This year is likely to end up very strong for the Mustangs, my prediction is 28-2 with the only losses coming on the road in Cincy and one other road loss to either UConn or Houston, but overall a great year. But next year is going to be more interesting, and potentially just as good if we can find rebounding somewhere. Here is my look at the roster:
Freshmen
Tom Wilson, 6'4" SG from Australia -- I know almost nothing about this guy except that he had a lot of quality offers (UConn, Gonzaga, etc.). Can he contribute in 2017, and if so, is he a scorer, defender or role player?
DaShawn McDowell, 6'5" PG/SG -- He is a prolific scorer and rebounder in high school and plays both the PG and SG position. Does this mean he breaks into the rotation early?
Sophomores
Shake Milton, 6'5" PG/SG -- He likely takes over the PG position and hopefully has the ball-handling skills to do it. He certainly can pass and shoot. Defensively, he will be better than Nic Moore, though his consistency on offense and role as big shot maker will have to improve to meet Nic's standard.
Jarrey Foster, 6'5" SC/SF -- I really like this guy as a rebounder, opportunistic scorer and defensive player. He has a lot of upside, a al Ben Moore.
Junior
Semi Olejeye, 6"8" SF/PF -- who knows? The potential is great and the athleticism is off the charts, but he has to demonstrate that he can play the LB way and we really need him to rebound.
Senior
Ben Moore, 6'8" PF -- This guy is the key, as if he continues to improve he will fill the rebounding void of Tolbert and score even more. Defensively, he is better, but unless we get a big, he may end up playing the 5 more than we want.
Sterling Brown, 6'6' SF -- A great teammate, instigator and hustler at both ends. This is the type of guy who every team needs and relies upon. If he improves 10%, we will be in great shape at the forward position regardless of what Semi does.
Ben Emelogu, 6'6" G -- Unknown if his injuries will heal enough to make him a viable full season player, but if he returns to form on his shooting can give the guards and perhaps even SF a few minutes break.
As I see it, with no players taller than 6'8", we really need some size, shot blocking and rebounding at the PF and C positions. I am not sure what graduate transfers are out there, but in 2016-17 we either need an impact freshman at the 5 or a graduate transfer to add to this team. The system is great, but if we want to be competitive against bigger, more physical teams at the END of the year when people are injured, tired and beat up, we need some bulk.
Who is out there that can help us next year at the 4-5 spots?
Freshmen
Tom Wilson, 6'4" SG from Australia -- I know almost nothing about this guy except that he had a lot of quality offers (UConn, Gonzaga, etc.). Can he contribute in 2017, and if so, is he a scorer, defender or role player?
DaShawn McDowell, 6'5" PG/SG -- He is a prolific scorer and rebounder in high school and plays both the PG and SG position. Does this mean he breaks into the rotation early?
Sophomores
Shake Milton, 6'5" PG/SG -- He likely takes over the PG position and hopefully has the ball-handling skills to do it. He certainly can pass and shoot. Defensively, he will be better than Nic Moore, though his consistency on offense and role as big shot maker will have to improve to meet Nic's standard.
Jarrey Foster, 6'5" SC/SF -- I really like this guy as a rebounder, opportunistic scorer and defensive player. He has a lot of upside, a al Ben Moore.
Junior
Semi Olejeye, 6"8" SF/PF -- who knows? The potential is great and the athleticism is off the charts, but he has to demonstrate that he can play the LB way and we really need him to rebound.
Senior
Ben Moore, 6'8" PF -- This guy is the key, as if he continues to improve he will fill the rebounding void of Tolbert and score even more. Defensively, he is better, but unless we get a big, he may end up playing the 5 more than we want.
Sterling Brown, 6'6' SF -- A great teammate, instigator and hustler at both ends. This is the type of guy who every team needs and relies upon. If he improves 10%, we will be in great shape at the forward position regardless of what Semi does.
Ben Emelogu, 6'6" G -- Unknown if his injuries will heal enough to make him a viable full season player, but if he returns to form on his shooting can give the guards and perhaps even SF a few minutes break.
As I see it, with no players taller than 6'8", we really need some size, shot blocking and rebounding at the PF and C positions. I am not sure what graduate transfers are out there, but in 2016-17 we either need an impact freshman at the 5 or a graduate transfer to add to this team. The system is great, but if we want to be competitive against bigger, more physical teams at the END of the year when people are injured, tired and beat up, we need some bulk.
Who is out there that can help us next year at the 4-5 spots?
