Some early reflection on the 16/17 Cats makes me think that we will play 9 - no shocker. Assuming everyone stays healthy, the question is who are 8 and 9. My guess is that 8 will be Darryl Reynolds. 9 will be Dante Devincenso.
What this means is that I think - in the spirit of getting our best 5 on the floor as much as possible, we will see some 4 forward lineups this year (real forwards, not Ochefu, Spellman, Reynolds, Painter "forwards").
Whether it's Brunson or Booth not on the floor - and/or when Omari gets a rest - I would not be at all surprised to see Jalen or Phil playing out there with Hart/Jenkins/Bridges/Paschall. These four forwards are truly an exceptional group. They are individually strong, but have a great diversity of skills that will allow Jay to play them together.
We know how good Hart and Jenkins are.
Paschall may take some time to adjust to the highest level of college basketball. He has great talents, but might need a bit more of an adjustment period than expected initially.
Bridges - no surprise - is the X factor. He is in the process of taking the next step in his game. The two things that make him extremely dangerous - in addition to his length, athleticism and deep shooting ability - are his emerging midrange game and his intensity on drives to the cup.
Do not be surprised to see Jalen or Phil and these 4 star forwards playing together a fair amount this season.
What this means is that I think - in the spirit of getting our best 5 on the floor as much as possible, we will see some 4 forward lineups this year (real forwards, not Ochefu, Spellman, Reynolds, Painter "forwards").
Whether it's Brunson or Booth not on the floor - and/or when Omari gets a rest - I would not be at all surprised to see Jalen or Phil playing out there with Hart/Jenkins/Bridges/Paschall. These four forwards are truly an exceptional group. They are individually strong, but have a great diversity of skills that will allow Jay to play them together.
We know how good Hart and Jenkins are.
Paschall may take some time to adjust to the highest level of college basketball. He has great talents, but might need a bit more of an adjustment period than expected initially.
Bridges - no surprise - is the X factor. He is in the process of taking the next step in his game. The two things that make him extremely dangerous - in addition to his length, athleticism and deep shooting ability - are his emerging midrange game and his intensity on drives to the cup.
Do not be surprised to see Jalen or Phil and these 4 star forwards playing together a fair amount this season.
