Examining the Starting Lineup Part 1

With the news of Willis' season-ending ACL tear, I figured there was no time like the present to start talking about the completely revamped 2011-2012 roster. Practice doesn't begin in earnest until Friday, so this discussion will be constantly shifting and shuffling as the coaching staff begins to sort out who will play where.

The biggest question mark as of right now is the status of Baru. He has been cleared academically, but is still waiting for the NCAA to clear him to play this season (this is because Adjehi's first stateside high school was less than reputable). Because we don't know for sure whether or not Baru will suit up; I have come up with two scenarios. Listed first at each position is the starter, followed by his primary reserve off the bench.

The first is WITH Baru in the lineup <salivates...>

1. Lawrence, Stitt

• Experience, well-rounded, future Olympic participant. Lawrence is pretty much a lock for the starting position but there won't be much lost if Stitt is as advertised

2. Scott, Dixon

• The replacement for Drew Goudelock. This is a tough one to call and a lot will depend on practices, but I think Scott's edge in playing time will grant him the starting job.

3. Wiggins, Sundberg

• The return of Sunshine! Hope to see more consistent shooting and drives to the basket from 'Twaine to go allow with the stellar D.

4. Wiedeman, Carlton

• Trent should continue his development and be a force in the Socon. Word is that James Carlton has improved dramatically and the team is gonna need it without Willis.

5. Baru

• Fingers crossed

The second scenario is if we DO NOT have Adjehi 

1. Lawrence, Stitt

2. Scott, Dixon

3. Wiggins, Johnson

• Nori Johnson showed flashes of high basketball IQ during garbage minutes. I see him coming in at the 3 if Wiggins and Sundberg are needed on the front line

4. Carlton, Sundberg

• Hope Sundberg has hit the weight room hard in the past year and worked on his post game

5. Wiedeman

• With Carlton sliding from 4-5 and Wiggins from 3-4 if relief is needed

Keep in mind both these lineups play 9 men, which is about par for the coarse for Coach Cremins. The biggest liability I foresee is at that center position.