a look ahead 2016

[Katatonic]

On another note, anyone consider that a redshirt junior on the current squad will graduate and not come back for his fifth year? Just a thought for the 2016 roster that might open another scholarship for a more athletic player who can hit open jumpers on a more consistent basis.

Sanjay will fill a valuable role as a red-shirt Senior. Relying on Freshman is never a great strategy.

WF just likes writing off players prematurely (esp. if they are not CC recruits).

While I am excited about the offensive skills of Falzon and RI at F (coming in, more polished than Law), that doesn't mean that other players can't still improve and contribute.

If that were the case than Nash and Hearn would never never have gotten an opportunity to play after their soph seasons, or for that matter, a certain recent 1st rnd draft pick and former player for the Badgers.

Now, having said that - Lumpkin will likely be the defensive/energy guy at the 3 spot w/ Skelly taking over that role at the 4 spot.

My point was that every recruiting year under Collins, NU is bringing in talented athletes and more talented and accomplished players. In response to above comment, freshmen play key roles in their first year in the Big 10 and not just at UK and Duke where they make Final 4s and win championships with talented frosh.

And other players take longer to develop - Law didn't really start to show his stuff until the 2nd half of the season.

As for hitting open jumpers on a more consistent basis - seems to me that Lumpkin had less of an issue doing so last season than Law.

Lumpkin
FG% - 53.3 (1st)
3PT% - 38.2 (2nd)

Law
FG% - 38.8
3PT% - 34.7

 

[Katatonic]

For me, the question about minutes starts with Falzon and Ivanaukus. I haven't seen either play, but let's say they are as good as reported. That would imply to me that both are playing major minutes once the conference season rolls around in 2017. It also sparks a couple questions.

1) Between Falzon, Law and Ivanaukus, who comes off the bench?
2) Where does Lindsey fall in this group?

I'm sure the reality of their game and improvement will answer some of these questions. They are good problems to have.

Assuming that Falzon and Ivan are as skilled offensively as the scouting reports indicate, for 2016-17, most likely Falzon and Law are the starters at F (having exp, particularly being up to speed on D being the key thing).

RI would eventually be abe to play both F spots, but the 3 might be better suited for him as a frosh (plus it would be intriguing to see both Falzon and RI spreading the court and then taking it to the basket when a lane opens).

If CC wants to go w/ length all around, can see Law playing some at the 3.

That would leave Lumpkin, Tap and Skelly dividing the rest of the minutes at F w/ Skelly maybe playing some 5 in a pinch.

At the 2 would be Lindsey and Ash (and maybe some Law).

Depending on how polish Brown is as a frosh, Ash might be the 1st option to take over PG duties.