We've got a lot of good basketball left to play this season, but with the little hiatus, I thought it would be fun to look at what we might have next year. We're going to lose 4 starters (one four year starter) and a great sixth man so things are going to be mighty different! Here's what I expect at this time next year:
First of all, we've got 14 scholarship players back (plus a scholarship worthy walk-on) for 13 spots and HCGM and company are still recruiting. It's likely that one or more of the players mentioned below won't be back, but since I know nothing about that, I'll pretend that the roster is set in stone.
PG: Armstead, VanVleet
SG: Cotton, Baker, Mitchell
SF: Williams, Wessel, Green (RS)
PF: Early, Hawkins, White/Anacreon
C: Hall, Orukpe, Henry (RS)
I'm assuming near game-ready play from new-comers Armstead, VanVleet, Baker, Mitchell, and Early with Hawkins seeing a lot of minutes due to pure athleticism. If his game can mature during the non-con, he might be able to step into the starting line-up by January.
I think that the talent level we have next year will dictate a smaller 3 guard line-up to start games, but I do believe that with the right level of development that Early or Hawkins can move to the SF position and that Williams can move to the 1 or 2 guard position, and that Cotton and Mitchell will be able to play the point if needed. Both Hall and White should be able to play either the 4 or 5 as well.
Who knows about Green and Henry. If either is very good defensively, they might get significant minutes as freshman, ala Cotton.
Tons of speculation (obviously) but with the deep bench we will again possess next season, I see us continuing our recent success and being in the hunt for an MVC title and NCAA bid.
First of all, we've got 14 scholarship players back (plus a scholarship worthy walk-on) for 13 spots and HCGM and company are still recruiting. It's likely that one or more of the players mentioned below won't be back, but since I know nothing about that, I'll pretend that the roster is set in stone.
PG: Armstead, VanVleet
SG: Cotton, Baker, Mitchell
SF: Williams, Wessel, Green (RS)
PF: Early, Hawkins, White/Anacreon
C: Hall, Orukpe, Henry (RS)
I'm assuming near game-ready play from new-comers Armstead, VanVleet, Baker, Mitchell, and Early with Hawkins seeing a lot of minutes due to pure athleticism. If his game can mature during the non-con, he might be able to step into the starting line-up by January.
I think that the talent level we have next year will dictate a smaller 3 guard line-up to start games, but I do believe that with the right level of development that Early or Hawkins can move to the SF position and that Williams can move to the 1 or 2 guard position, and that Cotton and Mitchell will be able to play the point if needed. Both Hall and White should be able to play either the 4 or 5 as well.
Who knows about Green and Henry. If either is very good defensively, they might get significant minutes as freshman, ala Cotton.
Tons of speculation (obviously) but with the deep bench we will again possess next season, I see us continuing our recent success and being in the hunt for an MVC title and NCAA bid.
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