There’s no chance we grab another big, is there?

[Cuse_NYC]

PF/Center is clearly our weakest point. I actually love Mcleod, and think he will exceed expectations, but if he were to go down or get in foul trouble, we really have nothing behind him. Benny or Maliq get hurt, kind of screwed at the 4 as well. Any shot we grab someone late?

 

[OrangeXtreme]

We've used up all 13 scholarships.

 

[miamicuse]

That what she said?

 

[Cusefan0307]

We have 13 players. This is the most well built roster we have had in years.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

N

We have 13 players. This is the most well built roster we have had in years.

No I agree, but Hima at center if Mcleod goes down is scary.

 

[Cusefan0307]

N

No I agree, but Hima at center if Mcleod goes down is scary.

I don't think we necessarily need a true 5. I think you're going to see quite a bit of small ball with Benny and/or Brown there.. And there's always a chance Patterson and/or Carey step up. We've had other years we were a hangnail away from walk-ons playing under JB.

 

[MikeSU02]

N

No I agree, but Hima at center if Mcleod goes down is scary.

We aren't throwing either of them down on the block, slowing it down, and chucking it down so they can do three power dribbles.

Set a screen, run towards the rim, play defense, rebound.

We can also go "small" with a Benny or Maliq at center.

 

[cuseallday]

I do agree that asking the center group to replace Jesse's production is likely unrealistic, although maybe Naheem can make a junior-year leap like Jesse did...but having the option of Benny and/or Maliq at center and going a little small, that provides additional "stability" at center...so many fun and interesting line-up combos for Autry & Co.!

 

[721Comstock]

We aren't throwing either of them down on the block, slowing it down, and chucking it down so they can do three power dribbles.

Set a screen, run towards the rim, play defense, rebound.

We can also go "small" with a Benny or Maliq at center.

Red has already publicly stated he plans for some minutes for Maliq at the 5.

I mean, this is likely literally the most fouls we’ve ever had to give up at the 5 spot in program history.

Theoretically, you could have any of:
McLeod, Maliq, Hima, or
Patterson, Benny, and Carey play minutes there.
(The first 3 are by far the most likely)

But as has been asked and answered of the OP -
No, because we don’t have any schollies left.

I cannot recall the last time we had a full complement of 13 legit recruited scholarship players.

 

[MikeSU02]

I do agree that asking the center group to replace Jesse's production is likely unrealistic, although maybe Naheem can make a junior-year leap like Jesse did...but having the option of Benny and/or Maliq at center and going a little small, that provides additional "stability" at center...so many fun and interesting line-up combos for Autry & Co.!

Highlighted part is really important. To your point, Red doesn't need to solve Jesse's production with a center in terms of points or what not.

I think we'll have more diversified scoring, I think McLeod will cover some of it, but overall I think the offense will look very different.

I wish Jesse luck, but we'll get back that production through other areas.

 

[Cusefan0307]

We just need a shotblocker and a rim runner. Anything more is gravy. The ball is going to be in the guards hands a ton(IMO) with Benny playing the role of a jumpshooting wing.

 

[Fly Rodder]

With the level of talent available at the G/Wing, I'm not concerned with C production. 10-12 ppg total off of put-backs and drop offs is plenty.

Patterson may be red-shirted after the summer. Lots of variables right now.

 

[althea]

I like that the smallest guy on the team is 6’2”, has a 40+ vertical and appears to be able to dunk like Stevie Thompson.

 

[Sbucketball]

I’m hyped for this team but the only thing that gives me pause is McLeod instead of Jesse. Hoping the consensus here is McLeod will be really good for what we need so I can be convinced this team is top tier. I agree GGGFF will be a common and good lineup for us too, but we still need a C sometimes with this crop. Thanks in advance.

 

[Cusefan69]

I think Hima is getting some unnecessary hate. The expectations are not for him to be a first team all american. As a backup if he can block a couple shots, alter a couple shots, get us some boards, play with some energy and get us a few put backs with authority then that helps the team. I think he showed he can do some of that and he will continue to get a little better. If we get more great. If we get less than I expect the coaches to work harder to get more from him.

 

[MSOrange]

We've used up all 13 scholarships.

I hope the AD accounted for that in the budget since it's been rarity

 

[Trueblue25]

Hima’s a good backup and altered some games positively last year during limited minutes.

Respect Mount Hima

 

[CardiacCuse]

PF/Center is clearly our weakest point. I actually love Mcleod, and think he will exceed expectations, but if he were to go down or get in foul trouble, we really have nothing behind him. Benny or Maliq get hurt, kind of screwed at the 4 as well. Any shot we grab someone late?

i get the sentiment - and really it comes down to having 4 projects at C, which is unusual and less than ideal - but in this type of roster there are so many scorers at guard and forward that someone has to do the dirty work...being a big body that is active is basically all that will be needed...

i think the loyalty and commitment the team made to the young bigs is part of the reason they are all on the roster...but the new staff sent jg3, bol, sy packing basically and they didnt to carey...so...maybe they see some big upside there...

ideally wouldve gotten an offensive threat like dickinson but it's not really an issue

I think carey and patterson shouldnt be discounted...one or both could surprise...we shouldnt just assume that they will be non-factors even though it is unlikely either would be any type of difference maker.

 

[cuseallday]

With the level of talent available at the G/Wing, I'm not concerned with C production. 10-12 ppg total off of put-backs and drop offs is plenty.

Patterson may be red-shirted after the summer. Lots of variables right now.

I agree, great point. If the center spot could grab a combined 10-12 points, 6-10 boards, a few blocked shots, be solid on defense, etc., the scoring load will come from a deep group of guards/wings, etc.

 

[kingtidge]

N

No I agree, but Hima at center if Mcleod goes down is scary.

We won the natty with craig forth... we can get by.

 

[OmahaCuse]

Cuff, Patterson and Carey are my guess to see limited minutes.

 

[DoctorBombay]

N

No I agree, but Hima at center if Mcleod goes down is scary.

Why? Serious question.
I actually liked Hima and felt he was terribly misused last year. In a new more wide open style, I think he'll be much better, especially on defense.

 

[Cuse_NYC]

Why? Serious question.
I actually liked Hima and felt he was terribly misused last year. In a new more wide open style, I think in he'll be much better, especially on defense.

He had a few moments early on defensively. Major problems if we have to play him real minutes.

 

[OrangeDW]

He had a few moments early on defensively. Major problems if we have to play him real minutes.

At this point in his career, I think he’ll be fine as the 2nd or even 3rd big.

And frankly - I think he’s our 3rd center. Benny plays PF. McLeod plays C. Malik plays both. That’s your main guys down low. Hima is the 4th guy.

 

[DoctorBombay]

At this point in his career, I think he’ll be fine as the 2nd or even 3rd big.

And frankly - I think he’s our 3rd center. Benny plays PF. McLeod plays C. Malik plays both. That’s your main guys down low. Hima is the 4th guy.

Im not a huge Hima fan, but I do think he's more than serviceable. He's being underrated by our fanbase based on a very limited audition in a restrictive system.

Anchor this kid down low in n a pressing, aggressive man2man, and I think he shines.