Mike Loyd impact

[WashingtonCoug]

Quick side question. Where did Loyd end up? I think it will be interesting to follow the rest of his career.

[Indy Coug]

Some hole-in-the-wall school in Texas.

[KillerDog]

I've been thinking all summer about the Loyd issue. My initial instinct is that losing him would be a huge problem because Jax doesn't penetrate well, abuou hadn't shown the ability to be an offensive presence and our inside game had no ability to score against man defense. Basically, I was worried about our ability to get points in the paint. I'm not one of those that believes your big men have to score but I do believe you have to get points in the paint. Loyd gave us a second player who could score in the paint. That took pressure off of Jimmer and opened up the shooting for Haws and Jax.

Having seen the team and begun an assessment of the skills and abilities of our guys, I'm not as worried for this year. Jimmer can still get into the paint against anyone, Jax has worked on his left but I suspect that will fade, Abuou still has to prove he can score consistently. Those things haven't changed. What has changed is the arrival of the Collinsworth brothers. Both are quick for their size and like to go off the bounce. Both are also threats on the offensive glass. The skill sets they bring should minimize the damage losing Loyd causes our team.

Next year could be a different story. One of the benefits of Loyd was we would have a penetrating pg who could move in with experience after we lose Jimmer. Now we don't have that. I think Martineau will be adequate but I don't expect he will be able to cause damage. I think Winder could develop into a michael loyd type but he will be a soph or redshirt freshman. That said, we could also be losing KC and Davies at the same time. Next year could be brutal without Loyd both because he will be gone but so will Jimmer, Jax, Davies and KC. The glimmer of hope for me is Damarcus Harrison. He plays above the rim and will probably start as a true freshman. I believe he will have a greater impact on the fortunes of our team than Haws or KC.

[Donuthole]

We are definitely going to miss Lloyd's slashing ability. I'll also miss being able to taunt the locals about letting him go to BYU.