Starting 5 & Bench Thoughts

[jordoo]

Starters: Carlos, Starling, Bell, Freeman, Lampkin (actually starting a PG, SG, SF, PF, C that's nice for a change)

Front Court Bench: Davis, Majstorovic, McLeod (I think these three all play and added to the starters give us a strong well rounded frontcourt)

Back Court Bench: Taylor, Moore, Cuffe, Westry? (I think this is the biggest question for the team)

-Taylor looks like a good defender to me that can do a bit of everything offensively. He has the most experience and is probably the best bet for 1st guard off the bench. Can he and JJ handle the PG duties when Carlos sits? Can he make jumpers consistently?

Moore can shoot, provide instant offense and brings energy and effort. Can he do the following things well enough as a freshman to find a spot in the rotation? Protect the ball, defend, pass.

Cuffe: Brings a lot of energy, seems to be a capable but streaky shooter. I'm not sure we will see anything but spot minutes or Red is really frustrated with the effort of the other guards minutes.

Westry: Expecting anything from Westry, at this point, is like hoping that the hottest girl in high school is going to dump her boyfriend and pick you out of all the other guys. There's always a reason, its never a big deal, he's looking great, its precautionary, he had a cold . . . . . . . . . hoping for the best expecting nothing.


I really like the frontcourt and think we have a strong starting backcourt. I want to see more defensively and rebounding. I'm worried about backcourt depth but we do have options, the cupboard isn't completely bare, I'm just not sure exactly what we have there.

 

[Hopkins16]

The exhibition games to me are like scrimmages and not a good platform to evaluate players. The way I see it, all 12 of our scholarship players are good enough to get minutes before ACC play. I see the core being the starting unit of Lampkin, Freeman, Bell, JJ, Carlos and an active bench consisting of Davis, Choppa, Petra, and Taylor. If Chance is healthy and ready, he will be part of the active bench.

Cuffe and McLeod should get a little time based on matchups, or if the starters and active bench players aren't playing well. We have to keep all guys engaged and ready as it is a long season.

Defense will be key over the next few games as the competition gets better, and the expectation should be that we beat the tuneup teams like LeMoyne, Colgate, Cornell etc. (they should not be nail biters or losses that lead to post game meltdowns as in recent years). Hopefully, we will fare well and win some of the games against better teams like Texas, Tennessee etc.

By the time we get to the start of the ACC schedule, we should have a good idea of each player and how they fit into the team.

 

[MikeSU02]

Lampkin is just a large dude. What is this with him not being "in shape"? That is total bs. He had more motor out there than practically anybody. Excellent work on the boards in both games.

Ya, I don't think Lampkin or Jyare are in ACC basketball shape.

All good if I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Ya, I don't think Lampkin or Jyare are in ACC basketball shape.

All good if I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

Lampkin was good for 28 minutes a game in the Pac 12 last year but can't cut it in the ACC? PAC 12 was not some mid major conference. He is just a large dude. But I assume your theory is that he is lazy in his conditioning for us since he got his big check already

 

[Hopkins16]

Lampkin was good for 28 minutes a game in the Pac 12 last year but can't cut it in the ACC? PAC 12 was not some mid major conference. He is just a large dude. But I assume your theory is that he is lazy in his conditioning for us since he got his big check already

Earlier this summer, Lampkin did appear trimmer and in better shape than in the exhibition games. He is the best pure center we've had in a while, but he will have trouble when we encounter a center who plays on the perimeter. McLeod though trimmer, loose and limber, will not be much of a factor due to lack of basketball instincts. Davis, although undersized or Freeman might have to guard a perimeter oriented center.

 

[SUFan44]

I don't see minutes for Kyle barring injury.

Never understood everyone's infatuation with him last year.

He transferred from Kansas, and didn't play there for a reason.

Good players play wherever they are. He's not very good.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Earlier this summer, Lampkin did appear trimmer and in better shape than in the exhibition games. He is the best pure center we've had in a while, but he will have trouble when we encounter a center who plays on the perimeter. McLeod though trimmer, loose and limber, will be no matter due to lack of basketball instincts. Davis, although undersized or Freeman might have to guard a perimeter oriented center.

I am concerned about his rim protection/help defense due to his lack of vertical, his quickness against a smaller skinnier center could be an issue, but we have had zero indication that he is in any way "out of shape". I have no idea what is giving people that impression. So he was trimmer this summer but managed to get out of shape again before the season started? Hell nah. He is just a huge guy.

 

[littlereg]

Earlier this summer, Lampkin did appear trimmer and in better shape than in the exhibition games. He is the best pure center we've had in a while, but he will have trouble when we encounter a center who plays on the perimeter. McLeod though trimmer, loose and limber, will be no matter due to lack of basketball instincts. Davis, although undersized or Freeman might have to guard a perimeter oriented center.

I really don’t see how he’s slimmer/trimmer in these pictures in July than he does in these ones now.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

Man if chance can somehow figure out a way to contribute. I think we’re gonna need a 3rd guard.

We have 3. Choppa is going to be sooo goood

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

McLeod is the ideal guy to fill the Jeremy McNeil role at the end

I have defended McLeod on here as much as anyone, based on who he is and what is talents allow him to be.
If you are assigning him a McNeil like impact at the end of a press, I call BS.
Jeremy could stop a 2-1 all by himself. He would commit, force a pass, and recover to make the block. McLeod does not have that in him. If a player went right at him, he might get a block. He might as likely get a foul. Jeremy was a GAME CHANGER!!!

 

[cuseincincy]

I think right now the bench is: Davis, Taylor, Choppa and Petar. I think Choppa's shooting will move him ahead of Taylor but Taylor and Choppa will also play some at the 3 when Bell is out. 6-8 minutes of McLeod would be nice to mix in too. Lots of interchangeable parts.

 

[tptcuse]

We have 3. Choppa is going to be sooo goood

I agree. He is much better than I thought he would be at this point. He works hard enough and is bright enough to improve quickly on defense.

 

[pearl31]

He does look to be more mobile than last year when he was hampered by his foot, but McLeod is still just SO SLOW in his reaction time and footwork - there were at least 3 instances last night where it was clear one of the small SR players was going to the rim, and McLeod knew it too, but even at 7'4 against dII players couldn't get into position to make a block

 

[asj410]

The exhibition games to me are like scrimmages and not a good platform to evaluate players.

This.

Remember the time Southerland blew everyone's minds by scoring 19 on 100% shooting (including 5 of 5 from 3) as a freshman in the first exhibition of the 2009-10 season, but then went on to play only sparingly that year?

 

[MikeSU02]

Lampkin was good for 28 minutes a game in the Pac 12 last year but can't cut it in the ACC? PAC 12 was not some mid major conference. He is just a large dude. But I assume your theory is that he is lazy in his conditioning for us since he got his big check already

No, I look at him and think - that dude isn't in ACC shape. Same with Jyare. If that's the best shape he can be in, cool.

28 mins a game playing with 3 NBA draftees is a lot different than playing in a role we are likely going to ask of him.

 

[Hopkins16]

I really don’t see how he’s slimmer/trimmer in these pictures in July than he does in these ones now.

Dost my eyes deceive me?

 

[DoctahLexus]

No, I look at him and think - that dude isn't in ACC shape. Same with Jyare. If that's the best shape he can be in, cool.

28 mins a game playing with 3 NBA draftees is a lot different than playing in a role we are likely going to ask of him.

Can’t believe they still played him 28 mins a game with all that NBA talent. I wonder why? And despite his supposed backseat role he managed to average 10 points and 7 boards a game. You can’t play 28 mins a game with stats like that and be in bad shape. You just can’t. And I know you are not willing to watch any footage of him from last year, but he clearly gives 110%. He is not huffing and puffing in the corner on plays he is not involved in. He is fierce on the box out and constantly harassing the other teams 5.

 

[Ottoman]

The starting 5 is apparent. But the bench minutes will be interesting. There is a good battle between Moore and Taylor. I think Moore has the upper hand right now because his shooting makes us more dynamic especially when Chris Bell is on the bench. If Chance can get healthy he has plenty of opportunity to grab minutes at either guard spot.

I think the backup forwards and centers have more depth. Davis looks like he can play - and, at the very least, avoid making mistakes. Petar looks solid, especially for a freshman. McCloud looks borderline dreadful throughout the game, but somehow he still produces decent stats per minute played. If healthy, I think he plays a bigger role than most people believe. Stamina is holding him back from getting more minutes, not necessarily production.

 

[Orangezoo]

Can’t believe they still played him 28 mins a game with all that NBA talent. I wonder why? And despite his supposed backseat role he managed to average 10 points and 7 boards a game. You can’t play 28 mins a game with stats like that and be in bad shape. You just can’t. And I know you are not willing to watch any footage of him from last year, but he clearly gives 110%. He is not huffing and puffing in the corner on plays he is not involved in. He is fierce on the box out and constantly harassing the other teams 5.

Mikes very low on this team this year and that’s cool. I hope they prove him and others that feel that way wrong. You can’t blame anyone for having their doubts though. Until we see things change and wins pile up then that doubt lingers for many.

I may seem the optimist but I’m cautiously hopeful but not holding my breath either. We’ve had our hopes crushed repeatedly over the past 10 yrs and most of that in the last 5.

 

[DoctahLexus]

Mikes very low on this team this year and that’s cool. I hope they prove him and others that feel that way wrong. You can’t blame anyone for having their doubts though. Until we see things change and wins pile up then that doubt lingers for many.

I may seem the optimist but I’m cautiously hopeful but not holding my breath either. We’ve had our hopes crushed repeatedly over the past 10 yrs and most of that in the last 5.

He was the starting 5 on a tournament team and like he said three NBA draft picks. He and others have a problem with the weak conferences other transfers are coming from. This is not a case of that at all. To question aspects of his game is totally fine. I am worried his lack of blocking will be an issue, as well as his big frame against smaller 5s. But come on, if he is in shape enough to play 28 mpg on a team that was vastly better than us last year in a comparable conference, how is he not in “ACC shape”? His critiques of the guy are lazy and he is bitter about how much we paid him.

 

[Dmcnabbrules]

This team if healthy has plenty of nice options off the bench. You have a rim protector, a veteran forward, an experienced guard, a potentially dynamic shooter off the bench. These guys all have flaws but also a skill that can change a game. If Chance can play the depth is real. I am looking forward to the season starting Monday.

 

[Sbucketball]

The starting 5 is apparent. But the bench minutes will be interesting. There is a good battle between Moore and Taylor. I think Moore has the upper hand right now because his shooting makes us more dynamic especially when Chris Bell is on the bench. If Chance can get healthy he has plenty of opportunity to grab minutes at either guard spot.

I think the backup forwards and centers have more depth. Davis looks like he can play - and, at the very least, avoid making mistakes. Petar looks solid, especially for a freshman. McCloud looks borderline dreadful throughout the game, but somehow he still produces decent stats per minute played. If healthy, I think he plays a bigger role than most people believe. Stamina is holding him back from getting more minutes, not necessarily production.

If Lucas can't find his shot, then Moore might get most of his minutes at SF in a 3-guard lineup to give Bell a break.

 

[Ottoman]

If Lucas can't find his shot, then Moore might get most of his minutes at SF in a 3-guard lineup to give Bell a break.

I agree - the role you mentioned for Moore makes a lot of sense. If Taylor can't find his shot, he won't be playing guard or anywhere else, I'd imagine. His shot should come around though - he had good shooting numbers coming in.

 

[Capt. Tuttle]

I have defended McLeod on here as much as anyone, based on who he is and what is talents allow him to be.
If you are assigning him a McNeil like impact at the end of a press, I call BS.
Jeremy could stop a 2-1 all by himself. He would commit, force a pass, and recover to make the block. McLeod does not have that in him. If a player went right at him, he might get a block. He might as likely get a foul. Jeremy was a GAME CHANGER!!!

Post Script - I don’t think I ever felt it was a sure thing the other team would score near the basket when Jeremy was in. It was 50/50 at best. Kind of like when we had Rosie Bouie.

 

[Niastri]

Post Script - I don’t think I ever felt it was a sure thing the other team would score near the basket when Jeremy was in. It was 50/50 at best. Kind of like when we had Rosie Bouie.

Jeremy McNeil was a great shotblocker, and had one of the most critical roles imaginable beating Oklahoma State in the tournament.

I also can see that you love him to death. I do too!

But...

They only started keeping block% in his junior year.

His best year he had a 9.5%

McLeod had 13.8% last year, one of the best seasons for block% ever.

You are letting your memory play tricks on you if you think McNeil is a better shotblocker. The stats emphatically don't support McNeil being better.