Examining the Lineup: Part 2

The last time we discussed the Cougars starting lineup, Baru had still not been cleared to play and practices had not begun. With the season opener in just a few short days, the 8-9 man rotation is a bit clearer but far from established.

Let's start with the positions that ARE set in stone.

• Andrew Lawrence, Anthony Stitt at the 1
• Even though he rested for the Limestone game, Lawrence's control of the offense and outside shooting make him a lock at the point guard position. Bobby Cremins has already publicly stated that Stitt will be the first sub off the bench, primarily running the point. His defense and scoring ability will ensure the team doesn't miss a beat.

• Wiggins starts at the 3
• Defensive stopper, lone senior, no chance he doesn't start here

• Trent and Adjehi start inside; James Carlton rotates in
• Trent is the obvious choice here because of his experience starting for Jeremy at the end of last season. Adjehi has shown enough potential and hustle on both sides of the court to justify this start. Like Carlton, Baru is still an unfinished product, but gets the edge due to the performances we have seen so far. JC will still see plenty of time. His energy and athleticism will likely get the better of second teams in conference play. 

And now it gets interesting. Let's take a look at the logjam we have on the wing. One (or more) of these guys is going to be the odd one out if Cremins keeps with the trend of a short bench. From my angle, it's still too early to tell who makes the rotation because Nori and TD have both played well and I have yet to see what Sundeberg can do. My hope is that Bobby continues to play a 9 or 10 man rotation until the right guys distinguish themselves from the pack. 

• Jordan Scott
• Pros- led the team in scoring in both exhibition games, showed enough in practice to warrant a start, arguably the most athletic player on the first team
• Cons- wasn't mentally prepared for playing time last year, still spotty on D

• Nori Johnson
• Pros- more experience playing as a sophomore, rebounds well, high IQ, solid defender
• Cons- didn't take advantage of playing time against Queens, doesn't excel in any one area

• Trevonte Dixon
• Pros- very smart player, posted stats similar to Nori against Limestone, physically strong
• Cons- still getting adjusted to game speed, struggled against Queens, a bit of a tweener between the 2 and the 3

• Matt Sundberg
• Pros- experience and playing time, one of the team's best shooters, height
• Cons- hasn't played a game in over a year

I can see any number of possibilities occurring. My gut instinct is that TD is left out just because he's the youngest and least experienced of the four. However, he rebounded from a bad first collegiate game to post solid numbers against Limestone. I also know that the coaches really want him to play this year. I am guessing Jordan continues to start until he gets outplayed but I don't know who could do that based off what we've seen so far. Matt's injury could cause him to sit for the beginning of the year. Maybe he subs in along the front line. Nori is one of those guys (like Willis) that finds ways to help out the team. 

Right now there is no right or wrong answer. Things get real on Friday and everything will be magnified. Mistakes will justify a benching and above average play could be the stepping stone for time on the court the rest of the season. We'll have to wait and see what happens.