Yeah, but especially given the success of this team, I view that as a sort-of positive as well. You can see the vision that the coaching staff had in assembling this team. They missed out on a piece - through no fault of theirs - but they had the vision right. Its a very good sign going forward because AJ is about the only piece they "wanted" that they've missed on so far.
This is a good point. TJ seems to have an excellent eye for roster construction, and there has never been a coach in Ames with more ability to go out and get the pieces that he needs.
This is still a good team, but give it two pieces and it's a top-five squad --
(1.) a backup PG
(2.) a SG who just gets buckets
...those were supposed to be Williams and Green. Give us a healthy Williams back (a veteran PG who could, say, steady the ship when Tamin lost his mind in Lubbock) or Green (who can break down a pressure defense on his own) and all the sudden you've won every game but Iowa and Missouri.
Alas. But they're close! And it's year two! And TJ has some awesome recruits coming in! Be happy!
The roster looks to need two things before next season: (1.) a starting big man and (2.) guard depth. I have no doubt TJ is going to find a way to go out and get them and then retool everything.