It's all speculation at this point. We can have guys we'd like to see signed and envision a roster constructed the way we'd like to see it, but if the coaching staff and these kids feel differently it just doesn't matter. If there's anything I've learned from this whole process, it's to never feel like you understand the process. There's no telling if a player is primarily focused on playing time and role with the team, or if it is solely about the money, or if the school, history and tradition and/or location plays any part, and just how much the coach plays into it.
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True.
All speculation at this point.
But what else do we have to talk about on April 18th but our potential roster?
I’m sitting here bored waiting for my wife to get ready for a birthday party we are going to. It’s either contemplate our potential roster or read about the Strait of Hormuz drama. Our potential roster is slightly less depressing than that situation. LOL!
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So Rancik left without committing. Some are speculating that he is concerned about Freeman. Seems he sees himself as a starter (not shocking since he was a starter on a Big 12 squad, albeit a bad one, but a Big 12 school nonetheless) and doesn’t want to backup Freeman.
Just speculating, but it is looking like an either/or with Freeman and Rancik.
Freeman is the better overall player, but I feel like Rancik might actually fit better. He’s more like Carr (but probably not as good) and Jelavic (probably better).
With Freeman, it almost feels like Pope is just trying to get any top 20-ish portal guy he can get, regardless of fit. Diallo and Wright were at least good fits. Wilkins seems like he would be a good fit. Freeman doesn’t seem to be, IMHO. But I could be wrong.
So if we can get one of those guys, and we get Stokes, then the 4 spot is probably pretty much set, I would think. Freeman or Rancik start at the 4, Stokes starts at the 3 and slides over to the 4 (he’s 6’7, 230, so plenty big enough play the 4) when they go to the bench, and Kam or Hawthorne come in at the 3.
I’m good with Freeman or Rancik to go with Stokes, Kam, and Hawthorne at the forward spots.
Would like to get a bruiser inside as the backup 5, but that might be asking a lot. Big men seem to be at a premium.
Guards are a need, but the portal seems to be deep with guards. Get a pretty good 2 guard (Wilkins) and a solid backup (Cox maybe?) and we have four guys there, plus Kam can play some 2. Maybe grab another portal guard, if we can find one cheap.
Thats kind of where I think we are now, but just speculating for fun.Comment
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Like you all, bored and speculating. Just not putting much on here. I liked Cruz Davis and said it and of course he went elsewhere. So now I am keeping the guys I like close to the vest. Trying to change our luck. lol
But we need to get that 2nd commit and the 3rd to see the momentum and know a little more which way we look to be heading.Proverbs 25:24Comment
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That would be my guess. I'm also guessing that Pope and the staff didn't convince him that the minutes and role would still be there whether he starts or is the primary big man off the bench.
On a positive note.... On3 has him as a 53% to 47% lean for UK, even though Florida State is offering slightly more money
One thing I'm noticing....from my own observations (stats and videos) as well as what other sites are saying...is that Freeman seems to have leveled out where as Rancik is trending upward. Freeman was a top 15 player overall coming out of high school, and his stock has remained about the same. Rancik was a top 10 Power Forward and top 75 overall coming out of high school, but his stock is trending upward. It wouldn't shock me if, in a few years, Rancik is viewed as the better prospect with better long term potential.
Completely agree. I think he's trying to land the bigger name, most likely to appease the fan base.
Not sure how Stokes would feel about playing the 4....I think he's a little too ball dominant to be happy being thrust into that role. It's more likely that Kam and/or even Hawthorne might see time there, since they'll be happy to find any reason to see court time.
Agreed.
Understatement. Big time. Currently only Diallo and Mason Williams are on board. Ouch!
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Add Alex Wilkins to our Roster. He is a CAT!Proverbs 25:24Comment
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I'm hearing that the 4 position has come down to either Freeman or Rancik. Which would be your 1st choice? Freeman would be good but I. Think Rancik has more upside.
either.one would suit me, both would be better
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Current roster/rotation outlook:
G Diallo/Wilkins/M. Williams
G Wilkins/K. Williams
F K. Williams/Hawthorne
F Freeman or Rancik/Noah
C Moreno/Freeman or Rancik/Potter
Got to get Stokes.
Need to add a backup 4 and 5. McBride and Devin Williams? Would like to see us land a decent backup guard as well for backcourt depth, but I think the focus shifts to getting backups at the 4 and 5 first.
But Stokes takes this team’s potential to another level.
We need a superstar. He’s our best bet to get one:Comment
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Looks like we aren't getting caught without a point guard next year.Comment
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Rancik committed to Fla State this morning or at least reported this morning.Proverbs 25:24Comment
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Is Matt Jones about prove again that he's cluelessComment
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So now it sounds like Freeman at PF.
So…starting five:
G Diallo- top 40 Portal
G Wilkins- top 50 Portal
F Stokes- #1 Recruit
F Freeman- top 20 Portal
c Moreno- returnee
Replace Stokes with Kam Williams or maybe another Portal guy at SF.
Hopefully Pope starts focusing on the bench over the next few days.
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Ugh. Please, NO! Kam starting deflates any enthusiasm for next year. Off the bench, fine...starting, ugh.
Stokes, Momcilovic or some late entry top tier SF, golden....or add someone like Paul McNeil and run with a three guard lineup....but I'm not crazy about Kam as the starting SF.Comment
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