Postby pdxmuskie » Tue Dec 05, 2023 7:29 pm
If Jerome wants to stay another year then it would be great for him to wait to play. If he doesn't or if he can be the difference between missing the tournament and getting back to the sweet 16, I'd prefer he play once physically ready.
Assuming he wants to wait and stay another year, it is worth considering what his impact would be this year vs next year. Watching the Delaware game, it appears unlikely X can make the tournament without him. I don't know that he is the missing piece but lets consider the biggest weaknesses. Sloppy turnovers, missed Foul Shots, not getting out on shooters and not stopping people from getting in the lane. He can defend at a high level so he certainly improves some of those issues as well as bringing toughness.
No doubt Hunter would play big minutes and improve this team if he gets into playing shape this year. Next year things could be very different. The positive is significantly more time to get back into game shape. Additionally he can play the full season. The downside is Sasa, Lazar, Reid, Kachi and Swain are all Freshman. Some of these guys will make a big jump. If several do make huge improvements, he will be needed less. Does Free still have another year left? Are Abou and Gytis both done? Listed as seniors so probably gone.
Hunter will play big minutes either year, assuming he is able to get back to the player he was but which year will he bring the most value? Will Xavier be able to replace the Sr transfers and be more competitive next year or do we need to wait another season while younger players grow into their roles?
