re: USA Today writer's basketball pre-season Top 25

quote:

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That's a lofty goal for a young but very talented team

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Eh, I don't think so. The best playmakers are young, but we also have a lot of veteran guys. Norris, Ingram, Hall, AJ Jr, Key, etc have all played a lot of basketball and been in Avery's system for 2-3 years. This isn't Auburn last year or Missouri this year where, for the most part, freshman are having to lead things and the entire team is experiencing things for the first time. There should be some leaders in this group who have played on the road before, gone through ups and downs, been in position compete for the NCAAT late in the year, etc.

And, Sexton ain't gonna be around for a sophomore season in all likelihood. Now, Petty, Jones, etc will, so it's not like this is the only shot, but this is an NCAAT caliber team, and Avery would say that too. They need to take care of business.