a big time facilitator like TJ, or a dynamic shooter anywhere near Toolson's level — but I think all of those guys would have real troubles scoring on our team right now.

I take this year's version of Barcello nine times outa ten over last year's; same with Colby & Knell.

I think the rotation of Johnson & Harding makes TJ's night absolutely miserable.

As for poor Toolson matched against Gideon? Honestly, I'd feel more sorry for poor Jake than I did when he faced off against Malik Fitts last year.

And Yoeli & Nixon versus Haarms & Harward? Again, Yo & Dalton's night would be really miserable. We all know Yoeli struggled with 7 footers. And while Dalton was a true tough guy in every sense — he wasn't a true big, unfortunately. He'd be in BIG trouble on both ends against the likes of Rich.

As for Gavin & his special abilities — I love the kid, but he was never in the health or condition last season to run & grind against a guy like Caleb.

And who would even be left to account for Averette? No one other than Barcello coulda even covered him on last year's squad. Unfortunately last year's Barcello didn't have a backup. Not beyond Hardy, anyways — who was the only half-decent open-court backup last season for positions 1 through 3. Fortunately their weren't any teams deep in athletic wings in the WCC last year.

Do you think Pope woulda kept an elite athlete like Erickson on the bench last year if he were available to him?

Of course he wouldn't have.