Looks like Jakolby Long isn't returning:
https://twitter.com/HoopScoopMedia/status/1380251953251377154
While this does not open a scholarship, it does answer the question that a former Grad-Transfer will be allowed to transfer for their Covidyear.
With that knowledge, what are the chances that Aaron Cook would return to SIU for his Covidyear? Any thoughts on how that would play out in Carbondale?
The chances of Aaron Cook coming back are worse than my chances of hitting a driver farther than Bryson DeChambeau. At this point I would just as soon he didn’t come back anyway.
The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.
James Madison
Looks like Jakolby Long isn't returning:
https://twitter.com/HoopScoopMedia/status/1380251953251377154
While this does not open a scholarship, it does answer the question that a former Grad-Transfer will be allowed to transfer for their Covidyear.
With that knowledge, what are the chances that Aaron Cook would return to SIU for his Covidyear? Any thoughts on how that would play out in Carbondale?
Sure hope not! Seriously doubt BM would be interested. We have better talent.
Here is a "way too early" projection of our starting 5 next year. With us most likely signing at least 1 more transfer this could certainly change. A transfer PG or transfer PF/Wing could start, if they end up having that significant or immediate of an impact:
PG - Dalton Banks 6'2", backups - Jones, potential transfer
SG - Jones 6'1" backups Brown, Verplancken
SF - Domask 6'6", backups Wonders, Harvey
PF - D'Avanzo 6'8", backup Troy D'Amico, potential transfer
C - Muila 6'8", backup Filewich, Ebube, Dembele (Filewich could also start, but I would expect Muila and Filewich to get a similar amount of PT next year no matter who starts)
Here is a "way too early" projection of our starting 5 next year. With us most likely signing at least 1 more transfer this could certainly change. A transfer PG or transfer PF/Wing could start, if they end up having that significant or immediate of an impact:
PG - Dalton Banks 6'2", backups - Jones, potential transfer
SG - Jones 6'1" backups Brown, Verplancken
SF - Domask 6'6", backups Wonders, Harvey
PF - D'Avanzo 6'8", backup Troy D'Amico, potential transfer
C - Muila 6'8", backup Filewich, Ebube, Dembele (Filewich could also start, but I would expect Muila and Filewich to get a similar amount of PT next year no matter who starts)
This is very interesting to look at. I think Mullins really likes Brown's propensity for defense, so I could see Jones still starting at the PG with Brown sliding in at the 2. Jones is really explosive with the ball in his hands, just had too many turnovers last year for a PG (hopefully his decision making improves next year). I thought Banks did a pretty good job not turning it over and I expect he improves quite a bit over the summer. In the end, I like Jones at the 2 more so this starting 5 feels right given the current roster construction.
Looking a bit deeper at the roster, I can't decide if I feel like we are thinner at the point or the 4. My gut says PG should be first priority for the last scholarship b/c Domask can slide to the 4 when needed though I like he and Harvey better at the 3. The big question in my mind is whether Harvey/Domask/Wonders can guard at the 3 (especially Harvey). All the guys need to work on their lateral quickness b/c they have to be better at stopping dribble penetration if we have a shot at top 4 next season. We had to overhelp so often, which led to slow rotations and wide open 3s. Watching Loyola in the tournament (especially against U of I), you could see the blue print for the kind of D Mullins wants to play...after all he's the one who installed it there. They were so good at limiting dribble penetration and when they did get beat, their rotations were so quick.
Super excited for next year, if for nothing else, hopefully getting to watch these guys play in person!
Here is a "way too early" projection of our starting 5 next year. With us most likely signing at least 1 more transfer this could certainly change. A transfer PG or transfer PF/Wing could start, if they end up having that significant or immediate of an impact:
PG - Dalton Banks 6'2", backups - Jones, potential transfer
SG - Jones 6'1" backups Brown, Verplancken
SF - Domask 6'6", backups Wonders, Harvey
PF - D'Avanzo 6'8", backup Troy D'Amico, potential transfer
C - Muila 6'8", backup Filewich, Ebube, Dembele (Filewich could also start, but I would expect Muila and Filewich to get a similar amount of PT next year no matter who starts)
This is very interesting to look at. I think Mullins really likes Brown's propensity for defense, so I could see Jones still starting at the PG with Brown sliding in at the 2. Jones is really explosive with the ball in his hands, just had too many turnovers last year for a PG (hopefully his decision making improves next year). I thought Banks did a pretty good job not turning it over and I expect he improves quite a bit over the summer. In the end, I like Jones at the 2 more so this starting 5 feels right given the current roster construction.
Looking a bit deeper at the roster, I can't decide if I feel like we are thinner at the point or the 4. My gut says PG should be first priority for the last scholarship b/c Domask can slide to the 4 when needed though I like he and Harvey better at the 3. The big question in my mind is whether Harvey/Domask/Wonders can guard at the 3 (especially Harvey). All the guys need to work on their lateral quickness b/c they have to be better at stopping dribble penetration if we have a shot at top 4 next season. We had to overhelp so often, which led to slow rotations and wide open 3s. Watching Loyola in the tournament (especially against U of I), you could see the blue print for the kind of D Mullins wants to play...after all he's the one who installed it there. They were so good at limiting dribble penetration and when they did get beat, their rotations were so quick.
Super excited for next year, if for nothing else, hopefully getting to watch these guys play in person!
Good post. Agreed on the team having a ways to go when it comes to establishing the defensive identity that we’d expect from a Mullins-led program. As much as it’s nice to see what looks like a lot of continuity on the roster this offseason, it’ll be good to see what the newcomers can bring, in addition to which returnees can take a big step forward in what shapes up as a competitive rotation.
Here is a "way too early" projection of our starting 5 next year. With us most likely signing at least 1 more transfer this could certainly change. A transfer PG or transfer PF/Wing could start, if they end up having that significant or immediate of an impact:
PG - Dalton Banks 6'2", backups - Jones, potential transfer
SG - Jones 6'1" backups Brown, Verplancken
SF - Domask 6'6", backups Wonders, Harvey
PF - D'Avanzo 6'8", backup Troy D'Amico, potential transfer
C - Muila 6'8", backup Filewich, Ebube, Dembele (Filewich could also start, but I would expect Muila and Filewich to get a similar amount of PT next year no matter who starts)
I really think they're looking for a high impact transfer that can start at either point guard or shooting guard just based on what they seem to be after. I think after last year, moving Jones to starting shooting guard and adding someone that can run the offense and limit turnovers makes a lot of sense and I think Jones plays better at the 2.
Here is a "way too early" projection of our starting 5 next year. With us most likely signing at least 1 more transfer this could certainly change. A transfer PG or transfer PF/Wing could start, if they end up having that significant or immediate of an impact:
PG - Dalton Banks 6'2", backups - Jones, potential transfer
SG - Jones 6'1" backups Brown, Verplancken
SF - Domask 6'6", backups Wonders, Harvey
PF - D'Avanzo 6'8", backup Troy D'Amico, potential transfer
C - Muila 6'8", backup Filewich, Ebube, Dembele (Filewich could also start, but I would expect Muila and Filewich to get a similar amount of PT next year no matter who starts)
I really think they're looking for a high impact transfer that can start at either point guard or shooting guard just based on what they seem to be after. I think after last year, moving Jones to starting shooting guard and adding someone that can run the offense and limit turnovers makes a lot of sense and I think Jones plays better at the 2.
I also think Brown would be more effective as a spark off the bench in this scenario. We’ll see: biggest X factors are who might be brought in this spring and how much progress Banks makes going into next season.
Foster Wonders ain't NOBODY'S back-up!!!!
1PG Lance Jones 6'1" SO
2SG Foster Wonders 6'4" FR
3SF Marcus Domask 6'6" SO
4PF Anthony D'Avanzo 6'8" SR
5C Scotty Ebube 6'10" FR
BOOM!!!!
There are a few positions that I'm really interested in.
1. Who starts as the 2 guard? Wonders, Brown, Verplanken, a new guy? (Assuming Jones plays the 1 and not Banks...which would move Jones to the 2).
2. Who starts at the 4? Keep Domask there? D'Amico, or go with 2 center type players?
3. Who starts at the 5? This one is wide open to be. Edube, Muila, and Filewich all seem to be very exciting options for this.
I'm feeling really good about next season!
I think we are going to have more depth than we have had in next to forever. With that it will be interesting to see how Brian uses it, how many in a normal rotation. I know he was limited this year due to the injuries so hopefully with everyone healthy he can go to up to 10 in a rotation for playing time. Will keep everyone fresh and involved. I am also really looking forward to next year. I think it will be a lot of fun!
I think we are going to have more depth than we have had in next to forever. With that it will be interesting to see how Brian uses it, how many in a normal rotation. I know he was limited this year due to the injuries so hopefully with everyone healthy he can go to up to 10 in a rotation for playing time. Will keep everyone fresh and involved. I am also really looking forward to next year. I think it will be a lot of fun!
Yeah, BM plans to throw a lot of bodies at opponents next season. Wear the other defenses down. Should be fun no matter who starts.
March on triumphantly!
Who starts is not that important. There will be playing time for whoever earns it.
I think Wonder's playing time will depend on how fast he can pick up the defense.
I think Wonder's playing time will depend on how fast he can pick up the defense.
There will be an adjustment period for Wonders. Its quite the step up in competition. I think he'll be fine offensively, but defensively it will take him a bit, and we'll have the depth to allow him time to adjust.
I think the freshman that will impact SIU the most out of the gate is Ebube. He brings a skill-set this roster was terribly lacking.
--Insert something witty here--
Im as excited as the next guy about Foster.....but......as good an offensive player as he appears to be, if he can't guard he will not start. Trent Brown hasn't been playing 30 min a game because he's been an offensive dynamo he is playing because he can guard. Wonders will have to guard before he plays big minutes. Now, maybe he will be able too.....lets hope so, but I wouldn't hold my breath that he starts the year as a starter.
