I think we'll be better next year from a roster perspective. Biggest thing is greater depth, and more talented depth - the 7-10th guys in the rotation will be better, and we should see improvement out of Baker/Thiam/Omoruyi/Doucoure as they continue their development. Biggest question mark is whether Sanders stays (my gut thinks he does, but I'm 60/40 on it), but also if we can get minutes from Bullock's spot on the roster.
With Sanders, I think we're noticeably better. Without Sanders, we'll have some growing pains and struggle sometimes in late game situations.
Breaking down my own thoughts by position, given the 12 scholarships we know will see the court (and accounting for with/without Sanders)
PG/SG
Current: Baker 31.9 min, Sanders 31.7, Williams 22.1 (about 9 played as second guard), Mensah 7.3
We've been relying heavily on Sanders/Baker at PG/SG, with Williams spelling them and also taking time at the 3 spot. On average, Baker/Sanders are seeing about 80% of the total minutes at those spots, which is a lot. We're also crazy thin at guard, so foul trouble and injuries take a big toll.
Future: Baker, Sanders(?), Mathis, Kiss, Mensah
Big question mark is whether Sanders comes back, and if he doesn't, who replaces him on the roster. With Sanders, this is a much stronger guard group - Baker and Sanders will both be a year older/better, and will be able to take more rest during the game to be ready for the final minutes. Better three point shooting (hopefully) from Kiss, and less need to see minutes from Mensah due to greater depth. Without Sanders, we're going to have no upperclassmen at the guard spot, and will need a lot more out of Mathis than you'd like to ask from a freshman - would really need to see who we bring in.
3rd guard/Wing/SF
Current: Thiam 27.9, Williams 22.1 (about 13 played as third guard), Omoruyi 21.0 (about 8 played as small forward)
Thiam's the starter and takes the majority of minutes here, as he doesn't really play SG or PF at all, and is almost strictly used as the third guard/wing. He's better than last year, but still needs to show more offensive production at this spot. The foul trouble/injury risk of our guard depth cascades here, as Williams' injury means more minutes for Thiam.
Future: Thiam, Kiss, Mathis(?), Harper, Omoruyi
A lot more depth here. I'm assuming Thiam continues to improve and stays the starter (though some may disagree), but there's going to be more minutes for Kiss/Mathis as a third guard and from Harper. Really need more production out of this spot on the floor, and we're likely to get it. If Sanders doesn't stay, though, we probably won't see as much of Mathis as the third guard, as he'd be needed at one of the primary two guard spots. But we'd still have Kiss/Harper... and Omoruyi would also probably still get some minutes here.
PF
Current: Freeman 26.0, Omoruyi 21 (about 13 played as PF)
Freeman has a high motor and toughness - leading the team in rebounds, and accounts for a lot of our points - but is undersized, sometimes struggles defensively, and tries to play outside his ability at times on offense. Omoruyi is a lot better from last year, but is also somewhat undersized as a PF.
Future: Carter, Omoruyi
Remains to be seen what Carter brings - though he is definitely 2-3 inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Freeman, so he won't be undersized at this spot. Omoruyi should be better, but we still only really have two guys at this spot for depth, unless we play some sets with both Doorson/Doucoure in the game.
C
Current: Doucoure 14.4, Doorson 11.3, Sa 11.1
Doucoure has really struggled staying on the floor with foul trouble, and Doorson/Sa have frequently been used more based on matchup than on consistent ability to hold down the 5 spot. Across the three, we're getting 7.4 pts and 10.2 rbs
Future: Doucoure, Doorson, Johnson
Hopefully Doucoure will improve and be better at defending without fouling, which should keep him on the floor more. A fully healthy season and offseason should also help Doorson improve his lower body strength and foot speed, which could help him as a 5th year senior make an argument for more minutes. Also don't know what we'll get from Johnson, so we'll see if we have anyone who can consistently cover more mobile centers.
