Solo is more athletic and he started last year until Castle came back from his injury. Solo is a scary player. This is not to down play Mahaney. But both are fighting for a starting position. I just think that Solo has a more athletic/defensive game and knows exactly what Hurley expects from him. Ball did not come back to sit either.... Both are going to get plenty of minutes depending on game situations. Mahaney is NO slouch, we are very fortunate to have him. I just think that Hurley will give Ball the edge. Ball is a better defender.