Is it too early to start looking at next Basketball season?
tyler_pifer92: I hate to just give up on the season, but it doesn’t seem to be getting much better. We know we are definitely losing Lance Terry, Javian McCollum, and Ryan Mutombo. Onwuchekwa has already quit the team. Reeves and O’Brien could get medicals if they don’t play again, but let’s assume they’re gone as well. Lets also assume that the returning roster stays intact (I expect Sutton will leave).
What are the biggest needs for next year’s team?
Definitely a Center, a reliable 3 pt shooter, and I’d like to see a scoring upgrade over George, who I think is probably best running the second unit. Thoughts?
Drew: I’m happy with George running point, especially with Mustaf helping to cover up some of the defensive limitations. But if all of the players you mention are gone, then there’s only 5 left. Nait George, Jaeden Mustaf, Baye Ndongo, Duncan Powell, and Ibrahim Souare. Ndongo has struggled this year. This team would need everything. 3-point shooting is huge. Big, defensive wings are a must. Kowacie Reeves and Luke O’Brien were supposed to fill that role this year and have missed basically the whole year. Duncan Powell has sort of filled that role and I like him coming off the bench again next year. Center would be the position of least need if Ndongo and Souare are back, but we’d need another body.
The recruiting class is big (4 commits, plus the uncertainty of Cole Kirouac). The top recruit is Mohammed Sylla, another center. I doubt Kirouac comes to GT, but if he does, that’s another center. Our other three commits are 6’5” or under. We need some wings. It’s possible Reeves or even O’Brien could get an injury waiver and return.
It’s the new era. You can’t really look forward at all. Ndongo or George could transfer out (I would not be surprised if Ndongo did). Add the uncertainty of the House settlement and any predictions are less sure.