I saw CJ's post in the Transfer thread, and my mind started thinking about next year's rotation. Obviously, it is very, very early... the roster isn't completely filled and we haven't even had our first practice, but here are some of my current thoughts. These are just my two cents, but I'm curious what others think.
Most likely an 8 or 9 man rotation, depending on how quickly a couple of the freshman can earn their stripes.
Guards / Wings
Washington / Remagen
Mustaf / Fleming
Reeves, Craft
Washington and Mustaf should be our starting backcourt. Remagen and Fleming are both super talented, they should play significant roles as well, but I still don't really know what to expect from either. Washington brings valuable experience, but the young guys are clearly talented. Damon has never hesitated to run with two point guards at once, so I anticipate a lot of different combinations in the backcourt early on until he finds the group he trusts most.
Stores is my dark horse. I’m not quite sure what to expect from him, but I’m excited to see how he fits into the offense and what he can bring. He could be a pleasant surprise and contribute as a freshman, or he could end up being a development piece. As for Chatfield, he may not be in the primary rotation right now, but like Nait, he’ll have an opportunity to shock everyone and earn the spot. I do believe CDS brought Washington in with a clear plan, but there is no returning starter, the spot is really up for grabs. The biggest question for me in the backcourt: who’s going to be the guy that can consistently get downhill and score when the three-point shots aren’t falling?
Assuming everyone stays healthy, I expect most of the small forward minutes to go to Craft and Reeves. They could easily share the floor at times too. Both are proven perimeter threats, and they bring experience—especially Kowacie. I think these two will soak up a good portion of the minutes on the wing.
Frontcourt
Ndongo
Sylla
Ndongo and Sylla will eat up the bulk of the minutes in the frontcourt, and having both on the floor together gives us a major edge on the glass and on the defensive end. Their length, motor, and physicality set the tone inside. There's a real opportunity here for someone like Peyton Marshall to step up and carve out a role, especially as a low-post presence. As for Kirouc, I suspect he's still a bit raw and will need more development, but his year at OTE clearly helped his growth—he’s not far off from contributing.
If Thompson remains a walk-on, we have one spot remaining. If we are going to add another player from the portal, it is most likely to be someone to try and fill the role of Duncan Powell. Someone capable of playing the 4 or a small ball 5, inside-outside capabilities.
In summary, I think that we will see CDS put a lot of trust into Washington, Mustaf, Reeves, Craft, and Ndongo. Expect to see them all play heavy minutes. They're older, more experienced, and talented. Sylla will be there just because of what he is bringing to the table. You have to be excited if you are a freshman because there will be ample opportunities to earn playing time.
It's going to be interesting to see if we bring anyone else into the front court.
Most likely an 8 or 9 man rotation, depending on how quickly a couple of the freshman can earn their stripes.
Guards / Wings
Washington / Remagen
Mustaf / Fleming
Reeves, Craft
Washington and Mustaf should be our starting backcourt. Remagen and Fleming are both super talented, they should play significant roles as well, but I still don't really know what to expect from either. Washington brings valuable experience, but the young guys are clearly talented. Damon has never hesitated to run with two point guards at once, so I anticipate a lot of different combinations in the backcourt early on until he finds the group he trusts most.
Stores is my dark horse. I’m not quite sure what to expect from him, but I’m excited to see how he fits into the offense and what he can bring. He could be a pleasant surprise and contribute as a freshman, or he could end up being a development piece. As for Chatfield, he may not be in the primary rotation right now, but like Nait, he’ll have an opportunity to shock everyone and earn the spot. I do believe CDS brought Washington in with a clear plan, but there is no returning starter, the spot is really up for grabs. The biggest question for me in the backcourt: who’s going to be the guy that can consistently get downhill and score when the three-point shots aren’t falling?
Assuming everyone stays healthy, I expect most of the small forward minutes to go to Craft and Reeves. They could easily share the floor at times too. Both are proven perimeter threats, and they bring experience—especially Kowacie. I think these two will soak up a good portion of the minutes on the wing.
Frontcourt
Ndongo
Sylla
Ndongo and Sylla will eat up the bulk of the minutes in the frontcourt, and having both on the floor together gives us a major edge on the glass and on the defensive end. Their length, motor, and physicality set the tone inside. There's a real opportunity here for someone like Peyton Marshall to step up and carve out a role, especially as a low-post presence. As for Kirouc, I suspect he's still a bit raw and will need more development, but his year at OTE clearly helped his growth—he’s not far off from contributing.
If Thompson remains a walk-on, we have one spot remaining. If we are going to add another player from the portal, it is most likely to be someone to try and fill the role of Duncan Powell. Someone capable of playing the 4 or a small ball 5, inside-outside capabilities.
In summary, I think that we will see CDS put a lot of trust into Washington, Mustaf, Reeves, Craft, and Ndongo. Expect to see them all play heavy minutes. They're older, more experienced, and talented. Sylla will be there just because of what he is bringing to the table. You have to be excited if you are a freshman because there will be ample opportunities to earn playing time.
It's going to be interesting to see if we bring anyone else into the front court.
