As mentioned prior, Tech has never had more raw talent on campus (based on rankings, stats, etc.) than we have with this current team. I have little doubt that Tech will, once again, be an elite defensive team. Last year's team had defensive standouts in Mooney, Owens, and Culver, while this year's unproven group will likely be deeper, as early reports anticipate a legit 10-man rotation.
Offensively, it's going to take some time to get it all figured out. Moretti will likely pick up some of the scoring slack as he was the Big 12's first ever 40/50/90 player in league history. It's more likely that the lost production will be picked up in the aggregate as we don't have anyone ready to take over Culver's role at the moment. Likely candidates to shoulder some of the scoring load are Kyler Edwards (who had balls the size of coconuts throughout the tournament and especially the Final Four) and Jahmius Ramsey.
Whoever said Ramsey isn't a lockdown defender or as good of an athlete as Culver may want to catch a highlight or two. Whenever Ramsey chose to, guards could hardly get the ball past half court on him. He may not have quite the functional athleticism of Culver, but he is an absolutely explosive athlete.
All this being said, I'm glad we are meeting in late January and not earlier in the season. Tech has gotten things rolling right around that time each of the last two seasons and, with so much youth and new pieces, we will need some time to mesh before the finished product is revealed. Unless the bottom has unexpectedly fallen out early in the season, UK fans should expect an absolutely packed and rabid crowd. Should make for a great game.
