We Did Come to Play School!

[AdamOnFirst]

Why do you say that? Who would you put in which spots instead?
When I list that as the starting lineup, it is with the assumption that the young players all make the fairly typical jumps in their output between 1st and 2nd year. I project that the first 3 spots would make fairly sizeable jumps, based on what we have seen this year. PF and C are definitely areas of concern, but I think Kropp can be serviceable. Center is the biggest question mark, but I don't think we would be "screwed."

I would put multiple players, or one very good player, in out of the portal, preferably at shooting guard. And frankly at one of the bigs, though you mentioned that.

 

[rogerkim]

I would put multiple players, or one very good player, in out of the portal, preferably at shooting guard. And frankly at one of the bigs, though you mentioned that.

So am I correct in assuming that you don't thing Gelo or Green will make a significant improvement next year? (and of course, that KJ will be gone as most of us anticipate)

 

[AdamOnFirst]

So am I correct in assuming that you don't thing Gelo or Green will make a significant improvement next year? (and of course, that KJ will be gone as most of us anticipate)

I think either would need to make a significant improvement to be a good rotation player, much less a starting guard in the Big Ten. Our backcourt is HIDEOUS, we need new additions.

I’m also frankly kinda out on Green. Athleticism is as advertised: not good. Shooting is not as advertised. Minimal utility.

 

[hdhntr1]

Wow. The only thing you said in this post that I agree with is about Kropp being "serviceable."

In my opinion:

• Tre is young and inexperienced, but he already has the body and athleticism to be a solid Big Ten starter. He fouls too much, but that should improve as he puts on even more muscle and gains experience on how to be a plus defender in this conference. As he gains confidence, I predict that perhaps by next year, and certainly by year 3, he will be one of our stars.
• West is more than serviceable and has a high upside - he has the potential to be a top tier Big Ten PG, at the same level as BMac and Boo.
• Kropp will become serviceable, but probably no more than that. I see him as becoming a Sanjay Lumpkin-type: does all the dirty work, fights hard for rebounds and loose balls, and defends adequately. He can also probably do just enough on the offensive side not to be a liability, but will never be a top scoring option.
• Reid can be a great scorer - his mid range jumper is a solid part of his game and can drive to the hoop fairly well - but isn't as good at running the offense and facilitating as West seems to be. I would like to keep him, but even if he leaves, I think we are in good hands with West for the PG spot - we would just need to find a backup for West.

If I were to rank those four players in terms of priority in keeping them for next year (and beyond):

1. West (over Singleton simply because having a good PG is more important than having a good SF)
2. Singleton
3. Kropp
4. Reid (ranked lower than Kropp mainly because of West's presence)

So our starting lineup next year becomes:

PG: West​

SG: Ciaravino/Green (or Windham, if he miraculously stays and gets out of the doghouse)​

SF: Singleton​

PF: Kropp​

C: portal addition vs Bennerman (assuming he can add 20-30lbs of muscle)​

Lots of hope for the future. Still a young team, and probably not a tourney team next year, but a solid foundation.

People keep writing of Page and suggesting he is out the door. Not sure that is true, The Mich game was important for him as well, Don't see him as a center but definitely can see him as a 3/4 forward and that is the role he played and he had decent game,

He isn't getting to the pros based on this year and if he transfers it would be 4th school in 4 years. He is likely much better off here rather than moving on.

And we will actually have two centers next year although the other might also be on the two year plan like Bennerman

 

[hdhntr1]

I think either would need to make a significant improvement to be a good rotation player, much less a starting guard in the Big Ten. Our backcourt is HIDEOUS, we need new additions.

I’m also frankly kinda out on Green. Athleticism is as advertised: not good. Shooting is not as advertised. Minimal utility.

While Green's role is definitely that of a shooting guard (2), I do not see Celo as a guard but more a small forward, Needs to improve 3 pt shooting but that can be said of the whole team

 

[AdamOnFirst]

While Green's role is definitely that of a shooting guard (2), I do not see Celo as a guard but more a small forward, Needs to improve 3 pt shooting but that can be said of the whole team

I don’t care if we call them a 2 or a 3 when neither is good.