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If there are no more departures, Hurley expects Corey Floyd Jr. and Alex Karaban, who are freshman who enrolled early and red-shirted, to “fight their way onto the court” next season, and joined by incoming freshman Donavan Clingan from Bristol Central. He expects Sanogo, as a junior, to be a potential All-American, Jordan Hawkins, as a sophomore, to become a centerpiece offensive player and Andre Jackson, who will be a junior, to take another big leap and become a captain and a better offensive player. “I’m excited about Andre’s leadership,” Hurley said.
Jalen Gaffney and Akok Akok, among the older players with dwindling minutes, “are both at a crossroads here,” Hurley said, “with how the season went for them and what they want to do about it. Guys have come back from their situation and become starters, play significant roles for their teams. Some guys have not.”
“At this level, you can get skill and size,” Hurley said. “The situation we’ve been in, Isaiah and Adama have been two of our best players, and
the drop off to our sixth player is pretty significant, and it’s about putting your best players on the court.”
This prior quote doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement of Hawkins, but in the next paragraph, which you quote above, he still thinks he will become a centerpiece of the offense. Strange.
Also interesting that he's already naming Andre a captain and expecting him to be the leader of the team. Sounds like he's going all in on Andre.
Can't say I saw the leadership there, but perhaps with Martin and RJ leaving he will step into that void. I suppose someone has to. At least I hope so.
Lots of question marks. Should be an interesting year.