Not only is that starting five a tournament team but there is the upside for a protected seed. Obviously a number of things would have to break right - Benny taking a jump, Chance at full health, chemistry across Judah/JJ/Chance in terms of roles - but there is a reality where that team could be really good. Plus the roster would have stronger depth than years past with legit players like JT and Q coming off the bench.
With so many unknowns it could also totally be a dumpster fire, but would be nice to have the talent to dream big again.
Sure, I think they
should be talented enough to be a tourney team, though as you said, sooooo many unknowns. We have some relatively highly rated kids again finally, though who knows how they'll fit. We don't even truly know our system or if Red can be a head guy yet, so even beyond the talent, who the knows.
I do think we're going to struggle because of our frontcourt, at least at times. Rebounding, defense and scoring from there is all up in the air. Maybe Benny takes a step forward and becomes a consistent double figure scorer. I think he found something with his shot late in the year, but is he a good shooter? Who knows until we see more of it. Motor, rebounding, defense for him all have to be improved over last year.
Bell, Taylor, Brown - who knows if they'll be good fits or much improved over last year. All seemed very one-dimensional in their own ways, and I'm not sure any are good enough be bigtime players on a top 20 team. Let's hope so though.
Center is an even bigger question.
At least we seem to have some semblance of direction again, improving the talent and have a real chance to get back where we belong.
