Pick your starting five

[ballyhoohoo]

Which five do you start, vote and give some logic. (Please run with the premise everyone returns and everyone stays and we suddenly are allowed 15 rides from the NCAA)

I went with the big lineup (which I think even with Matt is very athletic also). This five could play some great defense also.

Semaj, Remy, J-Mart, Jalen, Stain Train

[THRILLHOUSE]

Which five do you start, vote and give some logic. (Please run with the premise everyone returns and everyone stays and we suddenly are allowed 15 rides from the NCAA)

I went with the big lineup (which I think even with Matt is very athletic also). This five could play some great defense also.

Semaj, Remy, J-Mart, Jalen, Stain Train

I think almost everyone will go with that lineup, myself included. But I think Dee will be in the starting line up, at the start of the season anyway.

[TUclutch]

I think almost everyone will go with that lineup, myself included. But I think Dee will be in the starting line up, at the start of the season anyway.

How does someone NOT vote for Jalen Reynolds to start? Plus, I don't get why people are calling this a big lineup. Its not like they are playing guys out of position to purposefully go big. Remy is a SG and thats the size of a BE lineup. Hardly going big in my opinion.

[Frambo]

I think almost everyone will go with that lineup, myself included. But I think Dee will be in the starting line up, at the start of the season anyway.

I went with Semaj, Remy, Trevon, Jalen, Matt. Hoping Trevon is ready, but probably not right away.

[The_Mack_Pack]

I'd like to see Semaj play the 1 and Abell at the 2 like everyone else I'm sure. If Abell is the defensive stopper he's been advertised as then I see no reason why Dee should be starting over him.

[Thor in 204]

I included Brandon in a starting line-up that would be possible if Semaj is not here.

[Thor in 204]

I included Brandon in a starting line-up that would be possible if Semaj is not here.

Sorry didn't read the first post of thread. Semaj starts over Brandon, of course.

[XfansinKy]

I like the bigger lineup as well. Its as big as X can realistically put out there and win imho.

[sirthought]

Ballyhoohoo's lineup is a decent one.

We need scoring and power. That group seems to offer a hope for that.

No matter what the lineup is I expect them to defend. It's scoring consistency that concerns me (today).

[TUclutch]

I went with Semaj, Remy, Trevon, Jalen, Matt. Hoping Trevon is ready, but probably not right away.

Not that Bluiett isn't gonna be a stud but this lineup means you think JMart is losing his starting spot?

[Frambo]

Not that Bluiett isn't gonna be a stud but this lineup means you think JMart is losing his starting spot?

not as in love with him as most are.

[sirthought]

Bluiett will be very good. But you have to pick experience at least at the beginning of the season.
Plus, I think that with who we have currently, Martin has earned his chance to continue to start.
That doesn't mean the freshman can't come off the bench frequently as needed.

[xu82]

The poll seems to indicate a strong fan consensus, but I doubt Dee comes off the bench all season (maybe later in season depending on how things are going). Not because it's the best lineup, but because he'll be Mack's senior PG.

[TUclutch]

The poll seems to indicate a strong fan consensus, but I doubt Dee comes off the bench all season (maybe later in season depending on how things are going). Not because it's the best lineup, but because he'll be Mack's senior PG.

Yea but DD isn't a big east starting caliber pg. Semaj is.

[xu82]

Yea but DD isn't a big east starting caliber pg. Semaj is.

I completely agree with that. This will be interesting.

[xu82]

Great depth though, in my opinion.

[waggy]

Martin is the best all-around player on the team, imo. He has things to work on for sure, but he will start. If there are players coming in that can give him even some game, that would be a very good thing for the team.

[Frambo]

Martin is the best all-around player on the team, imo. He has things to work on for sure, but he will start. If there are players coming in that can give him even some game, that would be a very good thing for the team.

I think we get enamored with our own players at times. Talking with a fellow X fanatic today about the loss on tuesday. He asked if NCST had more talent than we did. After we hashed it out, we both agreed that only Semaj and Matt would start for NCST. In our opinion, NCST had at least 3 starters better than the rest of ours and a stronger bench. Mack did a good job this year getting 20+ wins out of this lineup. Hopefully the next influx of talent will enable us to play with the bigger programs.

[waggy]

Who plays the 3 for NC State? If it's not Warren, then I don't agree that Martin wouldn't start for them.

[Frambo]

Who plays the 3 for NC State? If it's not Warren, then I don't agree that Martin wouldn't start for them.

Warren, Turner and Lewis were better than our other 3 after Semaj and Matt.

Warren for sure would be better at the 3 and I would take Turner's line on tuesday of 6-11 3-7 2-2 0 3 3 2 17 2 over Martin's 3-12 0-6 2-2 0 4 4 2 8 1

[bleedXblue]

We will have enough talent next year to win 20 games again. What we need are some real leaders.....floor generals who can demand the absolute best effort from their teammates. Don't underestimate the need. I'm hoping Abel is that guy and Stainbrook assumes a much larger role as well.

[waggy]

Well really this tangent of who's better than Martin on the NC State roster is moot unless they plan on transferring in, or he plans on transferring there. Hey, with Warren leaving, maybe that's a possibility.

[IM4X]

Semaj, Remy, ,Matt, Justin, Jaylen

Bluiett will be ready though to push Justin should he begin to just stand around like he often did for stretches in a game.

Remy may be the X factor next year- with the extra speed to help out on D and fast breaks and hopefully he'll have the consistency with the 3 to be that additional outside threat the team so desperately needs.

Macura Could contribute right away too.

The entire freshman class seems to be filled with guys who don't just score points but take games over- which is encouraging.

[TUclutch]

Warren, Turner and Lewis were better than our other 3 after Semaj and Matt.

Warren for sure would be better at the 3 and I would take Turner's line on tuesday of 6-11 3-7 2-2 0 3 3 2 17 2 over Martin's 3-12 0-6 2-2 0 4 4 2 8 1

His(martin's) offensive stat line wasn't as good because he was playing a ton of defense. It wears you out

[Frambo]

Well really this tangent of who's better than Martin on the NC State roster is moot unless they plan on transferring in, or he plans on transferring there. Hey, with Warren leaving, maybe that's a possibility.

Right on that. Just like our NCAA losses to Marquette and Baylor recently.....if you compare lineups, we lost to teams that had nba guys while we didn't. While NCST might only have one future nba guy, they had more talent especially on the bench.

If Semaj stays and we start the same basic group, expect a similar outcome unless the new influx of talent to go with Semaj and Matt changes things. Hopefully Remy, the frosh and whoever doesn't transfer can do that.

[Frambo]

His(martin's) offensive stat line wasn't as good because he was playing a ton of defense. It wears you out

Turner didn't play defense?

[xu82]

Turner didn't play defense?

Chasing TJ Warren around is not your typical defensive assignment. He's a stud who runs the floor! The ACC Player of the Year is kinda good.

[waggy]

Boy Turner looked great right there.

[IM4X]

Chasing TJ Warren around is not your typical defensive assignment. He's a stud who runs the floor! The ACC Player of the Year is kinda good.

I long for the day when people start saying that about our players once again.

[TUclutch]

Right on that. Just like our NCAA losses to Marquette and Baylor recently.....if you compare lineups, we lost to teams that had nba guys while we didn't. While NCST might only have one future nba guy, they had more talent especially on the bench.

If Semaj stays and we start the same basic group, expect a similar outcome unless the new influx of talent to go with Semaj and Matt And JMart changes things. Hopefully Remy, the frosh and whoever doesn't transfer can do that.

Fixed your post.

[RoseyMuskie]

Right on that. Just like our NCAA losses to Marquette and Baylor recently.....if you compare lineups, we lost to teams that had nba guys while we didn't. While NCST might only have one future nba guy, they had more talent especially on the bench.

If Semaj stays and we start the same basic group, expect a similar outcome unless the new influx of talent to go with Semaj and Matt changes things. Hopefully Remy, the frosh and whoever doesn't transfer can do that.

Jalen has also been mentioned as an NBA prospect. He's still incredibly raw, but he has the frame.

Rick Broering has indicated that scouts will attend practice for Semaj but come away impressed with Jalen.

Blueitt and Abell won't be anything but an upgrade as well.

[xu82]

The poll would almost make it look like we don't have any depth or competition. I'm not saying I believe that, but there's not a lot of controversy which says to me we have a strong 5, then the other guys. If we were arguing over 8 guys it might make me feel better. Or maybe it would mean we only had 3 good players, then a big drop off. So... who knows?

[xunorm]

I chose Dee, Semaj, Remy, Martin, and Stainbrook. We can go small to start as Martin should some great defensive resolve at the end of the year. Also, I don't know about the real depth that we have inside off the bench other then Reynolds.

[Frambo]

Fixed your post.

HAHA......putting words in my mouth!!!! Is that legal?!?!?!?!?!

[bleedXblue]

Guys. Farr is going to get better and so is Myles. They logged a bunch of minutes this year. If anything else....they got some really good experience. Xavier will be 10 deep next year regardless of whether or not Semaj comes back.

Abell
D. Davis
M. Davis
Farr
Martin (assuming he plays his last year of eligibility)
Stainbrook
Reynolds
Randolph
2 of our 4 incoming players will play some decent minutes.

[Xman95]

Semaj, Remy, J-Mart, Jalen, Stain Train

Same five. That line-up should provide inside/outside scoring (especially if Semaj can develop his shot), be able to play very good D, and rebound well. It's also a pretty experienced bunch. Even Reynolds, despite only one season of actual play, should bring experience. It will be his third season in the program and, when you mix in his prep year, he should be a little more mature than most second year players.

[sweet16]

Let me preface this by saying that I love Martin and I hope he returns but in all honesty why would he? Would you? You have your degree, you're 24 years old, you're going to get paid to play........why not tell your agent that you want to go somewhere where the weather is relatively nice and the women are attractive and get on with your life. Is the draw to play one more year of college ball that compelling?

[RoseyMuskie]

Let me preface this by saying that I love Martin and I hope he returns but in all honesty why would he? Would you? You have your degree, you're 24 years old, you're going to get paid to play........why not tell your agent that you want to go somewhere where the weather is relatively nice and the women are attractive and get on with your life. Is the draw to play one more year of college ball that compelling?

He does have a future in Europe. If that's the route he decided to go, I wouldn't blame him one bit.

[TUclutch]

Let me preface this by saying that I love Martin and I hope he returns but in all honesty why would he? Would you? You have your degree, you're 24 years old, you're going to get paid to play........why not tell your agent that you want to go somewhere where the weather is relatively nice and the women are attractive and get on with your life. Is the draw to play one more year of college ball that compelling?

Well he's not paying for school anyway. Maybe he likes playing with the group of guys. Maybe he wants to see how special next year can be?

[IM4X]

Martin was to me by far the most frustrating player to watch on the team this year.

Not because he couldn't shoot the 3 we'll (we all know he could light it up from deep), and not because he couldn't run the floor well on fast breaks (he showed he could be a force in transition), and not because he couldn't shoot free throws (he had a smooth stroke and a decent FT %), and not because he always struggled on D (he often was guarding the opponent's best player).

What's so damn frustrating is that as solid as he played this year, he had trouble pulling all of his many special skills together consistently for an entire game. He would be practically invisible in one half and then completely dominate in another. When he is in his zone and giving a complete effort, he shows how really special he can be.

I've got to believe that if he really worked his tail off in the gym all summer like Tu did before his senior year and like I've heard TJ Warren did this past summer, he will be more confident, have greater endurance during the game, have a greater drive to win against his opponent on each possession, and ultimately show he's got what it takes to be in the NBA.

The hope is with some new players coming in with a will to win, and with Justin, Dee and Stain being seniors, there will be more of a will to win this season. And if that happens, we can all feel a little better about the direction of the program.

[MADXSTER]

Many of the games Martin seemed to disappeared was due to the other team playing good defense and not forgetting about him. Also Martin was asking for the ball but teamates were focusing more on getting the ball to Semaj. That's what I noticed.

[IM4X]

Many of the games Martin seemed to disappeared was due to the other team playing good defense and not forgetting about him. Also Martin was asking for the ball but teamates were focusing more on getting the ball to Semaj. That's what I noticed.

Opponents didn't forget about TJ Warren either and he was a beast for the entire game. And yes, I realize Warren is one of the better player in the NCAA.

The thing is that Martin has shown he can play at an extremely high level. At times he was unstoppable... Which proves he too has the ability and potential to be one of the better players in the NCAA. It is not a coincidence that players with great skills who decide to put in extra time at the gym become elite players. It's what Tu and TJ did as well as Jordan and Kobe.I believe if Martin decides he wants to be an elite player, all he needs to do is believe he's unstoppable and then put the extra time in the gym to build up the confidence and endurance to back it up.

[wkrq59]

Assuming Semaj returns, I'd like to see platoons--Dee, Semaj, Matt, Justin, James; 2nd unit over the boards: Remy and JP, Trevon and Jalen, Edmond , with Jalen on the starters and not James, and Makinde with the twos instead of Jalen and Sean first off the bench with twos. Don't know who will transfer and who will stay..too many variables to try.

[bobbiemcgee]

Just looking down this list, we should be pretty well loaded.

[nokoolaid]

I would play

Christon
Abbel
Stainbrook
Bluiett
and Martin at the four-why you ask? because X can spread the floor with SHOOTERS and no longer can teams double team Stainbrook and clog up the post,whereby Christon can Drive-Drive -Drive. and Martin is a very good re-bounder for a three. There will be times when X will need to play Reynolds at the four because of match-ups but for the most part,Martin is the man.

[LA Muskie]

So you would start two players who have never played a game in the uniform over a 3-yr starting PG and our 3rd big/occasional starter returning for his sophomore season? OK...

[TUclutch]

So you would start two players who have never played a game in the uniform over a 3-yr starting PG and our 3rd big/occasional starter returning for his sophomore season? OK...

I wouldn't start Bluiett over Reynolds, but I would most definitely start both Bluiett or Remy if it takes Dee out of the starting lineup. Dee should get no more than 20 minutes a game next year with the guys we have coming in and if Semaj stays

[nokoolaid]

The Davis and Davis act is old!

[waggy]

Well Dee plays pretty good D, and I'm sure that will be a significant consideration. And he'll be a senior who has been thru the wars. My guess is he starts all year.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Well Dee plays pretty good D, and I'm sure that will be a significant consideration. And he'll be a senior who has been thru the wars. My guess is he starts all year.

I agree with this. I just don't see Dee coming off the bench. Abell will probably have games where he logs more minutes than Dee but Dee will still be the starter.

[muskienick]

I believe Semaj must be given the starting point guard position as a further enticement for him to return for a third season. Other starters for a muskienick-coached Xavier squad would be Abel at the 2; Martin at 3; Jalen at 4, and Stain at 5. I'd also like to see Blueitt get at least 20 minutes at the 3, Dee, 10-15 minutes at point, Macura 10-15 at the 2; Farr at least 15 minutes at the 4 and London and O'Mara splitting minutes at the 4-5 and Sumner getting some at the 1-2. I have once again forgotten Brandon Randolph. Unless he makes a significant improvement in his decision-making, ball-handling, and shooting (35% FG shooting; under 20% shooting from 3-pt; under 64% FT shooting; but a decent 1.8 A/TO ratio in 13+ minutes/game), I don't see where he can have many minutes at point until the 2015-2016 season. Unless they have kept Kamall Richards' progress under the radar, I don't see how he can be expected to contribute much in 2014-2015.

[MuskieCinci]

This thread just seems like another excuse for people to bash Dee Davis. I realize this thread is about what people want to happen and not what will actually happen, but when was the last time a returning starter lost his starting spot at Xavier?

[Muskie]

I keep laughing at everyone lauding the new recruits and telling me what they've done in high school. Dee Davis was also a phenomenal HS player and X is lucky to have him.

[TUclutch]

This thread just seems like another excuse for people to bash Dee Davis. I realize this thread is about what people want to happen and not what will actually happen, but when was the last time a returning starter lost his starting spot at Xavier?

Whenever the last time a returning started wasn't as good as someone younger. Dee has started really only out of necessity, not because he is a talented big east point guard. He should play no more than 20 minutes a game. Probably closer to 12-15.

[Juice]

Whenever the last time a returning started wasn't as good as someone younger. Dee has started really only out of necessity, not because he is a talented big east point guard. He should play no more than 20 minutes a game. Probably closer to 12-15.

http://img.pandawhale.com/44873-facepalm-gif-W6sa.gif

[BandAid]

This thread just seems like another excuse for people to bash Dee Davis. I realize this thread is about what people want to happen and not what will actually happen, but when was the last time a returning starter lost his starting spot at Xavier?

Josh Duncan?

[LadyMuskie]

I keep laughing at everyone lauding the new recruits and telling me what they've done in high school. Dee Davis was also a phenomenal HS player and X is lucky to have him.

This. If we went solely on what recruits have done in high school and the way they're lauded on this board, X should have won several titles by now.

[muskienick]

This thread just seems like another excuse for people to bash Dee Davis. I realize this thread is about what people want to happen and not what will actually happen, but when was the last time a returning starter lost his starting spot at Xavier?

My suggestion was to displace Dee with another (hopefully) returning starter, Semaj Christon, not one of the incoming frosh. Our best starting lineup would be "Dee-less", like it or not: 1 = Semaj; 2 = Remy; 3 = Justin; 4 = Jalen; 5 = Matt. In essence, Remy would replace Semaj who would replace Dee in the starting lineup while Jalen would replace the departed Zeke.

This is big-time college basketball we're talking about, not Division II NAIA. Dee would play decent minutes but would cede his starting spot to benefit the team overall. Shouldn't that be what every member of the team desires --- to put the best 5 guys on the floor for as long as possible? If Dee can win the spot because he shows that he is the best option at the point, then so be it. I simply cannot imagine, based on this past season's play, how a Dee at point and Semaj at 2 can be better than a Semaj at point and Remy at 2.

You don't give a guy the starting job because he's a great guy and has been loyal. You give it to him because he gives your team the greatest opportunity to WIN!!!

[GoMuskies]

Johnny Wolf lost his starting spot to Drew Lavender. Now, Johnny only had the starting spot because of some puppy-snatching, but he still was the returning starter and lost the job.

[Madfan]

My suggestion was to displace Dee with another (hopefully) returning starter, Semaj Christon, not one of the incoming frosh. Our best starting lineup would be "Dee-less", like it or not: 1 = Semaj; 2 = Remy; 3 = Justin; 4 = Jalen; 5 = Matt. In essence, Remy would replace Semaj who would replace Dee in the starting lineup while Jalen would replace the departed Zeke.

This is big-time college basketball we're talking about, not Division II NAIA. Dee would play decent minutes but would cede his starting spot to benefit the team overall. Shouldn't that be what every member of the team desires --- to put the best 5 guys on the floor for as long as possible? If Dee can win the spot because he shows that he is the best option at the point, then so be it. I simply cannot imagine, based on this past season's play, how a Dee at point and Semaj at 2 can be better than a Semaj at point and Remy at 2.

You don't give a guy the starting job because he's a great guy and has been loyal. You give it to him because he gives your team the greatest opportunity to WIN!!!

Check Dee's stats against the Big Ten. Dee would be #2 in APG, top 5 in Ft % and a/to, top 10 in 3 pt %. Better in these areas then Some guys named Craft and Appling.

[xu15]

Check Dee's stats against the Big Ten. Dee would be #2 in APG, top 5 in Ft % and a/to, top 10 in 3 pt %. Better in these areas then Some guys named Craft and Appling.

Ok, but you do have to rely on the eye test a little....I mean if you told me you'd rather have Dee Davis than Appling, I'd tell you that you're freaking nuts.

Dee is a good player, but he's very inconsistent. I think he would be an excellent 6th man.

[Madfan]

Well then that's where we will disagree. Dee has never been given the green light on this team. He's done what the coach's have asked him at expense of his own game.

[xu15]

Well then that's where we will disagree. Dee has never been given the green light on this team. He's done what the coach's have asked him at expense of his own game.

Ah. Well then, here is the part where I tell you that you're freaking nuts.

I'm not a Dee Davis hater, but he is a very limited player. I like him. I think he would be a great sixth man, and a good point guard on a team that has lots of other scoring options. (This one didn't).

But the coaching staff holding him back? Really? He can't finish at the rim when he is even moderately contested. He is very inconsistent. He is a decent shooter but can't get off his shot unless he's wide open.

Now I will say he is a very good defender. Like I said, I like the guy. However, you aren't very basketball savvy if you think Dee Davis is better than Appling. He's just not. Period.

[MuskieCinci]

Look, I'm not saying Dee should be an all Big East selection or anything, but the way a large sect of the Xavier fan base thinks of him is just so flat out wrong. Some people don't even think Dee is a Big East caliber player, whatever that even means. He is a defensive pass first point guard who shoots 37% on threes. He has a good assist to turnover ratio and hits his free throws at a very high clip. That sounds exactly like the kind of person that I want to start on my team.

There are several things that Dee doesn't do extremely well, that is why I am not arguing that Dee is our best player or anything close. He does make a couple bad plays a game on average that really stand out. There have been some big games where we needed some more scoring from him and he couldn't provide it. He is not a good finisher in traffic. The thing is though, all of our guys have some pretty significant holes in their game. Removing Dee from the starting line up is like unplugging 3 holes in a sinking boat to take care of one. Turnovers would get worse, defense would get worse, and shooting would get worse.

The way I see it, if all 4 starters come back they are going to be inserted right back into the starting line up. I think the new starter will be someone who can hit an outside shot and defend at a competent level. That is why I think the 5th spot will come down to Remy Abell or Trevon Blueitt. I have reservations about each guy because they are total unknowns at this point. We always hear such great things about transfers and recruits, but the Jordan Crawford's and Tu Holloway's are the exceptions, not the rule. I do think between the two of them though, one will emerge as an offensive weapon with a consistent shot and that can defend competently enough. That leaves Martin to slide over to the 4 with Jalen being the first off the bench. I like Jalen off the bench because it prevents him from getting any early fouls and can raise the energy level of the team quickly if we are off to a sluggish start.

[Xman95]

That leaves Martin to slide over to the 4 with Jalen being the first off the bench. I like Jalen off the bench because it prevents him from getting any early fouls and can raise the energy level of the team quickly if we are off to a sluggish start.

If Martin is our starting 4 we'll have issues. I just don't think his game lends itself to banging against a 6'9" guy in the post on the defensive end. He's the 3, Robinson is the 4 (experience should help eliminate some of the foul problems) and Stainbrook is the 5. If Semaj returns, he'll start at PG or SG. The other guard spot will be filled by Dee (if he's back and if Semaj plays SG) or most likely M.Davis/Abell if Semaj is at PG. I suppose a frosh could move into the SG or SF role, but I think Mack will go with a more experienced player. If a frosh takes the SF spot, Martin probably moves to SG and Semaj is at PG.

[xu15]

If Martin is our starting 4 we'll have issues. I just don't think his game lends itself to banging against a 6'9" guy in the post on the defensive end. He's the 3, Robinson is the 4 (experience should help eliminate some of the foul problems) and Stainbrook is the 5. If Semaj returns, he'll start at PG or SG. The other guard spot will be filled by Dee (if he's back and if Semaj plays SG) or most likely M.Davis/Abell if Semaj is at PG. I suppose a frosh could move into the SG or SF role, but I think Mack will go with a more experienced player. If a frosh takes the SF spot, Martin probably moves to SG and Semaj is at PG.

No way he starts Martin at SG....that is defensive and ball security suicide.

[Xman95]

No way he starts Martin at SG....that is defensive and ball security suicide.

I tend to agree. The only way he would be the SG is if his hand is forced. Otherwise I see Martin at SF with Semaj and ??? at the guard spots.

[throwbackmuskie]

Mine is this
Dee
Christon
Abell
Reynolds
Stainbrook

I just have a feeling Martin may leave. No basis for it, just a feeling.

[bigdiggins]

Assuming Mack goes to Wake:
the recruiting class dissolves, Semaj would go pro, Martin would go the graduate xfer route, Randolph transfers to the West Coast, Richards xfers. You're left with:

D Davis - Don't see him transferring to sit out a year and then play 1 more.
M Davis - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Abell - xfered once and had to sit out this year, won't want to do it again
Reynolds - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Stainbrook -Already xfered once and sat out last year won't want to sit out again.

Farr off the bench - Not sure why I picked him to stay,
7 walk-ons.

[LA Muskie]

Assuming Mack goes to Wake:
the recruiting class dissolves, Semaj would go pro, Martin would go the graduate xfer route, Randolph transfers to the West Coast, Richards xfers. You're left with:

D Davis - Don't see him transferring to sit out a year and then play 1 more.
M Davis - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Abell - xfered once and had to sit out this year, won't want to do it again
Reynolds - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Stainbrook -Already xfered once and sat out last year won't want to sit out again.

Farr off the bench - Not sure why I picked him to stay,
7 walk-ons.
I think you made at least 9 HUGE assumptions there. I'd tell you to step back from the ledge but you apparently already took a pole vault over it and into the abyss.

[GoMuskies]

Assuming Mack goes to Wake:
the recruiting class dissolves, Semaj would go pro, Martin would go the graduate xfer route, Randolph transfers to the West Coast, Richards xfers. You're left with:

D Davis - Don't see him transferring to sit out a year and then play 1 more.
M Davis - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Abell - xfered once and had to sit out this year, won't want to do it again
Reynolds - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Stainbrook -Already xfered once and sat out last year won't want to sit out again.

Farr off the bench - Not sure why I picked him to stay,
7 walk-ons.

Why the mass exodus this time when we've never had a mass exodus in the past in connection with a coaching change?

[The_Mack_Pack]

Assuming Mack goes to Wake:
the recruiting class dissolves, Semaj would go pro, Martin would go the graduate xfer route, Randolph transfers to the West Coast, Richards xfers. You're left with:

D Davis - Don't see him transferring to sit out a year and then play 1 more.
M Davis - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Abell - xfered once and had to sit out this year, won't want to do it again
Reynolds - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Stainbrook -Already xfered once and sat out last year won't want to sit out again.

Farr off the bench - Not sure why I picked him to stay,
7 walk-ons.

I like how you gave reasons for why our starters in this scenario wouldn't transfer.

[ballyhoohoo]

Assuming Mack goes to Wake:
the recruiting class dissolves, Semaj would go pro, Martin would go the graduate xfer route, Randolph transfers to the West Coast, Richards xfers. You're left with:

D Davis - Don't see him transferring to sit out a year and then play 1 more.
M Davis - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Abell - xfered once and had to sit out this year, won't want to do it again
Reynolds - Already sat out last year won't want to sit out again.
Stainbrook -Already xfered once and sat out last year won't want to sit out again.

Farr off the bench - Not sure why I picked him to stay,
7 walk-ons.

I didn't realize the word transfer was such an in incumbrance to type out. Glad you saved that future arthritis.

[bigdiggins]

Why the mass exodus this time when we've never had a mass exodus in the past in connection with a coaching change?

I was of course being a little over the top, but if you look at those in the exodus:
-Prior recruiting classes have indeed fallen apart
-Semaj may go pro anyway (Derrick did after Sean left so there is a connection to a past change)
-Martin has the opportunty to transfer (there you go I typed it out) :) without a penalty to sit out a year. I'm too lazy to look up if anyone else would have had this option during a coaching change.
-Randolph is a hot rumor to transfer regardless of any coaching changes.
-Kamall is a hot rumor to transfer regardless of any coaching changes.

Some of this certainly depends on who comes on board as coach, but the scenario is somewhat plausible; although we would likely get some recruits late rather than 7 walk-ons (see Jeff Robinson).

[TUclutch]

Question out of curiousity not having anything to do with transfers etc.
Ive been told by some people I know that Dee is expected to graduate in the spring(in 3 yrs). Is this true?

[Madfan]

Question out of curiousity not having anything to do with transfers etc.
Ive been told by some people I know that Dee is expected to graduate in the spring(in 3 yrs). Is this true?

No

[xavierj]

Question out of curiousity not having anything to do with transfers etc.
Ive been told by some people I know that Dee is expected to graduate in the spring(in 3 yrs). Is this true?

Yes he will have his degree this Summer.

[xu95]

I'm assuming no one leaves and I have my starting five being Davis, Christion, Abell, Martin, and Stainbrook.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

If Martin is our starting 4 we'll have issues. I just don't think his game lends itself to banging against a 6'9" guy in the post on the defensive end. He's the 3, Robinson is the 4 (experience should help eliminate some of the foul problems) and Stainbrook is the 5. If Semaj returns, he'll start at PG or SG. The other guard spot will be filled by Dee (if he's back and if Semaj plays SG) or most likely M.Davis/Abell if Semaj is at PG. I suppose a frosh could move into the SG or SF role, but I think Mack will go with a more experienced player. If a frosh takes the SF spot, Martin probably moves to SG and Semaj is at PG.

How many teams did we play this year that actually had true pf's? Much more often then not Philmore was matching up against people that were smaller and more athletic then him. In the rare occation we actually do play against a front line with two legit bigs Jalen could start or at least play increased minutes. But against most 4's in todays NCAA Martin can more then hold his own. He's very long, a good rebounder and will be in his fifth year of the X lifting program. If they feel he needs to put on some weight he could but I don't think he needs to. Playing him at the 4 limits his biggest weaknesses in ball handling and lateral quickness while also improving our offense and defense.

[xu15]

How many teams did we play this year that actually had true pf's? Much more often then not Philmore was matching up against people that were smaller and more athletic then him. In the rare occation we actually do play against a front line with two legit bigs Jalen could start or at least play increased minutes. But against most 4's in todays NCAA Martin can more then hold his own. He's very long, a good rebounder and will be in his fifth year of the X lifting program. If they feel he needs to put on some weight he could but I don't think he needs to. Playing him at the 4 limits his biggest weaknesses in ball handling and lateral quickness while also improving our offense and defense.

This. It's all about having him on the floor for offense, while limiting his big weaknesses (ball handling/security and defending quick players). When Reynolds isn't on the floor, I see us going 4 out-1 in on offense a lot.

[The_Mack_Pack]

So is Dee eligible for the graduate transfer since he graduates before fall?

[TUclutch]

So is Dee eligible for the graduate transfer since he graduates before fall?

Thats what my understanding is.

[The_Mack_Pack]

So wouldn't Dee taking advantage of the graduate transfer make more sense than JMart doing that? Randolph probably wouldn't transfer sense he'd see a lot of time next season if Dee were to transfer and we wouldn't have to completely rely on Sumner being the only true PG who wouldn't be a freshman in the 2015-2016 season. I don't really want to see anyone transfer but since someone has to I'd rather it not be Randolph.

[TUclutch]

So wouldn't Dee taking advantage of the graduate transfer make more sense than JMart doing that? Randolph probably wouldn't transfer sense he'd see a lot of time next season if Dee were to transfer and we wouldn't have to completely rely on Sumner being the only true PG who wouldn't be a freshman in the 2015-2016 season. I don't really want to see anyone transfer but since someone has to I'd rather it not be Randolph.

This. Randolph will be better when he actually gets consistent minutes. Coming off the bench behind Semaj would be good for him and give him experience to be that starting PG his junior and senior years

[MuskieCinci]

How many teams did we play this year that actually had true pf's? Much more often then not Philmore was matching up against people that were smaller and more athletic then him. In the rare occation we actually do play against a front line with two legit bigs Jalen could start or at least play increased minutes. But against most 4's in todays NCAA Martin can more then hold his own. He's very long, a good rebounder and will be in his fifth year of the X lifting program. If they feel he needs to put on some weight he could but I don't think he needs to. Playing him at the 4 limits his biggest weaknesses in ball handling and lateral quickness while also improving our offense and defense.

Well said. There just aren't a whole lot of 6'9" power forwards in this league. Everyone romanticizes the big bad Big East, but there were sure a lot of stretch fours in the league this past season. The power forwards who were big were basically non factors (a la Philmore). Martin will be like 43 years old next season, I am sure he will be strong enough to rebound and defend against most 4's. That lineup also creates great spacing for Big Stain in the middle and for our wings to drive.

At this hypothetical point with a 15 man roster for next year we seem like we should be pretty deep anyways, so it's not like this is a 40 minute/game kind of line up. Reynolds will probably sub in by the first TV timeout with whichever wing doesn't start (Blueitt or Abell).

[Madfan]

Thats what my understanding is.

Dee will not graduate in May. He needs one more semester-so he should graduate in December.

[XfansinKy]

Well said. There just aren't a whole lot of 6'9" power forwards in this league. Everyone romanticizes the big bad Big East, but there were sure a lot of stretch fours in the league this past season. The power forwards who were big were basically non factors (a la Philmore). Martin will be like 43 years old next season, I am sure he will be strong enough to rebound and defend against most 4's. That lineup also creates great spacing for Big Stain in the middle and for our wings to drive.

At this hypothetical point with a 15 man roster for next year we seem like we should be pretty deep anyways, so it's not like this is a 40 minute/game kind of line up. Reynolds will probably sub in by the first TV timeout with whichever wing doesn't start (Blueitt or Abell).
Agree. I got JM at the 3 in my starting lineup but at the 4 he would be an excellent compliment to a smaller, faster lineup. PG-Semaj 2G-Abell 3-Blueitt(if he's really that good) 4-JMart 5-Stain. Subbing in Randolph, Reynolds and hopefully another speedy freshman stepping up makes this a fast team. Also have JF, MD, n DD to help grind it out in half court sets too. I hope Dee gets it together but sometimes he just seems too small and doesn't have any of the athleticism a guy like Lavender had. I remember commentators talking about Lavender being able to bench 200lbs and having a near 40" vertical. I don't see that with lil Dee. His experience may prove vital though. Also that starting lineup would be big at the guards and small forward to help make up for not having a tall power forward. Its fun to speculate and hopefully this time next year we are previewing and reviewing our weekend games.

[TUclutch]

Dee will not graduate in May. He needs one more semester-so he should graduate in December.

He technically could in the summer and play his senior year elsewhere. It won't happen but it could

[Xman95]

Martin will be like 43 years old next season, I am sure he will be strong enough to rebound and defend against most 4's.

That legitimately made me laugh.

[james notsirhc 0]

Unless Myles gets his stroke back, I could see Macura playing a little bit too. Hopefully Randolph improves enough to take away some of Dee's minutes. I respect the dude, but he always plays out of control.

[The_Mack_Pack]

Here's my non-Semaj lineup:

Dee, Abell, Martin, Reynolds, and Stainbrook. I could also see Bluiett starting at the 3 with Martin at the 4 against certain teams.

Mack has shown that he will start freshman and play them if they are ready. Bluiett has the game and the body to be a contributing factor next season and will earn some starts. Randolph is the first guard off the bench and Farr is the first big off the bench.

[D-West & PO-Z]

Here's my non-Semaj lineup:

Dee, Abell, Martin, Reynolds, and Stainbrook. I could also see Bluiett starting at the 3 with Martin at the 4 against certain teams.

Mack has shown that he will start freshman and play them if they are ready. Bluiett has the game and the body to be a contributing factor next season and will earn some starts. Randolph is the first guard off the bench and Farr is the first big off the bench.

Same as mine.