Red Storm report: Notes, quotes

April 17, 2008
The Sports Xchange

Notes, quotes · Getting inside · Strategy and personnel

FINAL RECORD
11-19, 5-13 in Big East, 14th place in conference.

WHAT WENT RIGHT
The freshmen struggled in their trial by fire, but ultimately many showed they should be able to handle the rigors of the Big East. Justin Burrell was one of the league's best newcomers, and D.J. Kennedy started most of the season and held his own. Malik Boothe appears ready to take over from Eugene Lawrence at the point. Anthony Mason Jr. got better every game as his ankle got healthier, and made the All-Big East Honorable Mention list. He'll have NBA scouts watching his senior season in 2008-09.

WHAT WENT WRONG
The Red Storm was the lowest-scoring team in the Big East in 2007-08, so something needs to change to get the offense kick-started. Given the amount of young players without much time in the weight room, it's no surprise that the team sometimes got out-worked physically, particularly in the paint. It was a poor home team that didn't give its fans much to cheer about in a number of the losses.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"This season was a great learning experience, even though the learning came with some pain. Every game and every possession is important. You don't take plays off. And you have to win the home games. They see that now." -- Coach Norm Roberts told the New York Daily News.