Someone could probably do a graduate thesis on the San Jose State University season that recently concluded, but that won't happen. So here is a much briefer take alongside a peek at 2016-17.
The season of the missing point guard is thankfully over. Missing that particular element negatively impacted so many other elements and to such a degree that any numbers put up by anyone on the Spartans really need to be disposed of and a blank slate drawn up to begin again.
The good news is that Nai Carlisle is coming to Washington Square to fill the position. The not-so-good news is that he's a freshman so expectations need to be toned down some. He'll be a day one starter, in fact, he would have started this season for SJSU. But there will be some growing pains to be endured.
Guard Terrell Brown isn't a point but his blazing speed will be a sorely needed addition this coming season. His shooting consistency needs work but he'll create for himself and others by blowing past defenders. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and that's a plus.
Forward Keith Fisher's return-to-the-court status is unknown since he recently tore his ACL. If he can go when the season opens, he'll add a no-back-down level of toughness upfront.
The biggest question mark is who will be at center for the Spartans? Leon Bahner is not a 30-minutes-a-game answer and 6-foot-10 Ashtin Chastain has yet to take to the court in a college game. Has the latter progressed enough defensively to be an asset? Chances are he will shoot well enough but can he also provide a positive impact rebounding?
Having Carlisle on board will reduce the number of turnovers 'credited' to SJSU but others also must do their share in the reduction as progress in this area was not apparent on a team-wide basis this season.
The defensive effort, at least statistically, wasn't a doomed-to-defeat factor in 2015-16. However, two questions remain unanswered:
1) who in the backcourt and the frontcourt will take it upon themselves to become a plus defender?
2) as an entity, does the squad have the mental makeup necessary to progress towards being a tough team to score points against?
Offensively, greater scoring efficiency should come with additional experience. It's critical that freshman Jaycee Hillsman become a sniper in the vein of an Anthony Drmic, popping from outside and also getting to the foul line with frequency. He's the youngest guy who is best equipped to perform in that role. Senior Gary Williams Jr. should up his shooting accuracy once playing with a solid point. Those are two guys who need to provide a consistent amount of points without having to resort to volume shooting. Can Brandon Clarke at least become a catch-and-shoot guy? The ability to create on the bounce outside of the paint would really open up his game but we'll settle for more point production facing the basket as a sophomore.
Weight and strength are another set of critical elements. Ryan Welage, Cody Schwartz and even Ryan Singer cannot return next season at their current figures if improvement in the W-L record is to be expected. Come September, what the scale says for each of that trio will be a barometer of how serious they took their respective summers.
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