Roster for next season

[JumpinJack5]

I really really really want them to make the tourney EVERY year. Here is the issue I am having right now. Our weakest two positions (at the moment) are the 1 and the 5. That's not exactly where you want to be weak. As we found out last year you can't hide that problem at the 5. Now with several combo guards you can probably get by without a great point guard but it certainly isn't optimal.

I think Thomas will be a better fit than Parker (even though I loved Parker). We still have Rubles and we are going to add Lawrence so that should be an improvement. SK will be SK.

Personally I hope Davis wins the PG position or Johnson. I also hope Strickland wins the 5 spot. That could only mean we will have improved if they beat out the assumed starters. If both happen...I think we will have a pretty good team. If only one of those happens I think we can sneak into the dance. If none of those happens...Lawrence and Thomas are going to have to have very good seasons IMO.

Johnson fits pg much better than SG, but he might be better suited redshirting this year so he can make the adjust easier. He has potential, it might just take longer than expected. I also hope the Cats get Djitte, give Strickland better competition.

 

[waterhead]

People I feel I already know what we are getting and it's not outstanding in terms of offensive production...

JJ, Nyarcuk, Gaines, Sanders, Guyn

As it stands 2 of those will probably be starting. I am on the fence about Rubles. I don't think we will see the type of improvement some are suggesting. The only way he gets way better is if he gains confidence in that 3 ball and it opens up that beautiful pump fake.


People I am excited to see what they can do...

Davis, Thomas, Lawrence, Strickland, Johnson, Mormon, Caupain, and of course SK

 

[JumpinJack5]

Jeff, Rutgers have any coordinated bigs that could possibly transfer in and play immediately? As much as I like Carter, we can't go guard, a big is desperately needed. An average PG (c'mon, with all the guards we have/have coming in, we should be able to find one average pg) and a solid big would do the trick for us.

 

[waterhead]

I would love for things to work out this way...

Davis/Johnson/Guyn
SK/Mormon/Caupain (I forgot Twyman
Thomas/Rubles/Sanders
Lawrence/JJ/Rubles
Strickland/JJ/Nyarcuk/Gaines

 

[waterhead]

Johnson fits pg much better than SG, but he might be better suited redshirting this year so he can make the adjust easier. He has potential, it might just take longer than expected. I also hope the Cats get Djitte, give Strickland better competition.

You may be right about Johnson...I would be fine with Davis getting a lot of minutes. However, I personally think Johnson is more ready than Caupain. As for Djitte...I would rather wait to get something better next year. We have 3 other guys on the team to provide competition. If he can beat them all out...I will be very happy.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Yes, I'd like to apologize. I get frustrated when people continue to respond to something I never said and argue a point I never made.

no problem I probably need to sharpen up on my reading comprehension skills.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Anybody else get the feeling something is up. I mean we are still taking visits for a guard and a big for 2013. Seems like the roster is definitely in flux. Gaines seems like he could be gone especially if he is graduating soon.with all the guards coming in could some of are returning guards be looking to transfer? With the way players are transferring now days could some be looking for more playing time and considering leaving?

 

[Robert]

Anybody else get the feeling something is up. I mean we are still taking visits for a guard and a big for 2013. Seems like the roster is definitely in flux. Gaines seems like he could be gone especially if he is graduating soon.with all the guards coming in could some of are returning guards be looking to transfer? With the way players are transferring now days could some be looking for more playing time and considering leaving?

I hope something is up. Outside of Lawrence, I am not counting on any of the incoming freshmen to contribute. Will some of them contribute? Of course, but at this point, Lawrence is the only guy coming in that is a virtual lock to be an impact player. Not saying I expect 20 points per game from the guy, but he should be able to step in and at least give us 20+ minutes. Personally, I am hoping for about 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks from him. High expectations, but not unrealistic.

This team is so deep and talented from 2-4... It just seems like the roster could be fatally flawed. Of course, this could all change if Strickland is the sleeper we all hope he is, or if a point guard emerges out of Guyn/JDIII/Johnson.

 

[bearcat jeff]

Jeff, Rutgers have any coordinated bigs that could possibly transfer in and play immediately? As much as I like Carter, we can't go guard, a big is desperately needed. An average PG (c'mon, with all the guards we have/have coming in, we should be able to find one average pg) and a solid big would do the trick for us.

Honestly, it wouldn't be difficult to upgrade with a transfer that has D1 experience from where we are. With UC looking at BJ Tyson Anson ('13 pg) this weekend at the Clemson Big Shots event and continuing to look at '13 bigs there is obviously something up. I have to think that some scenario where Mormon doesn't qualify, or more than one player is transferring or coming off scholarship is all but decided if they can sign some players. From what I've read about Anson that could be a very nice late pick up. We all know we need low post help and quality depth at the 5. My "guess" is that certain players/player has been told that if other players are signed their scholarship will be given to the new player. It doesn't take a rocke scientist to see Mick is trying to reshape the roster. This coming season in the new league is huge and UC knows it needs to continue to show up with the big boys to get to where they want to be, i.e. a new league.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Honestly, it wouldn't be difficult to upgrade with a transfer that has D1 experience from where we are. With UC looking at BJ Tyson Anson ('13 pg) this weekend at the Clemson Big Shots event and continuing to look at '13 bigs there is obviously something up. I have to think that some scenario where Mormon doesn't qualify, or more than one player is transferring or coming off scholarship is all but decided if they can sign some players. From what I've read about Anson that could be a very nice late pick up. We all know we need low post help and quality depth at the 5. My "guess" is that certain players/player has been told that if other players are signed their scholarship will be given to the new player. It doesn't take a rocke scientist to see Mick is trying to reshape the roster. This coming season in the new league is huge and UC knows it needs to continue to show up with the big boys to get to where they want to be, i.e. a new league.

Think your right Jeff. Mick can certainly offer immediate playing time with 3 starters graduated. Should be a interesting time.

 

[JumpinJack5]

Honestly, it wouldn't be difficult to upgrade with a transfer that has D1 experience from where we are. With UC looking at BJ Tyson Anson ('13 pg) this weekend at the Clemson Big Shots event and continuing to look at '13 bigs there is obviously something up. I have to think that some scenario where Mormon doesn't qualify, or more than one player is transferring or coming off scholarship is all but decided if they can sign some players. From what I've read about Anson that could be a very nice late pick up. We all know we need low post help and quality depth at the 5. My "guess" is that certain players/player has been told that if other players are signed their scholarship will be given to the new player. It doesn't take a rocke scientist to see Mick is trying to reshape the roster. This coming season in the new league is huge and UC knows it needs to continue to show up with the big boys to get to where they want to be, i.e. a new league.

I find this whole scenario very interesting. Last year, we had to scramble at the last minute to fill scholarships. This year, it feels like we are much more in control, nabbing Lawrence and going a scholly over has actually put us in good position. Even if we, for some reason, couldn't fill the extra scholly if Gaines leaves and Morman doesn't qualify, we would still have a nice roster and could target another big fish next year. Adding another under-the-radar guy like Tyson, getting a Rutgers transfer, or getting Sidy would also be very good scenarios. IMO, this will be a win-win. Mick must have decided early on this year that Gaines would have to leave, and thus, over signed by 1. Then, if I had to guess, Morman didn't qualify and Mick is trying to fill that last spot. Hopefully, we get someone better than big Dave last year. Could Dave also be leaving? If so, we might end up with Sidy and Strickland as our only 2 centers, gulp. Even though big Dave is raw, it would be nice to have a center with some experience. If he is also leaving, we are experiencing a roster demolition.

 

[Scheids21]

Rothstein says Justin Jackson is training as a 5 with Rubles/Lawrence cemented at the 4.

 

[bearcatjb74]

JJ back at the center spot might be what he needs. His confidence took a hit last year and playing there puts him at a position where his ball skills are not exposed. Hard as he plays it would be nice to see him pull it together. Drives me crazy.

 

[mplebanon]

We need JJ to play the 5. The game is changing.

We need more offense at the other spots.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Rothstein says Justin Jackson is training as a 5 with Rubles/Lawrence cemented at the 4.

that wasn't hard to figure. He won't get any minutes playing the 4 because he can't outplay either Lawrence or Rubles. If he wants to see the floor it will be at the 5. In my opinion if he gets minutes at the 5 that is not good for the team.

 

[JumpinJack5]

that wasn't hard to figure. He won't get any minutes playing the 4 because he can't outplay either Lawrence or Rubles. If he wants to see the floor it will be at the 5. In my opinion if he gets minutes at the 5 that is not good for the team.

For long periods of time, you are right, it isn't good. For short bursts when we are struggling, he could be very effective. Also, since he has only been playing the 4, he was never really forced to bulk up. Playing the 5 will force him to put some meat on those bones......

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

For long periods of time, you are right, it isn't good. For short bursts when we are struggling, he could be very effective. Also, since he has only been playing the 4, he was never really forced to bulk up. Playing the 5 will force him to put some meat on those bones......

lots easier for basketball players to take weight off not put it on. JJ will never be a difference maker. At best he adds some depth.

 

[JumpinJack5]

lots easier for basketball players to take weight off not put it on. JJ will never be a difference maker. At best he adds some depth.

Depends on how much weight. If JJ can add 10-15 pounds, he would be a solid option off the bench for C. Nobody is saying he has to gain 30 pounds, but I think 10-15 pounds is within reach, especially with how good this new strength and conditioning coach is. He did wonders for Cheikh, to bad he couldn't teach him post moves. JJ has proven before that he can be a difference maker. He was hurt this whole year, you can't judge him on how he played in the few games he played this year. JJ will never be a dominant offense player, but defensively he has proven he can be a difference maker, when healthy.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Depends on how much weight. If JJ can add 10-15 pounds, he would be a solid option off the bench for C. Nobody is saying he has to gain 30 pounds, but I think 10-15 pounds is within reach, especially with how good this new strength and conditioning coach is. He did wonders for Cheikh, to badhe couldn't teach him post moves. JJ has proven before that he can be a differences maker. He was hurt this whole year, you can't judge him on how he played in the few games he played this year. JJ will never be a dominant offense player, but defensively he has proven he can be a difference maker, when dehealthy.

jumpin he hasn't been a difference make in my eyes. He also hasn't been asked to play the 5 either. JJ is a role player at best. I hope Mick is still recruiting a big for next year. The fact he is tells me he understands this.

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

You saw Mick trying this at times late in the season when Cheikh was throwing lay ups over the back board so it isn't a real surprise. If they can get Jackson to contribute meaningful minutes at the 5 for stretches when Lawrence or Rubles is on the floor as the 4, then I say go for it. He isn't going to get a lot of minutes at the 4 spot anyways.