Hey Ferg, it’s obviously been a very frustrating start to conference play in basketball. At this point it’s pretty well established that for a good defense some keys are experience and experience playing together, both of which this team doesn’t have. What can we realistically expect from this team defensively moving forward? And has there been any improvement to this point in the season analytically? Who would be considered the best defender on this team?
Also, lots of football portal action going on, meaning we’re in scoop season. One of the things I like about the Observer is that it DOESNT deal in scoops since it’s mostly just engagement bait. Random merch idea I had was a sticker that said “reject scoops, embrace journalism” your thoughts??
Steven Pearl was the “defensive coordinator” prior to being head coach. I know you’ve said Bruce let his assistants run practices a lot, but how much of Steven’s having to focus on being the head coach now rather than focusing mainly on defense and providing his scouting reports affected the defensive play? Or do you think it’s really been an issue at all since most of the staff is still the same as before?
Also, I can’t remember if you’ve addressed the football calendar issues already, but if it was your decision how would you fix it? Or is it likely to stay as it stands today?
As we know, College Football is in turmoil and I now think that the only way to save the game is to enact rules. You and I would not be able to move around in our past employment “world” like the college football players. The players need to sign contracts like they do in the pro sports world or they need to be declared employees of a school. No player is indispensable!
Obviously, we’re all thrilled about the quarterback situation in the transfer portal. My worry is that we’re not being aggressive enough about the offensive line. We haven’t either retained all those blue chip players or brought in the best options available. What’s your perception of the offensive line situation as it stands this Friday?
Also with Stranger Things ending what finale’s best lived up to your hype and what were your most frustrating finales ever?
I expected this to be a comparatively “rough” basketball season but, even with that expectation, have grown increasingly frustrated with the apparent lack of defensive improvement from this team. I think many of us (subscribers) generally have an unhealthy relationship with Auburn sports. How would you recommend I treat my condition?
1) Any updates on Jović’s injury and how long he will be sidelined? I read it was not season-ending but have not heard other details (I realize there are confidentiality issues that make obtaining detailed info difficult).
2) Given the depth and defensive issues, what is the likelihood we will see AU play more zone defense in the half court going forward? It seems that the dribble drives that are breaking our D down so frequently might be reduced if AU plays zone. When AU played zone against Georgia, it was effective. I realize the team is smallish, but we do have quickness and guys with long arms. You always worry about rebounding in zone, but AU appears to be capable of punching above its weight on the boards. I realize there are some teams that have so much 3-point shooting ability that zone is almost a non-starter, but, since you go to practice and I don’t, I’d like your thoughts on the likelihood and wisdom of playing more zone.
Branching off my comment from the A&M observations, what would be some styles that fit defensively considering the bench is going to be thin for a while?
This team thrives on pressuring the other team, but you have to have fresh legs to do it. I have some thoughts, but I'd like to hear what the Ferg clan may think.
What is the AUMBB philosophy going to be going forwards in terms of recruits/transfers? Will we be targeting any high profile freshman like Tahaad or Jabari, or focusing on developing underrated talent? Or something else?
I could answer this one. Camden Brown. Currently leads FBS in TD receptions at 14 (an Indiana WR could tie or pass him Friday night) and was the first ever 1000 yard receiver in Georgia Southern history.
I forgot about him 🤣. I knew he’d transferred twice so I was thinking for some reason he was 2023, but also just forgot about him. I guess then it becomes a judgement call of what “successful” means.
All the recent NIL contract news had me thinking about Moneyball. I know you often use PFF grades for player analysis. It seems there's a fair amount of value possible gain still from better identifying role players, starters, and lottery shots (potential all conference players) from smaller schools. If you were a GM how would you go about assessing this. Being successful in talent evaluation (portal especially) seems to almost be on par with high school recruiting at this point.
I’m still a bit clueless as to the role of a college football team’s General Manager. How different or similar is it to a GM in NFL or MLB? I figured if it’s a personnel or roster management type role that it must be heavily involved during this offseason madness. Would love an overview or a deep dive on the position in college athletics.
Hey Ferg, it’s obviously been a very frustrating start to conference play in basketball. At this point it’s pretty well established that for a good defense some keys are experience and experience playing together, both of which this team doesn’t have. What can we realistically expect from this team defensively moving forward? And has there been any improvement to this point in the season analytically? Who would be considered the best defender on this team?
Also, lots of football portal action going on, meaning we’re in scoop season. One of the things I like about the Observer is that it DOESNT deal in scoops since it’s mostly just engagement bait. Random merch idea I had was a sticker that said “reject scoops, embrace journalism” your thoughts??
Thanks as always for the great analysis
Steven Pearl was the “defensive coordinator” prior to being head coach. I know you’ve said Bruce let his assistants run practices a lot, but how much of Steven’s having to focus on being the head coach now rather than focusing mainly on defense and providing his scouting reports affected the defensive play? Or do you think it’s really been an issue at all since most of the staff is still the same as before?
In honor of the Auburn Torch, which Olympic sports would the Auburn basketball roster have to switch to if basketball suddenly did not exist?
Any week one takeaways from the transfer portal?
Also, I can’t remember if you’ve addressed the football calendar issues already, but if it was your decision how would you fix it? Or is it likely to stay as it stands today?
will answer the first question, as for the second question... answered it a few mailbags back, scroll down about halfway for Steve's question to find it: https://www.auburnobserver.com/p/auburn-football-alex-golesh-hire-mailbag-style-basketball-arizona
As we know, College Football is in turmoil and I now think that the only way to save the game is to enact rules. You and I would not be able to move around in our past employment “world” like the college football players. The players need to sign contracts like they do in the pro sports world or they need to be declared employees of a school. No player is indispensable!
I was set to ask basically the same. Glad you did so.
Obviously, we’re all thrilled about the quarterback situation in the transfer portal. My worry is that we’re not being aggressive enough about the offensive line. We haven’t either retained all those blue chip players or brought in the best options available. What’s your perception of the offensive line situation as it stands this Friday?
Also with Stranger Things ending what finale’s best lived up to your hype and what were your most frustrating finales ever?
I expected this to be a comparatively “rough” basketball season but, even with that expectation, have grown increasingly frustrated with the apparent lack of defensive improvement from this team. I think many of us (subscribers) generally have an unhealthy relationship with Auburn sports. How would you recommend I treat my condition?
1) Any updates on Jović’s injury and how long he will be sidelined? I read it was not season-ending but have not heard other details (I realize there are confidentiality issues that make obtaining detailed info difficult).
2) Given the depth and defensive issues, what is the likelihood we will see AU play more zone defense in the half court going forward? It seems that the dribble drives that are breaking our D down so frequently might be reduced if AU plays zone. When AU played zone against Georgia, it was effective. I realize the team is smallish, but we do have quickness and guys with long arms. You always worry about rebounding in zone, but AU appears to be capable of punching above its weight on the boards. I realize there are some teams that have so much 3-point shooting ability that zone is almost a non-starter, but, since you go to practice and I don’t, I’d like your thoughts on the likelihood and wisdom of playing more zone.
What’s it going to take for Auburn basketball to get it together?
Branching off my comment from the A&M observations, what would be some styles that fit defensively considering the bench is going to be thin for a while?
This team thrives on pressuring the other team, but you have to have fresh legs to do it. I have some thoughts, but I'd like to hear what the Ferg clan may think.
So far, how do you feel about this portal window? What would you liked to see for the finish of this portal class to be a resounding success?
What is the AUMBB philosophy going to be going forwards in terms of recruits/transfers? Will we be targeting any high profile freshman like Tahaad or Jabari, or focusing on developing underrated talent? Or something else?
Of the football players who transferred out after the 2024 season, who has been the most successful?
I could answer this one. Camden Brown. Currently leads FBS in TD receptions at 14 (an Indiana WR could tie or pass him Friday night) and was the first ever 1000 yard receiver in Georgia Southern history.
I didn’t realize that Brown had such a good year, good for him!
What about Keionte Scott?
I forgot about him 🤣. I knew he’d transferred twice so I was thinking for some reason he was 2023, but also just forgot about him. I guess then it becomes a judgement call of what “successful” means.
Maybe I should have worded that differently. I’m interested in those who have done well.
All the recent NIL contract news had me thinking about Moneyball. I know you often use PFF grades for player analysis. It seems there's a fair amount of value possible gain still from better identifying role players, starters, and lottery shots (potential all conference players) from smaller schools. If you were a GM how would you go about assessing this. Being successful in talent evaluation (portal especially) seems to almost be on par with high school recruiting at this point.
I’m still a bit clueless as to the role of a college football team’s General Manager. How different or similar is it to a GM in NFL or MLB? I figured if it’s a personnel or roster management type role that it must be heavily involved during this offseason madness. Would love an overview or a deep dive on the position in college athletics.
Have the parameters of the NIL payout been announced for the Baylor game in Atlanta?