2016/2017 Roster

[spider23]

I am assuming Solly is not eligible until next year. I just listed everyone once at the position I think most likely.

Guards – Jesse, Fore, SDJ, DeMonte, Julius

Wings – Marshall, Sherod, Malcolm

Forwards/C – Tj, Paul, Grant, Kwesi

I do like the versatility here. I think Wood and Malcolm will move over and play some at the PF spot. I know Wood is really more used as a PF, but looking at what I think guys best spot is I have him at a wing.
It sounds like DeMonte can really play anywhere from 1-3. I like him and Fore sharing the PG spot, and agree with 97 that this allows Shawndre more freedom to score and hopefully will keep him fresher throughout the season.

Front court still concerns me, but I like the addition of Kwesi to eat up 10-15 mins game on many nights. We will need some very solid contributions from Paul or Grant. Their ability to be healthy and play 25-30 EFFECTIVE minutes between them will by a hugh key in my opinion. If we don't have another big body that can defend and rebound against 4/5's, this will place a huge burden on TJ. Like Shawndre, we need other guys doing the dirty work, and allow his energy to focus on running the offense and scoring. If Grant and Paul are not healthy or ready, I am guessing we will see Wood and Malcolm (or Demonte) in a smaller lineup, which I think lacks size and/or strength depending on who is in there.

I am very interested to see if Jesse or Julius worked hard this offseason and come back ready to grab some time. As noted in the article on the frosh, it seems Nick will have ample opportunity to grab some time as well.

 

[spider23]

I am thinking the day 1 starting lineup will be Fore, Shawndre, Demonte, Wood, and TJ. I think Bernard has the opportunity to move himself in there as well.

 

[fan2011]

All we know is the majority of the time at the 1 and 2 are going to SDJ and KF. The majority of the time at 5 is going to TJC. Other than that it really depends on how good the freshmen and transfers are compared to what we have coming back from last year, and we really have no idea. Positions 3 and 4 are completely up for grabs. Maybe we will have a better idea after the summer trip or when practices start, but we won't have a concrete understanding of how good the newcomers are until they have played a few games on our team. I really doubt Mooney has a rotation with more than 9 players, I think 3-4 of these guys are not going to play besides mop-up minutes. I am pretty sure KA will be on the bench, along with JJ and/or JP. Not sure who the last one or two are.

1/2
SDJ: 35-40 minutes
KF: 30-35 mintes
DB/JJ/JP: 5-15 minutes

3
NS: ???
DB: ???
JJ: ???
JP: ???
MB: ???

4
GG: ???
MB: ???
MW: ???
KA: ???

5
TJC: 30-35 minutes
PF/GG/???: 5-10 minutes

 

[spiderman]

that's a lot of ?'s.

playing time will be REALLY interesting this season. I agree that probably only 9 will see regular time. so barring injuries to shorten the rotation, some very good players will be riding pine. freshmen sometimes accept this as they wait their turn, but I have a feeling ALL 3 of them will earn 10+ mpg. but we'll see.

 

[MountainSpider]

If everyone is healthy, I'd like to redshirt GG. We'd still have 4 frontcourt players and a possible 5th in MB if needed. GG will obviously be better as a redshirt senior than as a freshman, and the opportunity to play 3 years with his brother increases our odds of Bryce Golden committing here.

If GG redshirts, I think our front court would be TJ backed up by PF, and then offensive/defensive substitutions with MW and KA.

 

[ur2K]

My biggest concern is going to be figuring out how to protect TJ from getting into foul trouble. Someone is going to have to step up in the front court

 

[spiderman]

If everyone is healthy, I'd like to redshirt GG. We'd still have 4 frontcourt players and a possible 5th in MB if needed. GG will obviously be better as a redshirt senior than as a freshman, and the opportunity to play 3 years with his brother increases our odds of Bryce Golden committing here.

If GG redshirts, I think our front court wood be TJ backed up by PF, and then offensive/defensive substitutions with MW and KA.

if he isn't one of our best 9, fine. if he wants to redshirt, fine. but I hope he's one of our best 9. heck, I hope he's so good he starts.

 

[gospidersgo]

I actually think Grant redshirting would hurt our chances for Bryce. Bryce is getting offers from the big boys and I think seeing Grant play and thrive would be the best recruiting tool for us to land Bryce.

I also feel like if he's not good enough to play at all this year it probably means we are in for a long season.

 

[MrTbone]

If everyone is healthy, I'd like to redshirt GG. We'd still have 4 frontcourt players and a possible 5th in MB if needed. GG will obviously be better as a redshirt senior than as a freshman, and the opportunity to play 3 years with his brother increases our odds of Bryce Golden committing here.

If GG redshirts, I think our front court would be TJ backed up by PF, and then offensive/defensive substitutions with MW and KA.

I've been saying this since he signed with us...Grant is going to play a lot. I don't see any way he redshirts barring medical.

 

[R&B fan]

If Grant reshirts, the sky will fall. Way too good for that.

 

[97spiderfan]

If everyone is healthy, I'd like to redshirt GG. We'd still have 4 frontcourt players and a possible 5th in MB if needed. GG will obviously be better as a redshirt senior than as a freshman, and the opportunity to play 3 years with his brother increases our odds of Bryce Golden committing here.

If GG redshirts, I think our front court would be TJ backed up by PF, and then offensive/defensive substitutions with MW and KA.

Um, no.

 

[MountainSpider]

I think this board tends to overvalue our new toys, and give up on our old toys in their freshman year, too quickly. At least one of the previously loved but now unloved JJ/JP/PF trio will beat their counterpart in the NS/DB/GG trio for playing time. Quite likely two of them will. And if that happens, it is OK.

GG didn't have a bunch of high majors beating down his door (us and GW were his best offers), and he is a freshman big man. Tempered expectations would be wise.

 

[97spiderfan]

If we are going 9 deep, which I think is consistent with what Mooney wants to do, these are my 9.

1. SDJ
2. TJ
3. Khwan
4. Marshall
5. DMB
6. Nick
7. Marvin
8. Kweisi
9. Grant

Paul, Julius, and Jesse better come in very hungry and fighting or I see them in largely similar roles to what they had last year, except Julius will see more time with Jesse on the bench. Paul probably has a chance situationally due to the roster to make a dent in the rotation. Julius and Jesse, I think we just have better talent in the system than those guys.

 

[TBSpyder]

I've thought it might be advantageous to redshirt Grant, though redshirting has not paid off for us so far. When he committed, he said in an interview, he looked forward to understudying under TJ. Whereas most players indicate that they want to play a lot of minutes. If he redshirts, he could play 3 years with Bryce as said. But, you can't have too many big men in the rotation, if he's ready, we may need to play him this year.

 

[97spiderfan]

Jesse and Julius are not beating out Buck and Sherod. Not gonna happen. Yes, I agree we do tend to overvalue new toys on here. But in this case, the new toys are better and deserve their value.

 

[MountainSpider]

Jesse and Julius are not beating out Buck and Sherod. Not gonna happen. Yes, I agree we do tend to overvalue new toys on here. But in this case, the new toys are better and deserve their value.

I agree they are better prospects, but all that has to happen is for the better of the JJ/JP pair to beat out the worst of the DB/NS pair. Given that players typically make their greatest leap from freshmen to sophomores, this could easily happen. For example, the freshman could be our #1 and #3 options, and the sophomores our #2 and #4 options.

 

[TBSpyder]

I don't know, for sure, who will be our best players, but we have of lot of prospects, and competition is always good. I think some players are sure fire stars for us, but I think they should still have to beat out their competition. The competition won't end in October. We've seen CM promote some players as the season progresses. Competition can be good for everyone.

 

[MrTbone]

I think this board tends to overvalue our new toys, and give up on our old toys in their freshman year, too quickly. At least one of the previously loved but now unloved JJ/JP/PF trio will beat their counterpart in the NS/DB/GG trio for playing time. Quite likely two of them will. And if that happens, it is OK.

GG didn't have a bunch of high majors beating down his door (us and GW were his best offers), and he is a freshman big man. Tempered expectations would be wise.

Mine is not a shiny new toy analysis. I am never expecting much from freshmen.

In this case, the options are slim for us at 4 and 5. He has a very strong chance of getting good minutes, particularly if he plays good defense.

 

[spiderman]

we always hope for greatness from our freshmen but we haven't had too many that made an immediate impact. this class is different though.
hand them nothing, but don't hold them back because they're freshmen. if they earn it, they play.

 

[gcarter52]

I think that we have two, maybe three freshmen that could be comparable to Johnnie Newman as a freshmen. He was ready to step in a play immediately and had a tremendous impact on the team.

 

[sdspider]

All I know is that to have a better season than the last either the returning players must be improved or the freshmen and transfers are an upgrade over what we got. Otherwise I think we're in line for another middle of the pack finish in the a10 based on returning talent. I hope I'm wrong and we can step up our defense with the old and the new blood coming in and push for a top four finish

 

[keefusb]

I see Buckingham getting minutes simply because he can play PG. Given CM's history, I seriously doubt any of the frosh start. I'd really like to think that at least one or two of them are good enough to start, but unless there are injury issues, I don't see it. SDJ, Cline, Wood, Fore, and Bernard start. Buckingham will be the first guy off the bench mostly because he can play point. I like Fore and Buckingham at PG because they are both strong, athletic players with a good handle. SDJ has a great handle, but last season, he was hurt and worn out by the latter part of the schedule. Playing the 2 should keep him fresh, plus he would be an excellent secondary ball handler against the press.

I don't see any of the current freshmen being "John Newman-caliber" players. Newman was a once in 20 or 25 year player. If any of the current freshman finish their careers as 2000-point scorers and have their jersey hanging in the RC, I will be shocked.

 

[Ulla1]

I see Buckingham getting minutes simply because he can play PG. Given CM's history, I seriously doubt any of the frosh start. I'd really like to think that at least one or two of them are good enough to start, but unless there are injury issues, I don't see it. SDJ, Cline, Wood, Fore, and Bernard start. Buckingham will be the first guy off the bench mostly because he can play point. I like Fore and Buckingham at PG because they are both strong, athletic players with a good handle. SDJ has a great handle, but last season, he was hurt and worn out by the latter part of the schedule. Playing the 2 should keep him fresh, plus he would be an excellent secondary ball handler against the press.

Well said, kee. Agree whole heartedly. Think Grant has been underrated. Really up for an exciting year. OSC

 

[gcarter52]

I see Buckingham getting minutes simply because he can play PG. Given CM's history, I seriously doubt any of the frosh start. I'd really like to think that at least one or two of them are good enough to start, but unless there are injury issues, I don't see it. SDJ, Cline, Wood, Fore, and Bernard start. Buckingham will be the first guy off the bench mostly because he can play point. I like Fore and Buckingham at PG because they are both strong, athletic players with a good handle. SDJ has a great handle, but last season, he was hurt and worn out by the latter part of the schedule. Playing the 2 should keep him fresh, plus he would be an excellent secondary ball handler against the press.

I don't see any of the current freshmen being "John Newman-caliber" players. Newman was a once in 20 or 25 year player. If any of the current freshman finish their careers as 2000-point scorers and have their jersey hanging in the RC, I will be shocked.

I agree with you on most counts, but don't sell Sherod short, he is a beast and will seriously be in the midst. He and Buckingham will prove to be that once in 20 or 25 year players!!

 

[SpiderHoops32]

Great thread, good points all around.

 

[keefusb]

I really hope they prove me wrong, but if both Buckingham and Sherrod finish up their careers as 2000 point scorers, I will eat my f***ing hat.

 

[gcarter52]

I really hope they prove me wrong, but if both Buckingham and Sherrod finish up their careers as 2000 point scorers, I will eat my f***ing hat.

Ok now, George Wills had to eat his hat when Donald Trump got the Republican nomination, lol.

 

[keefusb]

I'm frequently spotted around town wearing my bacon hat during the cooler months...

 

[gcarter52]

I'm frequently spotted around town wearing my bacon hat during the cooler months...

Well, that is a tasty treat!!!

 

[Eight Legger]

I really hope they prove me wrong, but if both Buckingham and Sherrod finish up their careers as 2000 point scorers, I will eat my f***ing hat.

It will be nearly impossible for either of them to score 2,000 in 3 years, and since they'll both turn pro after we win the 2019 national championship, I think your hat is safe.

 

[TBSpyder]

I would never wear a bacon hat, as there are too many varmints that would devour me. That said, I love bacon.

 

[Ulla1]

Chick-fil-A needs to introduce a bacon and chicken biscuit. OSC

 

[gospidersgo]

I don't see any of the current freshmen being "John Newman-caliber" players. Newman was a once in 20 or 25 year player. If any of the current freshman finish their careers as 2000-point scorers and have their jersey hanging in the RC, I will be shocked.

Point taken, but that works the other way too. How many on here in spring of 2007 thought Kevin Anderson would be a 2000 point scorer.

 

[Ulla1]

Point taken, but that works the other way too. How many on here in spring of 2007 thought Kevin Anderson would be a 2000 point scorer.

go, you are so right. While the new recruits have bountiful physical skills, one never knows if one has the heart and desire to be great. OSC

 

[keefusb]

After the Wake game KA's freshman year, I was convinced that he would be a very special player for us.

Plus, I don't need to eat my bacon hat unless TWO of our freshmen score 2000 points each.

 

[SpiderK]

My biggest concern is going to be figuring out how to protect TJ from getting into foul trouble. Someone is going to have to step up in the front court

Agreed!!!! Concerned about TJ's conditioning too. Certainly not for lack of effort, just a big man that loses his breath quite often. I think GG is going to have to play and I am looking forward to it.

 

[SpiderHoops32]

I don't think TJ's conditioning will be an issue. He really has slimmed down since he got here!

 

[spiderman]

wow. looks skinny. hope he still has his low post game.

 

[spider23]

Really hope Solly is ruled eligible this year, though I have little expectation of that happening. I don't see him as a power forward, but he appears to have good size at the wing, with the ability to play some PF in a smaller type lineup. With his experience in France, I feel like he could be ready to walk in and play at a high level. If not, I think it will be very very critical for Friendshuh or Golden to be significant contributors, as well as one of DeMonte or Nick on the wing.

 

[spiderman]

plenty of size up front with TJ, Wood, Abaka, Friendshuh and Golden all 6'8"+.
Solly at 6'7" is ideally a 3 defending the perimeter (which he did very well in the videos), but long enough to play inside defensively against most teams. I think we'll see him at both spots if he's allowed to play this year. then more at the big forward spot next season as our slew of big young guards eat up most of the time available at the 3.