Basketball lineup and possibilities for playing time

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I'm worn out on all the anti-Pope, pumper Pope threads. After two exhibition games, lets talk about the rotation and possibilities for playing time.

Guards--Seems simple here. There are 80 minutes to split between three players. Mason Williams, Wilkins, and Diallo are all going to have to play between 25-30 mins/game. I don't see any scenario where two of these three aren't on the floor at all times. Diallo has to be better. Wilkins needs to get under control. Williams needs to continue to be as good as he has been. I'm starting to come around and be a believer on him. I'm operating on the premise that Morton is lost for the season.

Forwards--Milan and N'Diaye are clearly the starters and will get the lion's share of the minutes. I'm assuming Kam is ready to go for Manhattan, but I'm not convinced. Those three would/should get somewhere around 70 of the 80 possible minutes. Something like 20-30 mins each. Milan probably gets 30, N'Diaye and Kam roughly 20 each. That leaves 10 mins to be spread between Hawthorne, McBride and Noah. Seems about right.

Center--Moreno plays 30 mins and Kepnang gets the other 10.

Main rotation of guys getting 20+ mins are pretty simple
Mason Williams
Diallo
Wilkins
Milan
N'Diaye
Moreno
Kam Williams

Players possibly getting 5-10 mins
Noah
Hawthorne
McBride
Kepnang

I think all the depth talk was a little overstated. There are essentially seven guys. The three guards and Moreno have to stay healthy. There's just simply no depth behind them. The forwards have the most depth and a lot of them can play different roles. I'm not sad about it all, really. I think it's easier when you have a group of seven or eight guys that get 90% plus of the minutes.

 

[TheResistance]

Minutes for Texas Tech Exhibition

Ndiaye 27
Milan 34
Moreno 34
Zoom 22
Wilkins 28
Williams 27
Mcbride 12
Hawthorne 8
Kepnang 5

Surprisingly Pope really played just Six guys in the main rotation. McBride, tried to be the seventh, but just couldn't get it going. Really strange for a Pope lead team. Generally you would see more rest for Moreno and Milan, but they will not be able to rest this year. This minute spread will be indicative of what happens in the real season imo. Kam will come in and help reduce Milans minutes. Ndiaye will have to be around 30 / game imo, Mcbride will play clean up duty from time to time.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

If Morton is truly done for the year there is a world where Kam (or heaven forbid) Noah could have to give us a TV timeout to TV timeout stretch at the 2. Random foul trouble, a mild stinger injury, cramps, illness, God knows what else. Your only other option is Zyon and that just seems end of the world situation there. Having only 3 serviceable guards is gonna be WAY rougher on how this season goes than probably anything else.

Neither Kam or Noah are shootings guards and have no business playing shooting guard, but I would almost bet at some point they will have to play it for us.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Minutes for Texas Tech Exhibition

Ndiaye 27
Milan 34
Moreno 34
Zoom 22
Wilkins 28
Williams 27
Mcbride 12
Hawthorne 8
Kepnang 5

Surprisingly Pope really played just Six guys in the main rotation. McBride, tried to be the seventh, but just couldn't get it going. Really strange for a Pope lead team. Generally you would see more rest for Moreno and Milan, but they will not be able to rest this year. This minute spread will be indicative of what happens in the real season imo. Kam will come in and help reduce Milans minutes. Ndiaye will have to be around 30 / game imo, Mcbride will play clean up duty from time to time.

I tend to agree. I think Kam can and will play pretty similar to N'Diaye. If one is better than the other on any given night they might get more minutes than the other. But honestly, the distribution seems pretty well set. Then we just hope like heck we don't lose Moreno or one of the three guards for an extended period of time.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

If Morton is truly done for the year there is a world where Kam (or heaven forbid) Noah could have to give us a TV timeout to TV timeout stretch at the 2. Random foul trouble, a mild stinger injury, cramps, illness, God knows what else. Your only other option is Zyon and that just seems end of the world situation there. Having only 3 serviceable guards is gonna be WAY rougher on how this season goes than probably anything else.

Neither Kam or Noah are shootings guards and have no business playing shooting guard, but I would almost bet at some point they will have to play it for us.

I completely agree. They will have to do it multiple times on an emergency basis throughout the course of the season. Like you said, those unexpected things (dinged up, foul trouble) just happen.

 

[PooPooPeePeePoo]

Zoom is going to have to improve or he just needs to play 15 min or so a night to give Williams and Wilkins a breather if Morton is done for the year

 

[ScWildcat3]

Pope is going to play 7 guys the bulk of the minutes. The other 2 guys will be under 10.

 

[PastorofMuppets82]

I do like the idea of a lineup where Kam and N'Diaye are playing together at the 3/4 for defensive purposes. I would like it a lot more if Moreno was more offensively focused. But that length and ability to guard smaller perimeter players, combined with our big guards... I could see drive and kick offensive minded teams struggling against that.

Random thought... Is there a world where you could "hide" Milan's defensive limitations by moving him to the 2 for a stretch, Wilkins running point, Kam at the 3, Uzi at the 4, and big Frank at the 5 while you rest Moreno and Zoom. That way if a smaller faster 2 beat Milan downhill, he's running into a wall of length and Frank the tank? Don't know.

 

[Reggie Noble]

Minutes for Texas Tech Exhibition

Ndiaye 27
Milan 34
Moreno 34
Zoom 22
Wilkins 28
Williams 27
Mcbride 12
Hawthorne 8
Kepnang 5

Surprisingly Pope really played just Six guys in the main rotation. McBride, tried to be the seventh, but just couldn't get it going. Really strange for a Pope lead team. Generally you would see more rest for Moreno and Milan, but they will not be able to rest this year. This minute spread will be indicative of what happens in the real season imo. Kam will come in and help reduce Milans minutes. Ndiaye will have to be around 30 / game imo, Mcbride will play clean up duty from time to time.

I like this minutes distribution. I’ve always advocated for an eight-man rotation: your starting five, plus a guard, a wing, and a center. Your best players should generally be playing 30-plus minutes a game. Give them time to find their rhythm and stay in the flow.

I wasn’t sold on Zoom when we got him, even though I tried to talk myself into it. I saw a Denzel Aberdeen-type player without Denzel’s shooting ability. To me, he struggles to penetrate and defend, and he’s too ball-dominant, a ball stopper and too many turnovers. With this roster, he’ll have to play unless Morton comes back healthy, but that doesn’t mean he needs big minutes.

I thought Cal’s 2011 and 2012 teams were two of his most cohesive, and both had very short rotations. There’s something to letting guys stay on the floor and play through things.

Does Pope have the resolve to keep Zoom around 20 minutes a game? He did in this exhibition, so I’m encouraged.

 

[theBlues]

If Morton is truly done for the year there is a world where Kam (or heaven forbid) Noah could have to give us a TV timeout to TV timeout stretch at the 2. Random foul trouble, a mild stinger injury, cramps, illness, God knows what else. Your only other option is Zyon and that just seems end of the world situation there. Having only 3 serviceable guards is gonna be WAY rougher on how this season goes than probably anything else.

Neither Kam or Noah are shootings guards and have no business playing shooting guard, but I would almost bet at some point they will have to play i

I think there isn't much difference on offense between the 2 and 3; either Kam or Trent can play the two guard if they can guard the other team's two guard. If the other team's two guard is just a spot up shooter(like Colin Chandler for example), then either guy can play the two. If the other team's two guard is a slasher then it might be a problem.

 

[UKWildcats1987]

Minutes for Texas Tech Exhibition

Ndiaye 27
Milan 34
Moreno 34
Zoom 22
Wilkins 28
Williams 27
Mcbride 12
Hawthorne 8
Kepnang 5

Surprisingly Pope really played just Six guys in the main rotation. McBride, tried to be the seventh, but just couldn't get it going. Really strange for a Pope lead team. Generally you would see more rest for Moreno and Milan, but they will not be able to rest this year. This minute spread will be indicative of what happens in the real season imo. Kam will come in and help reduce Milans minutes. Ndiaye will have to be around 30 / game imo, Mcbride will play clean up duty from time to time.

That was refreshing to see on shortened rotation but surprised we did that in an exhibition. Good surprise.

 

[Bernie4blue]

Zoom's assets are not a driver/penetrator. No shame in that, a point guard who can play within his abilities and protect the ball and find the open man is just as if no more importatnt. Pope need to utilize him for shooting and especially to get the bigs some pick and rolls and back door cuts and alley oops.

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

Zoom is going to have to improve or he just needs to play 15 min or so a night to give Williams and Wilkins a breather if Morton is done for the year

if/when healthly....i'd like to see morton get those 15+ mins. for whatever its worth....he led the team in "wins" during the summer until the last day. zoom was way down. i think we can now see why. no idea what into the calculation but if he can just make winning solid plays...i'd take it.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Pope is going to play 7 guys the bulk of the minutes. The other 2 guys will be under 10.

I tend to agree and think it's basically what he has to do with this team.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I do like the idea of a lineup where Kam and N'Diaye are playing together at the 3/4 for defensive purposes. I would like it a lot more if Moreno was more offensively focused. But that length and ability to guard smaller perimeter players, combined with our big guards... I could see drive and kick offensive minded teams struggling against that.

Random thought... Is there a world where you could "hide" Milan's defensive limitations by moving him to the 2 for a stretch, Wilkins running point, Kam at the 3, Uzi at the 4, and big Frank at the 5 while you rest Moreno and Zoom. That way if a smaller faster 2 beat Milan downhill, he's running into a wall of length and Frank the tank? Don't know.

I think you can definitely get creative and "steal" minutes this way with different combos. Like if you would use Milan as the 2, you've got to have the best defender at every other position on the court. Sort of like trying to get Kam or Noah minutes at the 2, you'd absolutely have to have the best handlers at their respective positions on the court together. Almost like when Frank is in for Moreno, need to have the four best offensive players at their position out there with him.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

I think there isn't much difference on offense between the 2 and 3; either Kam or Trent can play the two guard if they can guard the other team's two guard. If the other team's two guard is just a spot up shooter(like Colin Chandler for example), then either guy can play the two. If the other team's two guard is a slasher then it might be a problem.

If your two guard can't handle, you'd better have pretty good handlers (respective to their positions) at the other spots.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

if/when healthly....i'd like to see morton get those 15+ mins. for whatever its worth....he led the team in "wins" during the summer until the last day. zoom was way down. i think we can now see why. no idea what into the calculation but if he can just make winning solid plays...i'd take it.

I'd honestly need to see Morton play first. I've heard stories of Noah being the best shooter and never missing in practice, but we've not seen that in games. I'm honestly just mentally moved on from Morton and if he returns and can contribute it's a bonus. From everything that's been said, he looks extremely unlikely to be able to play this season.

 

[MidseasonTweak]

I like this minutes distribution. I’ve always advocated for an eight-man rotation: your starting five, plus a guard, a wing, and a center. Your best players should generally be playing 30-plus minutes a game. Give them time to find their rhythm and stay in the flow.

I wasn’t sold on Zoom when we got him, even though I tried to talk myself into it. I saw a Denzel Aberdeen-type player without Denzel’s shooting ability. To me, he struggles to penetrate and defend, and he’s too ball-dominant, a ball stopper and too many turnovers. With this roster, he’ll have to play unless Morton comes back healthy, but that doesn’t mean he needs big minutes.

I thought Cal’s 2011 and 2012 teams were two of his most cohesive, and both had very short rotations. There’s something to letting guys stay on the floor and play through things.

Does Pope have the resolve to keep Zoom around 20 minutes a game? He did in this exhibition, so I’m encouraged.

I hope Pope does keep Zoom at 20 unless things change drastically for the better play-wise. It is honestly one of the best adjustments he has made. If Pope gives in and plays him because of his salary, he (Pope) will seal his own fate.

 

[theBlues]

If your two guard can't handle, you'd better have pretty good handlers (respective to their positions) at the other spots.

yes, for sure

 

[BBNinSCar]

This roster has incredible size with depth.
I’ve never been a Pope detractor, but this is his last chance to keep my support.
I am hopeful, but wary for the season. We’ll know as soon as 2 weeks from tomorrow what this team is made of.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

This roster has incredible size with depth.
I’ve never been a Pope detractor, but this is his last chance to keep my support.
I am hopeful, but wary for the season. We’ll know as soon as 2 weeks from tomorrow what this team is made of.

I don't think it has much depth at all. Like, if one of any of Mason Williams, Wilkins, Diallo, or Moreno goes down for any real period of time this team is cooked. If any of the forwards miss significant time, I think the team can withstand it.

 

[WilmoreCat]

Minutes for Texas Tech Exhibition

Ndiaye 27
Milan 34
Moreno 34
Zoom 22
Wilkins 28
Williams 27
Mcbride 12
Hawthorne 8
Kepnang 5

Surprisingly Pope really played just Six guys in the main rotation. McBride, tried to be the seventh, but just couldn't get it going. Really strange for a Pope lead team. Generally you would see more rest for Moreno and Milan, but they will not be able to rest this year. This minute spread will be indicative of what happens in the real season imo. Kam will come in and help reduce Milans minutes. Ndiaye will have to be around 30 / game imo, Mcbride will play clean up duty from time to time.

I think that Pope knows he’s coaching for his life this year which means he must win, thus he must play his best players more minutes.

 

[TheResistance]

I think that Pope knows he’s coaching for his life this year which means he must win, thus he must play his best players more minutes.

i really hope that is the case. Because once Noah, Williams, get healthy, he will have choices to make. Hopefully he keeps a tighter rotation this year.

 

[FLBBNFAN]

I'm worn out on all the anti-Pope, pumper Pope threads. After two exhibition games, lets talk about the rotation and possibilities for playing time.

Guards--Seems simple here. There are 80 minutes to split between three players. Mason Williams, Wilkins, and Diallo are all going to have to play between 25-30 mins/game. I don't see any scenario where two of these three aren't on the floor at all times. Diallo has to be better. Wilkins needs to get under control. Williams needs to continue to be as good as he has been. I'm starting to come around and be a believer on him. I'm operating on the premise that Morton is lost for the season.

Forwards--Milan and N'Diaye are clearly the starters and will get the lion's share of the minutes. I'm assuming Kam is ready to go for Manhattan, but I'm not convinced. Those three would/should get somewhere around 70 of the 80 possible minutes. Something like 20-30 mins each. Milan probably gets 30, N'Diaye and Kam roughly 20 each. That leaves 10 mins to be spread between Hawthorne, McBride and Noah. Seems about right.

Center--Moreno plays 30 mins and Kepnang gets the other 10.

Main rotation of guys getting 20+ mins are pretty simple
Mason Williams
Diallo
Wilkins
Milan
N'Diaye
Moreno
Kam Williams

Players possibly getting 5-10 mins
Noah
Hawthorne
McBride
Kepnang

I think all the depth talk was a little overstated. There are essentially seven guys. The three guards and Moreno have to stay healthy. There's just simply no depth behind them. The forwards have the most depth and a lot of them can play different roles. I'm not sad about it all, really. I think it's easier when you have a group of seven or eight guys that get 90% plus of the minutes.

Amen and really hoping we see more production from McBride and Hawthorne this week.

 

[rivercatinfl]

I'd honestly need to see Morton play first. I've heard stories of Noah being the best shooter and never missing in practice, but we've not seen that in games. I'm honestly just mentally moved on from Morton and if he returns and can contribute it's a bonus. From everything that's been said, he looks extremely unlikely to be able to play this season.

What have you heard? I was under the impression the injury wasn’t that bad from some reports. IDK. Don’t know what to believe. I feel like I’m watching the news!!

 

[rivercatinfl]

I don't think it has much depth at all. Like, if one of any of Mason Williams, Wilkins, Diallo, or Moreno goes down for any real period of time this team is cooked. If any of the forwards miss significant time, I think the team can withstand it.

Potter is 7’. Surely he can get a rebound or tip in. I really never saw him play much. We could need him to spell Moreno if Frank is ineffective.
I know this is a stretch but it’s what we have.

 

[Delk4three]

I think there isn't much difference on offense between the 2 and 3; either Kam or Trent can play the two guard if they can guard the other team's two guard. If the other team's two guard is just a spot up shooter(like Colin Chandler for example), then either guy can play the two. If the other team's two guard is a slasher then it might be a problem.

Maybe let Ndiaye play the 2 on defense in that case and Noah/Williams the 4.

 

[Delk4three]

I think there isn't much difference on offense between the 2 and 3; either Kam or Trent can play the two guard if they can guard the other team's two guard. If the other team's two guard is just a spot up shooter(like Colin Chandler for example), then either guy can play the two. If the other team's two guard is a slasher then it might be a problem.

Let Ndiaye play the 2 on defense and Noah/Williams the 4.

 

[Delk4three]

I'd honestly need to see Morton play first. I've heard stories of Noah being the best shooter and never missing in practice, but we've not seen that in games. I'm honestly just mentally moved on from Morton and if he returns and can contribute it's a bonus. From everything that's been said, he looks extremely unlikely to be able to play this season.

Since UK has not even said what his injury is, I think he's most likely not playing this year.

 

[Delk4three]

I don't think it has much depth at all. Like, if one of any of Mason Williams, Wilkins, Diallo, or Moreno goes down for any real period of time this team is cooked. If any of the forwards miss significant time, I think the team can withstand it.

TBF, you can say that about most teams best players...

 

[megablue]

PER 40 LAST SEASON, ranked based on number of game appearances:

			GAMES	PTS	REBS	3PTA	FG%	2P%	3P%	FT%	STL	BLK	AST	TOV
MOMCILOVIC	6'9"	220	37	22.1	4.1	9.9	0.506	0.545	0.487	0.878	1.1	0.3	1.3	1.1
MORENO	7'0"	250	36	13.8	11.2	0.1	0.582	0.593	0.000	0.698	0.9	2.6	3.1	2.3
WILKINS	6'6"	170	35	23.9	2.6	7.6	0.460	0.554	0.328	0.824	1.0	0.2	6.3	5.1
DIALLO	6'6"	195	33	21.2	5.3	3.0	0.489	0.527	0.315	0.825	0.9	0.0	6.0	3.4
MORTON	6'4"	200	32	12.5	3.1	4.0	0.438	0.473	0.388	0.820	1.3	0.4	4.2	1.9
McBRIDE	6'8"	245	31	22.5	8.3	4.5	0.494	0.530	0.400	0.782	0.6	0.9	2.1	2.6
N'DIAYE	7'0"	220	28	14.3	10.0	7.4	0.407	0.536	0.305	0.828	1.3	0.9	1.1	2.1
NOAH	6'6"	225	27	11.1	8.6	7.1	0.355	0.455	0.333	0.826	1.7	0.4	1.8	1.1
KEPNANG	7'0"	270	27	10.8	11.0	0.1	0.515	0.519	0.000	0.689	1.0	3.6	0.4	1.8
K. WILLIAMS	6'7"	210	24	13.1	4.5	7.0	0.449	0.690	0.359	0.955	1.3	0.6	2.1	1.3
POTTER	7'1"	235
B. HAWTHORNE	6'8"	195
Z. HAWTHORNE	6'1"	170
M. WILLIAMS	6'3"	210

Men's Basketball

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[Bleedin Blue in Ohio]

McBride is going to be instant offense off the bench.

 

[PooPooPeePeePoo]

I don’t think Hawthorne is ready to play significant minutes but McBride can definitely get adjusted and start providing off the bench.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

What have you heard? I was under the impression the injury wasn’t that bad from some reports. IDK. Don’t know what to believe. I feel like I’m watching the news!!

Mainly just from what KSR guys have hinted at, especially last week.

 

[Eagles_Ball_69]

Potter is 7’. Surely he can get a rebound or tip in. I really never saw him play much. We could need him to spell Moreno if Frank is ineffective.
I know this is a stretch but it’s what we have.

Potter can’t play at this level. Hes not even playing in the exhibition games.

 

[Wildcat_in_DC]

I don’t think Hawthorne is ready to play significant minutes but McBride can definitely get adjusted and start providing off the bench.

i think i'd rather see hawthorne out there. all mcbride is going to do is camp at the 3 point line and maybe make one. hawthorne can do that and probably shoot the same percentage. but at least hawthrone can be disruptive in passing lanes with his length.

i hope eatch gets 20 minutes against ucf for the final exhibition game. they need clock and play them with other good players

 

[bbnkat02]

Mainly just from what KSR guys have hinted at, especially last week.

Work has been hell so I haven't been able to listen. What have they said?

 

[bbnkat02]

Potter can’t play at this level. Hes not even playing in the exhibition games.

 

[PooPooPeePeePoo]

i think i'd rather see hawthorne out there. all mcbride is going to do is camp at the 3 point line and maybe make one. hawthorne can do that and probably shoot the same percentage. but at least hawthrone can be disruptive in passing lanes with his length.

i hope eatch gets 20 minutes against ucf for the final exhibition game. they need clock and play them with other good players

I’m just worried Hawthorne is so frail if they play him at the 4 he will get bullied inside and on the boards

 

[Wildcatmenace]

McBride is going to be instant offense off the bench.

I would disagree