During the last 2 games, MB may have tipped his hand as to what we should expect for the rest of the season (or, at least for the remaining non con games).
Clearly, the 5 returning players are going to start and play the highest number of minutes. In the off season, and after the first few games, I was calling for Dz to come off the bench and get limited minutes, but I don't see that happening unless one of the newcomers forces his way into a more significant role (which is not impossible).
Anderson is locked in as Ice's backup, which means he will get limited minutes in most games, because MB wants Ice on the floor. The two may play together if the matchup dictates it, but that is not going to be commonplace, IMO. This is a good situation, because he can come in and put forth a ton of energy on the defensive end, and really make it tough on opposing PGs. Any scoring we get from him will be gravy. BTW, he had 6 rebounds last night, in limited minutes. It will be interesting to see if that was a fluke, or if his hustle will lead to him being a very good rebounder for a guard.
I think Kalib is locked in as Yor's backup. MB can get by with Hidde at center, or go small with Cam/Laurent on occasion, but Kalib is significantly better suited for this role than either of those options. Obviously, he needs to get a lot stronger, and has often looked like a true freshman, but Yor is simply too good, on both ends, to bench him unless there is a good reason. As a result, there won't be many games where Kalib plays heavy minutes.
Beyond those two bench players, it gets interesting. The other guys are Hidde, Harris, Keylan and Laurent (plus maybe Watson). If one of those guys can turn into a fairly consistent scoring threat, this team can have an extremely special season. Our two Final Four teams had some role players coming off the bench, but they also had guys like Chianti Roberts and Jason Skaer, who could come in and provide points in almost every game, and hit the 15 point mark on occasion. Each of these 4 have shown flashes. As they get more comfortable, I am hoping that it becomes very apparent that 1 of them has to play. Otherwise, MB will likely use them all, and try to plug them into situations where their specific tools are needed the most.
This is what I see as the strengths of each of them.
Harris-Perimeter defense, Good BBall IQ
Keylan-Athletic length for defense. 3 point shooting
Hidde-Height, Good BBall IQ
Laurent-Capable 3 point shooter. Veteran who won't get rattled
Watson-Dynamic athlete who can get to the basket
Clearly, the 5 returning players are going to start and play the highest number of minutes. In the off season, and after the first few games, I was calling for Dz to come off the bench and get limited minutes, but I don't see that happening unless one of the newcomers forces his way into a more significant role (which is not impossible).
Anderson is locked in as Ice's backup, which means he will get limited minutes in most games, because MB wants Ice on the floor. The two may play together if the matchup dictates it, but that is not going to be commonplace, IMO. This is a good situation, because he can come in and put forth a ton of energy on the defensive end, and really make it tough on opposing PGs. Any scoring we get from him will be gravy. BTW, he had 6 rebounds last night, in limited minutes. It will be interesting to see if that was a fluke, or if his hustle will lead to him being a very good rebounder for a guard.
I think Kalib is locked in as Yor's backup. MB can get by with Hidde at center, or go small with Cam/Laurent on occasion, but Kalib is significantly better suited for this role than either of those options. Obviously, he needs to get a lot stronger, and has often looked like a true freshman, but Yor is simply too good, on both ends, to bench him unless there is a good reason. As a result, there won't be many games where Kalib plays heavy minutes.
Beyond those two bench players, it gets interesting. The other guys are Hidde, Harris, Keylan and Laurent (plus maybe Watson). If one of those guys can turn into a fairly consistent scoring threat, this team can have an extremely special season. Our two Final Four teams had some role players coming off the bench, but they also had guys like Chianti Roberts and Jason Skaer, who could come in and provide points in almost every game, and hit the 15 point mark on occasion. Each of these 4 have shown flashes. As they get more comfortable, I am hoping that it becomes very apparent that 1 of them has to play. Otherwise, MB will likely use them all, and try to plug them into situations where their specific tools are needed the most.
This is what I see as the strengths of each of them.
Harris-Perimeter defense, Good BBall IQ
Keylan-Athletic length for defense. 3 point shooting
Hidde-Height, Good BBall IQ
Laurent-Capable 3 point shooter. Veteran who won't get rattled
Watson-Dynamic athlete who can get to the basket
