We are relying on a freshman starter + 2 sophomores. Another freshman probably starts unless we pick up a transfer SG. And our bench depth is going to be mostly freshman.
I think we can be a top-25 tournament team and make a lucky push for a S16 if we gel, but I don't see this as a championship-level season. Freshman are supposed to go through growing pains... and we have a lot of 'em. Can't expect the same ability to close out games or make the big play in a pivotal moment as guys like Joey or Alleyne.
For me, this feels like an enjoy the development season, and get excited about Clingan/Castle going in the lottery.
I agree to an extent, but I also disagree.
We’ll have 2 sophomore studs with HIGH level experience. A 3rd returner now w/ Newton w/ upper class experience.
Last year, realistically, Sanogo was our only proven commodity. Jackson was a leader but on court wasn’t known. He essentially was shifting positions. Newton was a transfer fighting for a spot. Karaban and Clingan were frosh and Hawkins was coming off a promising but inconsistent season where we expected him to be the 1 or 2 option.
I’d actually say, despite the number of frosh this year, that last year was a bit more unknown going in. These frosh are physically ready, we’ll see how they are mentally. But we don’t need any of them to doninate a game to win.
