Points aren't a commodity that get replaced. Offense is about possessions and how efficiently they are used (i.e., how many points the team scores per possession).
Under Richey, the Paladins' effective FG% (shooting % adjusted for the additional value of 3-pointers), has ranked #28, #17, #16, and #4 nationally (sequentially 2018-21).
The program has been consistent under Richey in general, but the defense has been up and down more than the offense. So the track record strongly indicates that it's really defense and high-pressure/clutch situations that are the biggest question marks.
Regarding players -
- Garrison's stats, even at D-II, would indicate that he should be among the top 5 players on the team. That would make for a starting lineup of Hunter, Garrison, Bothwell, Hien?, Slawson.
- Not a perfect stat, but 'box score plus-minus' last year had Slawson with the most value per minute on the court for the Paladins, considering offense and defense. That probably overstated things a little, but in any case, he brings a lot more to the table than scoring. If he breaks out in that area, he would easily be in the top handful of mid-major players.
- Joe Anderson had something of a tough freshman season, but in his interview comments during the off-season, CBR has continued to indicate he will be the back-up point guard.
- Other guys coming off the bench would be Foster, Lawrence, Hughey, and I guess one of Pugh or Pegues?
