While it hurts to see a LBSU MBB team picked this low for Big West conference play, it's difficult to argue against. As written, the cupboard was bare after they lost their top five players to graduation or transfer and it's not simply a case or reloading, especially with an all new coaching staff. Even with the typical weakness in the BWC following the top two-three teams, I think this will be a VERY rough year for LBSU.
While Acker landed some solid recruits, it is hard to build depth in a single year of recruiting. Lack of familiarity with the system & each other is also a big challenge. At the BW level, most of the successful teams have had a high level of continuity from the previous year. I do think Acker will get the Beach competitive again no later than year 3. Key to their success is how well Acker can implement the defense that has made SDSU so successful the past two decades.
I think the talent that Acker has brought in is too good for LB to finish anywhere near this low. This is unlikely to be a championship year from LB, and I think a top 4 finish is highly unlikely, but if healthy this team will be middle of the pack.
Having said this, I acknowledge that with a new Coach and a new system and all new players, it is reasonable to pick them low. I just think it that the talent is pretty solid even if all new. And I like Acker's history of developing talent and doing it reasonably quickly.
While it hurts to see a LBSU MBB team picked this low for Big West conference play, it's difficult to argue against. As written, the cupboard was bare after they lost their top five players to graduation or transfer and it's not simply a case or reloading, especially with an all new coaching staff. Even with the typical weakness in the BWC following the top two-three teams, I think this will be a VERY rough year for LBSU.
While Acker landed some solid recruits, it is hard to build depth in a single year of recruiting. Lack of familiarity with the system & each other is also a big challenge. At the BW level, most of the successful teams have had a high level of continuity from the previous year. I do think Acker will get the Beach competitive again no later than year 3. Key to their success is how well Acker can implement the defense that has made SDSU so successful the past two decades.
I think the talent that Acker has brought in is too good for LB to finish anywhere near this low. This is unlikely to be a championship year from LB, and I think a top 4 finish is highly unlikely, but if healthy this team will be middle of the pack.
Having said this, I acknowledge that with a new Coach and a new system and all new players, it is reasonable to pick them low. I just think it that the talent is pretty solid even if all new. And I like Acker's history of developing talent and doing it reasonably quickly.
Acker will have the team playing good defense which should keep the 49ers in BWC games.
Where the hell have you been Tom?