota SSS is a loss, nobody is doubting that BUT I don’t’ think its as much of a loss as people maker her out to be. They keep all their arms. 3- Kentucky Kentucky ran into a hot Nebraska team and have picked up, IMO, the best transfer so far to date in Meyer. Make no mistake, this is a good team 4- Wisconsin Doesn’t lose much, plenty of talent to shift around, but the question is ceiling. If the LS can’t score, they aren’t going to win the big matches, no matter how much production they get from Rettke in the middle. They need two viable scoring options on the pins to make a push for the NT, I dunno if the current crop gets them there, but time will tell. 5- Texas Texas loses YBG and Morgan Johnson. But per usual, just plug in the next top 5 recruit and keep humming along. Their ceiling comes down to the first two contacts, per usual, and I don’t see that getting distinctly better. However, it’s good enough with their stellar front line to still win most matches. 6- Illinois Like Minnesota, they lose a very good setter, but they have some options for replacement. I actually think that Bastianelli is the bigger loss for them. There is simply no one on that roster coming close to her blocking production. Quade could very well be the 2nd best OH next year, but are the Illinois arms good enough to best an opposing defense that won’t have to deal with the speed and accuracy of the Poulter sets? 7- Florida Probably the second biggest transfer of the off season in Caesar. Gives Mary yet ANOTHER quality pin player to mix into the fold. 8- Nebraska Foecke is gone, Maloney is gone. On paper Nebraska can replace them with very good talent and Cook has proven he can coach, but this is going to be a pretty young team, plenty of freshmen and sophomores on the floor. Time will tell. 9- Washington Returns the entire starting lineup. Like Wisconsin (without a player the caliber of Rettke), general ceiling is the issue here. Can the backcourt actually improve enough and establish at least two consistent offensive options to push teams ranked above them? Time will tell. 10- Pitt I liked Pitt generally last year. It’s a shame that Lund was out in that Michigan match as this was a sweet 16 team. They have a ceiling, for sure, but they have enough returning options to give most teams in the country a loss. Next 6 or so: Pac-12: Oregon; USC Big 10: Penn State SEC: Tennessee Big 12: Baylor WCC: BYU You are missing teams like Penn State, Tennessee (sleeper) and BYU in the top 10. Outside of Stanford, Washington (I am partial to their setter) and Oregon do not see PAC-12 doing too much. Wisconsin is one player (pin hitter) away from being in the top 10. BIG 12 both Baylor and Kansas will give a young Texas a run for their money. As for ACC I like Louisville and Florida State |
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Feb 5, 2019 21:20:21 GMT -5
Obviously very early, transfers are still in the works etc., but to start 2019, who do you have in your top 10? who are the teams to beat to start the year: 1- Stanford Only loses Alade’s blocking (which is a big loss), but they have options. Stanford a block less per set is still a crazy good team. 2- Minnesota SSS is a loss, nobody is doubting that BUT I don’t’ think its as much of a loss as people maker her out to be. They keep all their arms. 3- Kentucky Kentucky ran into a hot Nebraska team and have picked up, IMO, the best transfer so far to date in Meyer. Make no mistake, this is a good team 4- Wisconsin Doesn’t lose much, plenty of talent to shift around, but the question is ceiling. If the LS can’t score, they aren’t going to win the big matches, no matter how much production they get from Rettke in the middle. They need two viable scoring options on the pins to make a push for the NT, I dunno if the current crop gets them there, but time will tell. 5- Texas Texas loses YBG and Morgan Johnson. But per usual, just plug in the next top 5 recruit and keep humming along. Their ceiling comes down to the first two contacts, per usual, and I don’t see that getting distinctly better. However, it’s good enough with their stellar front line to still win most matches. 6- Illinois Like Minnesota, they lose a very good setter, but they have some options for replacement. I actually think that Bastianelli is the bigger loss for them. There is simply no one on that roster coming close to her blocking production. Quade could very well be the 2nd best OH next year, but are the Illinois arms good enough to best an opposing defense that won’t have to deal with the speed and accuracy of the Poulter sets? 7- Florida Probably the second biggest transfer of the off season in Caesar. Gives Mary yet ANOTHER quality pin player to mix into the fold. 8- Nebraska Foecke is gone, Maloney is gone. On paper Nebraska can replace them with very good talent and Cook has proven he can coach, but this is going to be a pretty young team, plenty of freshmen and sophomores on the floor. Time will tell. 9- Washington Returns the entire starting lineup. Like Wisconsin (without a player the caliber of Rettke), general ceiling is the issue here. Can the backcourt actually improve enough and establish at least two consistent offensive options to push teams ranked above them? Time will tell. 10- Pitt I liked Pitt generally last year. It’s a shame that Lund was out in that Michigan match as this was a sweet 16 team. They have a ceiling, for sure, but they have enough returning options to give most teams in the country a loss. Next 6 or so: Pac-12: Oregon; USC Big 10: Penn State SEC: Tennessee Big 12: Baylor WCC: BYU You are missing teams like Penn State, Tennessee (sleeper) and BYU in the top 10. Outside of Stanford, Washington (I am partial to their setter) and Oregon do not see PAC-12 doing too much. Wisconsin is one player (pin hitter) away from being in the top 10. BIG 12 both Baylor and Kansas will give a young Texas a run for their money. As for ACC I like Louisville and Florida State Penn State, Tennessee, Baylor, BYU are all in my next 6. They all either lose too much or arguably weren't consistent enough or good enough this year to warrant being in my top 10, but it's just my opinion. |
|
|
|
Post by swatson91 on Feb 5, 2019 23:39:52 GMT -5
Sab Diego who swept USC to get to the Sweet Sixteen last year, lose just one starter. They started three freshman last year and another year of growth should have them on the cusp of the top 10.
|
|
|
|
Post by horns1 on Feb 5, 2019 23:53:11 GMT -5
Obviously very early, transfers are still in the works etc., but to start 2019, who do you have in your top 10? who are the teams to beat to start the year: 1- Stanford Only loses Alade’s blocking (which is a big loss), but they have options. Stanford a block less per set is still a crazy good team. 2- Minnesota SSS is a loss, nobody is doubting that BUT I don’t’ think its as much of a loss as people maker her out to be. They keep all their arms. 3- Kentucky Kentucky ran into a hot Nebraska team and have picked up, IMO, the best transfer so far to date in Meyer. Make no mistake, this is a good team 4- Wisconsin Doesn’t lose much, plenty of talent to shift around, but the question is ceiling. If the LS can’t score, they aren’t going to win the big matches, no matter how much production they get from Rettke in the middle. They need two viable scoring options on the pins to make a push for the NT, I dunno if the current crop gets them there, but time will tell. 5- Texas Texas loses YBG and Morgan Johnson. But per usual, just plug in the next top 5 recruit and keep humming along. Their ceiling comes down to the first two contacts, per usual, and I don’t see that getting distinctly better. However, it’s good enough with their stellar front line to still win most matches. 6- Illinois Like Minnesota, they lose a very good setter, but they have some options for replacement. I actually think that Bastianelli is the bigger loss for them. There is simply no one on that roster coming close to her blocking production. Quade could very well be the 2nd best OH next year, but are the Illinois arms good enough to best an opposing defense that won’t have to deal with the speed and accuracy of the Poulter sets? 7- Florida Probably the second biggest transfer of the off season in Caesar. Gives Mary yet ANOTHER quality pin player to mix into the fold. 8- Nebraska Foecke is gone, Maloney is gone. On paper Nebraska can replace them with very good talent and Cook has proven he can coach, but this is going to be a pretty young team, plenty of freshmen and sophomores on the floor. Time will tell. 9- Washington Returns the entire starting lineup. Like Wisconsin (without a player the caliber of Rettke), general ceiling is the issue here. Can the backcourt actually improve enough and establish at least two consistent offensive options to push teams ranked above them? Time will tell. 10- Pitt I liked Pitt generally last year. It’s a shame that Lund was out in that Michigan match as this was a sweet 16 team. They have a ceiling, for sure, but they have enough returning options to give most teams in the country a loss. Next 6 or so: Pac-12: Oregon; USC Big 10: Penn State SEC: Tennessee Big 12: Baylor WCC: BYU You are missing teams like Penn State, Tennessee (sleeper) and BYU in the top 10. Outside of Stanford, Washington (I am partial to their setter) and Oregon do not see PAC-12 doing too much. Wisconsin is one player (pin hitter) away from being in the top 10. BIG 12 both Baylor and Kansas will give a young Texas a run for their money. As for ACC I like Louisville and Florida State I was gonna say that Texas won't be as young as we were last year when we started 4 freshmen (Butler, Gabriel, Petersen, and Eggleston) in 2018 who will all be sophomores in 2019. But, we will be replacing 2 senior starters in MB Morgan Johnson and Opp Yaazie BG, most likely with 2 freshmen in Asjia O'Neal (or Molly Phillips) and Skylar Fields. That equates to 2 freshmen, 4 sophomores, and one senior (Micaya White). So, not sure if we're getting "older" or "younger". |
|
|
|
Post by ay2013 on Feb 6, 2019 3:30:55 GMT -5
Sab Diego who swept USC to get to the Sweet Sixteen last year, lose just one starter. They started three freshman last year and another year of growth should have them on the cusp of the top 10. Maybe....Fuller and Picha is a lot of missed production (35% of points) |
|
|
|
Post by ShaneM2005 on Feb 6, 2019 8:32:03 GMT -5
Wouldn't be so sure about Kentucky at #3. Ask the AVCA pre-season voting last season.
|
|
|
|
Post by curiousvolleyballdad on Feb 6, 2019 8:33:46 GMT -5
You are missing teams like Penn State, Tennessee (sleeper) and BYU in the top 10. Outside of Stanford, Washington (I am partial to their setter) and Oregon do not see PAC-12 doing too much. Wisconsin is one player (pin hitter) away from being in the top 10. BIG 12 both Baylor and Kansas will give a young Texas a run for their money. As for ACC I like Louisville and Florida State I was gonna say that Texas won't be as young as we were last year when we started 4 freshmen (Butler, Gabriel, Petersen, and Eggleston) in 2018 who will all be sophomores in 2019. But, we will be replacing 2 senior starters in MB Morgan Johnson and Opp Yaazie BG, most likely with 2 freshmen in Asjia O'Neal (or Molly Phillips) and Skylar Fields. That equates to 2 freshmen, 4 sophomores, and one senior (Micaya White). So, not sure if we're getting "older" or "younger". I would say that is a young team. But a team to be reckoned with. Just saying |
|
|
|
Post by horns1 on Feb 6, 2019 10:07:00 GMT -5
I was gonna say that Texas won't be as young as we were last year when we started 4 freshmen (Butler, Gabriel, Petersen, and Eggleston) in 2018 who will all be sophomores in 2019. But, we will be replacing 2 senior starters in MB Morgan Johnson and Opp Yaazie BG, most likely with 2 freshmen in Asjia O'Neal (or Molly Phillips) and Skylar Fields. That equates to 2 freshmen, 4 sophomores, and one senior (Micaya White). So, not sure if we're getting "older" or "younger". I would say that is a young team. But a team to be reckoned with. Just saying No doubt. Just comparing to last year; which lineup is truly considered younger (inserting Gabriel over Shook at setter):
- 2018: 2 seniors, 1 redshirt junior, 1 redshirt freshman, and 3 true freshmen
- 2019: 1 redshirt senior, 1 redshirt sophomore, 3 sophomores, 1 redshirt freshman, and 1 true freshman
The 2018 squad had 4 freshmen on the court who didn't play in 2017. This year, that number drops to two. And, last year's freshmen are now sophomores with one year of collegiate experience under their belts. If Shook does win back the starting setter spot, then that negates a little bit of the youth for 2019.
|
|
bluepenquin
Hall of Fame
4-Time VolleyTalk Poster of the Year (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016), All-VolleyTalk 1st Team (2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016)
Posts: 12,446 
|
Post by bluepenquin on Feb 6, 2019 10:55:27 GMT -5
At the top - I see it right now as:
Tier 1: Stanford
Tier 2: Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Penn State, Texas, Wisconsin
Tier 3: BYU, Florida, Illinois, USC, Washington
So, I would have Oregon and Penn State rated higher.
Oregon - I don't think they miss a beat with Redshirt FR Kylie Robinson at setter and add fellow Redshirt Karson Bacon in the middle and I think this team will be better than last year. Replacing Vander Weide will be the concern - but they have 3 incoming senior ace options.
Penn State - They lose Reed and Weiskricher. I think they will be fine a setter with Blossom. Their talented freshman from last year (Parker, Hord, Gray) should be better. The issue will be their OH - with Leath and several capable options.
|
|
|
|
Post by volleyl0ver on Feb 6, 2019 11:00:38 GMT -5
Penn State - They lose Reed and Weiskricher. I think they will be fine a setter with Blossom. Their talented freshman from last year (Parker, Hord, Gray) should be better. The issue will be their OH - with Leath and several capable options. They lose Leath as well. She was a grad student. 2 new OHs for PSU next year |
|
|
|
Post by donut on Feb 6, 2019 11:07:25 GMT -5
Wouldn't be so sure about Kentucky at #3. Ask the AVCA pre-season voting last season. Good thing you don't base one season's pre-season rankings on the previous year's pre-season rankings... |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2019 11:19:10 GMT -5
1. Stanford.
2-10. Not a clue.
At first glance, I thought the OP had Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois all a bit too high. Kentucky mostly because they always seem to get crushed when it comes Elite 8 time. I think SSS is a big loss for MN. Yes, they are talented and bring back the rest of their lineup. But, she was the engine. She made it hum, she allowed them to play with pace, she bettered a lot of balls most setters can't.
If I had to rank 2-10, I'd probably lean toward this:
2. Texas
3. Nebraska
4. Penn State
5. Minnesota
6. Oregon
7. Wisconsin
8. Kentucky
9. Washington
10. Pitt
|
|
|
|
Post by BadgerAce42 on Feb 6, 2019 11:28:39 GMT -5
1. Stanford. 2-10. Not a clue. At first glance, I thought the OP had Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois all a bit too high. Kentucky mostly because they always seem to get crushed when it comes Elite 8 time. I think SSS is a big loss for MN. Yes, they are talented and bring back the rest of their lineup. But, she was the engine. She made it hum, she allowed them to play with pace, she bettered a lot of balls most setters can't. If I had to rank 2-10, I'd probably lean toward this: 2. Texas 3. Nebraska 4. Penn State 5. Minnesota 6. Oregon 7. Wisconsin 8. Kentucky 9. Washington 10. Pitt I like this, but Florida has to be somewhere in there, right? |
|
