Need to close in on Oscar hard and fast. Big men is a need more than anything. Guard play should be fine, and as far as the conversation goes for who comes back, no one is really draft ready. Lykes should pick up a two way, the other seniors can go overseas or whatever, Olaniyi probably stays. Wong might leave, but we have 3 guards coming in. Hopefully Beverley realizes his potential next year and the team should be very solid. Ideal scenario:
PG: Beverley, Joseph
SG: Wong/Olaniyi, Poplar
SF: Timberlake, Robinson
PF: Cross/Walker
C: Tshiebwe, Other transfer, 2021 commit, Maybe Sam or Rodney for depth
1. As for current numbers, we have 10 scholarships currently for next year:
Robinson, Poplar, Joseph, Bev, Wong, Cross, Gak, Timberlake, Sam W and Walker
2. Then you have players, who you would take back because of the special exemption, if they wanted an extra year:
Lykes, Olaniyi and Brooks
Of those three players, I doubt Brooks comes back as he is 24. I have to imagine that Olaniyi, since he was not expected to play this year will be given the option to come back, especially with COVID. I would be fine with that, especially for quality depth. Lykes is the wild card. You take him back but he may not want to come back. Maybe he wants another year, maybe he wants to go pro (e.g. Europe).
My guess is 1-2 of these 3 come back. That brings us to 11-12 scholarships.
3. Typically someone will transfer or get thrown out of school, that is a -1. That brings us to 10-11
4. We need quality big men and Oscar T would be that guy. I would also try to find another big man, either transfer or HS Senior, for next season. If this person is a project, that is fine. If this person needs to redshirt, that is fine too.
Bottom line: Fill the class. Bring in quality big men.
