I think everyone's opinions on this year are well known, and aren't going to change anytime soon. One thing I think everyone can agree on, is next year is a make or break season for CMA. The NCAAT is a must.
Here's my projected starting 5 and how I think the bench shakes out (for the sake of argument, this is assuming Moses comes back):
PG - Jaylen Barford - #1 JUCO player in the country. He'll be expected to come in and be a difference maker right away. He should provide a scoring punch that we lacked at this spot this year. Can he get others involved?
SG - Dusty Hannahs - Exceeded everyone's expectations. I think most thought he'd be a good shooter, but struggle off the dribble. Turns out he can score in a variety of ways. One of the best offensive guards we've had in a while.
SF - Jimmy Whitt - He doesn't have the SF size. But, I think his slashing style fits the position well. If he can get more consistent on his pull up jumper it will open up his driving ability. He showed flashes down the stretch. A year in the weight room should do wonders for him, offensively and defensively.
PF - Arlando Cook - Another JUCO that'll be thrust into the starting lineup. It'd be almost impossible for him not to be an upgrade over the outgoing PF. If he's not ready we may be forced to use a 4 guard lineup, as I don't think CMA likes using Moses and Thompson together. Either way, I'm just glad it won't be Miles.
C - Moses Kingsley - With more scoring options at other spots, I think Moses could see a dip in production, but still improve his play. He needs to get stronger around the basket, and finishing through contact. And, please stop leaning back on FT's, Moses!
Key rotation players (should get anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes a game):
G - Anton Beard - Took a step back this year. His lack of practice time early in the year could be a cause. He needs to work on being more of a distributor. Also, needs to work on being more consistent on his jumpshot. Shooting 29% from 3 next year won't cut it.
G - Daryl Macon - I imagine a similar role to Bell the last few years as the shooter off the bench.
F - Dustin Thomas - Kind of an unknown, because he didn't do much at Colorado, but had good reports about his redshirt season. As a true SF, he'll be given every opportunity to contribute. Could be in the starting lineup if reports are true and Whitt continues to struggle.
G - Manny Watkins - He is what he is. How he hasn't developed a jumpshot I have no idea. He needs to shoot about 500 3's a day this offseason. Get in the gym, Manny!
C - Trey Thompson - Good passer from the high post. Still needs a lot of work on his inside game. Losing another 15 to 20 lbs would help on the defensive end too
Bench warmers (just not enough minutes to go around for these guys):
G - CJ Jones
PF - Adrio Bailey
SF - Lorenzo Jenkins
We're still on some bigs that could play next year, but they're either longshots (Dembele), or not expected to contribute immediately (Zecevic).
The key to the season, imo, is Barford. In order for us to be an NCAAT team, and make it in comfortably (7 seed or higher) he has to be as advertised. If he's not, I see us being a bubble team, or on the outside looking in. A close second is Whitt. A big leap in production from him would be a huge help. He really needs to get his shot figured out. It appeared he was gaining confidence the last half of the SEC season.
Here's my projected starting 5 and how I think the bench shakes out (for the sake of argument, this is assuming Moses comes back):
PG - Jaylen Barford - #1 JUCO player in the country. He'll be expected to come in and be a difference maker right away. He should provide a scoring punch that we lacked at this spot this year. Can he get others involved?
SG - Dusty Hannahs - Exceeded everyone's expectations. I think most thought he'd be a good shooter, but struggle off the dribble. Turns out he can score in a variety of ways. One of the best offensive guards we've had in a while.
SF - Jimmy Whitt - He doesn't have the SF size. But, I think his slashing style fits the position well. If he can get more consistent on his pull up jumper it will open up his driving ability. He showed flashes down the stretch. A year in the weight room should do wonders for him, offensively and defensively.
PF - Arlando Cook - Another JUCO that'll be thrust into the starting lineup. It'd be almost impossible for him not to be an upgrade over the outgoing PF. If he's not ready we may be forced to use a 4 guard lineup, as I don't think CMA likes using Moses and Thompson together. Either way, I'm just glad it won't be Miles.
C - Moses Kingsley - With more scoring options at other spots, I think Moses could see a dip in production, but still improve his play. He needs to get stronger around the basket, and finishing through contact. And, please stop leaning back on FT's, Moses!
Key rotation players (should get anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes a game):
G - Anton Beard - Took a step back this year. His lack of practice time early in the year could be a cause. He needs to work on being more of a distributor. Also, needs to work on being more consistent on his jumpshot. Shooting 29% from 3 next year won't cut it.
G - Daryl Macon - I imagine a similar role to Bell the last few years as the shooter off the bench.
F - Dustin Thomas - Kind of an unknown, because he didn't do much at Colorado, but had good reports about his redshirt season. As a true SF, he'll be given every opportunity to contribute. Could be in the starting lineup if reports are true and Whitt continues to struggle.
G - Manny Watkins - He is what he is. How he hasn't developed a jumpshot I have no idea. He needs to shoot about 500 3's a day this offseason. Get in the gym, Manny!
C - Trey Thompson - Good passer from the high post. Still needs a lot of work on his inside game. Losing another 15 to 20 lbs would help on the defensive end too
Bench warmers (just not enough minutes to go around for these guys):
G - CJ Jones
PF - Adrio Bailey
SF - Lorenzo Jenkins
We're still on some bigs that could play next year, but they're either longshots (Dembele), or not expected to contribute immediately (Zecevic).
The key to the season, imo, is Barford. In order for us to be an NCAAT team, and make it in comfortably (7 seed or higher) he has to be as advertised. If he's not, I see us being a bubble team, or on the outside looking in. A close second is Whitt. A big leap in production from him would be a huge help. He really needs to get his shot figured out. It appeared he was gaining confidence the last half of the SEC season.
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