Mon Apr 29, 2024 12:28 pm
vivid_dude wrote:As the roster takes shape, I have a thought.
The freshmen are being overlooked. In mock starting lineups shared by fans, I'm not sure I've seen one of our incoming freshmen included. Maybe I missed one. And I get it to some degree. Mac has a history of starting more experienced guys he trusts, but who on the current roster would fall into that camp? Right now, it's nobody - since nothing is official with Ashworth and Kalkbrenner. Assuming those fellas come back, I'd say they are the only two - and even Ash had moments of mistrust throughout the season.
This incoming class is strong. I'd love to see one (or more) of them force Mac's hand through practice performance by cracking the starting five.
Viewing this from a different perspective, with the current free-for-all landscape in college hoops, the best way to get talented incoming freshmen to NOT TRANSFER after year 1 is to give them minutes. Developing Top 75 guys over multiple seasons doesn't seem as likely these days. Coaches are smart enough to recognize that, so I wonder if Mac will adapt accordingly.
Why not a starting lineup of Pop, LJ, Neal, McAndrews, Kalkbrenner? Ashworth plays a minute-heavier version of Farabello. Green is backup PF/C. Miller, Traudt, Knox, Ty Davis fill out the rotation, with a bruiser added to provide depth to Kalkbrenner.
Ramble over.
Mon Apr 29, 2024 1:43 pm
Mon Apr 29, 2024 1:57 pm
vivid_dude wrote:I get what you're saying, but you're kind of validating my point. You're saying it doesn't make sense to surround Kalkbrenner with these freshmen. My point is that these freshmen are so talented that they could, in fact, be the best options to surround Kalkbrenner. Thus, they may be overlooked. We both agree that they'll have that chance to prove themselves in the months leading up to the season. You and I are probably closer to being on the same page than what the above few sentences reflect.
The more interesting thing to me will be how coaches adapt in order to retain highly-ranked recruits. McAndrew and LJ may not be around for Year 2 if they are slotted in as limited minute role players. Obviously, coaches have to play the guys who earn it. But will mentalities change in order to keep upside players in the program longer?
The Times They Are A-Changin' - Bob Dylan
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:06 pm
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:19 pm
Realhoops wrote:Did you just say you think McAndrew plays some *5* next year?
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:22 pm
#RollJays wrote:Realhoops wrote:Did you just say you think McAndrew plays some *5* next year?
Yep depending on the matchup. There is a logjam at the 4 so we will have to get a little creative. Obviously, Kalk is going to play 33+ mpg in competitive games if he's back.
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:32 pm
bluejayfan00 wrote:#RollJays wrote:Realhoops wrote:Did you just say you think McAndrew plays some *5* next year?
Yep depending on the matchup. There is a logjam at the 4 so we will have to get a little creative. Obviously, Kalk is going to play 33+ mpg in competitive games if he's back.
Less than 5% chance. Traudt and Green are way more likely to play small by 5 than McAndrew. Jackson is more likely to play the 3 than the 5.
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:35 pm
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:52 pm
Mon Apr 29, 2024 2:55 pm
LJay wrote:Because he’s two inches taller than Baylor he can’t be a Baylor replacement? I don’t know what kind of ball handling chops he has but if he has a reasonable amount (more than the two dribbles and get this hot potato out of my hands Mason) I think he has a great chance to play the wing position or 3 if you like.