Next Year's Rotation

[ojaipony]

I admit I'm not as big a basketball fan as a football fan, and I haven't really followed SMU basketball that much since my school days. But I am now!

Having said that, it's fun to speculate about our rotation next year. Why I started this thread. What do you think?

Starters:
PG: Moore
SG: Frazier
SF: JJ
PF: Cannen
C: Yannick

2nd:
PG: Manuel
SG: Russell/Head
SF: Williams
PF: Kennedy
C: Blaise

I don't know. The combos are pretty endless. I don't know where Sterling Brown fits in and how good Head is. It's exciting for sure. Could this be a tourney bound team in 1-2 years?

[ebrooks11]

You forgot jalen jones.

[Charleston Pony]

You forgot jalen jones.

I think Jalen and Shawn battle it out for the starting 3 spot, but next year's team is going to be deep and will have a lot of guys who can play a lot of different positions. I think Moreira, Kennedy and Cunningham rotate as bigs but we will have a lot of athletes to play small when necessary. It's going to be a lot of fun but could be challenging for the coaches in terms of finding the best combinations. One thing I do expect is tenacious "in your face" defense for 40 minutes because we will have plenty of depth if guys relax on D.

[ojaipony]

You forgot jalen jones.

Wow, I can't believe I did. Thanks, good catch. I'll correct.

[Rebel10]

Starters:
PG: Moore
SG: Frazier or Russell
SF: JJ or Head
PF: Kennedy
C: Yannick

[gostangs]

watching Brown work his craft has been interesting this past year - but lets face it - there are only so many options when you have a REALLY short bench. Next year is going to be fascinating to just watch Brown manipulate the combinations available to him against the other team. I would expect some surprises along the way. Some "big" and some "small ball" line ups, as well as shut down defense and pedal down offense combinations. Cant wait. Hope the players have enough maturity to realize some nights will be their night, and some nights they will be in support roles.

[ojaipony]

Starters:
PG: Moore
SG: Frazier or Russell
SF: JJ or Head
PF: Kennedy
C: Yannick

Yeah, I think this is closer to what I foresee. Will be interesting to watch. I hope this may influence June to step up his game.

[gostangs]

i think it is JJ's job for sure. He looked great all year, and will be able to shine with more threats on the court.

[Junior]

Jalen was a stud all year. Tough dude who will be good for us next year.

[Charleston Pony]

Should be interesting to see how Jalen is used next year. He was an out of place 4 this year and could still play there if we go small, but really should be playing the 3 at his size. I expect he will really need to work on his shot to round out his game, but he's shown he can slash and get to the hoop pretty effectively. No question he's a "high energy" type of guy who I could see making a great 6th man coming off the bench to give the team a spark when needed.

[RGV Pony]

Being this deep is where we will really benefit from having coach Brown. NBA teams regularly play 8 or 9 guys & Brown will be adept at managing minutes

what ?

[gostangs]

who is going to beat out JJ for the 3? I know we are deeper but i dont see that happening.

[LA_Mustang]

who is going to beat out JJ for the 3?

I don't think anyone. IMO, the 3 is his natural position and he will be much more productive there. Also, I think he is the exactly the kind of player LB loves - athletic, tough, plays his [deleted] off all the time, can defend and rebound, and always plays with passion.

[Pony ^]

Kennedy has to start. Him and Yannick at the same time...man I'm getting excited for next yr. One word: DEEP.

[StangEsq]

Agreed. Kennedy may be the best player on the team next year.