I know it's early but......

[xufan277]

who starts?

how about Holloway, Redford, Jackson, McLean and Freese? 3 juniors and 2 seniors. Lyons first off the bench. Thoughts are welcome.

[Getreal]

Holloway
Lyons
Jackson
McLean
Frease

Redford,Canty first off the bench for guards
Robinson,Martin,Latham for the bigs

[Lead Guitar]

I suspect that Andrew Taylor will be playing a much greater role, especially in the beginning. I have heard that he is being expected to actually shoot more of the midrange jumper (that he can handle) and count on 10-12 minutes a game. Considering he played significant minutes against K-State, I would not count him out.

[Mr. Neutral]

My first reaction to Redford as a starter was shock, and I still would be very surprised if that happened. But it might happen IF Mack likes bringing Lyons off the bench, even if Lyons ends up getting starter's minutes.

I remember the Jordan-era Bulls bringing BJ Armstrong off the bench, but playing him starter's minutes, including end-of-game situations.

Either way, BR needs to step it up if he expects to get significant minutes.

[RONALD78]

I am never concerned who starts any game. What I do care about is how they/the team/the players finish each game....with a W(win). The team chemistry throughout the game is the most important . People off the bench can be just as important or more important than who starts....ie Posey the 6th man etc.

[xufan277]

My thoughts with Lyons coming off the bench is to give Holloway a rest. It could be that either Martin or Canty prove worthy. Even then I still like Lyons off the bench as a back up to TH. Maybe then Jackson could start at the SG position. Remember when West came in, it was a surprise that he started as a FR? Anybody remember what year West came in? Most coaches and for good reason don't like to take chances with Freshman. Unless of course you are Carmelo or John Wall.

[madness31]

If Redford is willing/able to put the ball on the floor then he will start and if not I suspect that role goes to Lyons/Martin/Canty. You would expect Lyons to come off the bench for rotation purposes unless TH is playing 34+ minute games or another player is able to play minutes at point.

Holloway
Jackson
McLean
Frease

The above seem to be locks with the SG/SF position open. Jackson might play SG with Canty/Martin at SF or Martin at SG and Jackson at SF. Maybe the team will even go big and play Taylor or Robinson at the SF position but that seems to be doubtful. I suspect Lyons will be the final starter as Mack seems to be partial to his game of the available veterans but he might come off the bench and get starter minutes.

I just hope either Lyons or Redford really up their game along with Frease. The team needs a guard and a big man to really step-up from last year if they are going to have another successful season. It could be a freshman or Robinson that answer this call but they are basically unknown commodities at this point whereas the other 3 just need to make a few adjustments.

[73 grad]

I hope Redford is physically able to play full speed, last i heard his hip was still bothering him. Could be a chronic injury, hope not, could use his shooting.

[Getreal]

Holloway is going to get 32+ minutes/game just like last year. The 8 or so minutes left at PG will be taken by Lyons. Lyons will get close to 28-30m/g. Jackson will get 26-28m/g. The fight for the remaining 30 m/g will be between Redford,Canty, and Martin. I think if Martin can show some ability to defend and hit the open 3, he will get the bulk of the minutes and my take some of Jackson's minutes.

[madness31]

I expect Jackson to get more minutes than Lyons unless Lyons game has matured. Jackson will likely have a very strong season and could get minutes at SF and SG, especially if Redford is not 100% or still doesn't put the ball on the floor. Not sure what to expect from Martin or Canty but I'd guess one will be able to contribute quality minutes. If Redford has hip problems then he will get 5-10 minutes instead of 10-17.