Starting five predictions

[sadderbudweiser]

Cannen is a senior. Coaches always preach senior leadership. I think Cannen comes in with a bit of an edge as a starter (with Markus) even if others end up with more minutes.

The two out front are obvious. That leaves us with the three. I'm going with Sterling.

So I'm guessing

Eman
Nic
Sterling
Markus
Cannen

And yeah…that's one hell of a second five left over. If they had someone who could get the ball past mid court they'd probably win 20 games on their own.

[OhioBrownFan]

I would be very surprised if both transfers end up starting, just because the other guys have had more time in LB's system, but no doubt they're quality players so I could be wrong. I just think that you've got enough scoring on the court with Nic, Mudiay, and Markus, and you need a "glue" guy like Sterling in there starting and then can bring Martin off the bench to score.

I'd really like to see Cannen take his game to another level this offseason and allow Markus to play his natural position -- the 4.

Well I think Tolbert is pretty much a lock to start. Martin is more the guy in question, but I believe he brings a dynamic that fits that 5 to the table that Sterling doesn't. Either way, there's going to be a legit 2 deep at about every position, that's rare in college bball. I know LB isn't shy about putting the transfers on the floor, look at this past year. It will be interesting to see how they progress. I think the wild-card in all of it is Moreira, if he gets back to where he was pre-injury, you would have to think he's seriously embedded in the mix to start.

[gostangs]

No way Tolbert starts over Moore. Moore has much more of a complete game.

[OhioBrownFan]

No way Tolbert starts over Moore. Moore has much more of a complete game.

Over Ben Moore? I'll wager whatever you want on that one chief.

[Oliver]

Eman
Nic
Sterling (Martin replaces him as starter early in season)
Kennedy
Ben Moore (This is the hardest to predict as Cannen, Tolbert (redshirt might make sense) and Yannick are all in the discussion)

I'm worried about Keith's playing time and happiness

[Stallion]

Who knows-we've got so many talented players-I don't put it past 11 guys to prove they deserve to start-its delicious

[Charleston Pony]

I think we will see different starting lineups throughout the year, with Markus, Nic & Eman the only regulars. If there is a deeper team in the country, I'd like to see them. I really think next year's team will have a chance to make a run deep into the tournament. Coaches should have the luxury of playing the hot hand knowing there is depth at every position.

[Pony81]

The fact that we are having this discussion shows the miracle that has occurred under LB.

But wouldn't it be in Tolbert's best interest to sit out a year and learn under LB. The following year he will be a lock to start and get 30+ minutes a game. Then it's off to the NBA.
That's how I would play it if I was him.

[stangsup4]

I know one thing, our squad will be fully rested come tourney time. I doubt anyone averages over 30 minutes a game next year (maybe Moore).

[East Coast Mustang]

I know LB isn't shy about putting the transfers on the floor, look at this past year.

Right, but the transfers last year had a year under their belts practicing in Larry's system during their transfer year when they weren't eligible. Tolbert and Martin won't have that -- of course, we don't even know if Tolbert will be eligible for 2014-15 or not. As some others in this thread implied, we might be better off redshirting him next year and having him in 2015-16.

[StandUp]

Mudiay
NIc
Sterling
Ben
Markus

[friarwolf]

I think we will see different starting lineups throughout the year, with Markus, Nic & Eman the only regulars. If there is a deeper team in the country, I'd like to see them. I really think next year's team will have a chance to make a run deep into the tournament. Coaches should have the luxury of playing the hot hand knowing there is depth at every position.

40 minutes of hell.............

[max the wonder dog]

Eman
Nic
Sterling (Martin replaces him as starter early in season)
Kennedy
Ben Moore (This is the hardest to predict as Cannen, Tolbert (redshirt might make sense) and Yannick are all in the discussion)

I'm worried about Keith's playing time and happiness

I predict Keith will get 20 or so minutes per game. Half when Nic takes a breather, half when Nic moves to point so Eman can take a breather. I can't imagine there will be a better #2 Two in the country next season.

[ojaipony]

I think we will see different starting lineups throughout the year, with Markus, Nic & Eman the only regulars. If there is a deeper team in the country, I'd like to see them. I really think next year's team will have a chance to make a run deep into the tournament. Coaches should have the luxury of playing the hot hand knowing there is depth at every position.

40 minutes of hell.............

This! And it only happens because you bust your butt on the recruiting trail (young bucks coupled with high quality seasoned vets transfers). Winning formula. LB ain't a HOFer for nothing . . .

[ojaipony]

Eman
Nic
Sterling (Martin replaces him as starter early in season)
Kennedy
Ben Moore (This is the hardest to predict as Cannen, Tolbert (redshirt might make sense) and Yannick are all in the discussion)

I'm worried about Keith's playing time and happiness

I predict Keith will get 20 or so minutes per game. Half when Nic takes a breather, half when Nic moves to point so Eman can take a breather. I can't imagine there will be a better #2 Two in the country next season.

Man, I hope you are right. If that becomes the case, it could be scary good. Remember, the teams that tend to go very deep in the tourney (beyond having great teams generally AND great coaching) have SUPERIOR guard play. I'm concerned we don't have another great ball handler outside of Nic and Eman (Sterling is ok, but if FRAZIER can step up, wow - Manuel seems to have improved from last year so he's also ok but not great). But, then again, maybe two is enough - UConn pretty much rode Napier and Boatright the whole way . . . but those guys have GRIT!! Eman has the skills, does he have the GRIT to be CHAMPIONSHIP level . . . wish we had him for 2-3 years . . .