Last year with Zuby, Vince, and Prey how many minutes did Maker get?
Now add Hopkins, who brings size and rebounding.
And (hopefully) a defense/rebound oriented forward into the mix.
25-26 Season
- Thread starter paultzman
- Start date
Now add Hopkins, who brings size and rebounding.
And (hopefully) a defense/rebound oriented forward into the mix.
Zuby plays 35 minutes in big games. That doesn't leave a lot of room. You have to figure Hopkins is going to playing around 28 or so. Prey was in some mock drafts for 2026 before he showed up...so him cleaning up any minutes at the 4 and 5 probably makes him one of the best backups in the country as a soph. Ayo is a 4/3. Even though it's relatively thin and not very tall, I think that is one of the best front courts in the entire country.
Mitchell makes sense. Adding the Zuby replacement makes sense as well.
Sellers also being the "Mitchell pivot" could make sense if we add Acaden + Lee or Wagner. Then Sim is your exclusive 2-guard backup, Sellers exclusive 3 backup, etc. Not saying that's perfect, but probably end up even better offensively.
You forgot to include Vince in your "LMF is right again" post
Those 5 minutes are his. I think he was awful this year, but I don't think he will be awful next season. I'm not saying he will be good, but I think two years with Pitino will get him to a relatively decent backup Big East center. He has a ton of mistakes on tape to learn from and get better.
I still believe Prey is the guy that should be backing up the 5, and I hope whatever prevented him from doing that this year has been remedied.
I think Lee necessitates Mitchell in order to maintain the defensive ceiling this team can have. If we get a less skilled 1 with more athleticism, I don't know if we need Mitchell.
Mitchell feels like Cliff O last year. We'd like him and would probably be better with him, but we also really like the options without him too. Prey and Ayo for defense...go smaller with some combination of Jackson, Sellers, Sanon, Wilcher, and Lefty for more offense.
Its funny because I'd prefer DJ if we don't get Mitchell, but prefer Lee if we get Mitchell.
In reality, nobody, but they're there if you need 'em.
Lots of easy points with Sellers and Jackson. You won't find two faster guys in transition.
Usain Bolt.
TM517
Member
I think the frontcourt is actually deep and better than last year. Replaced Scott with Bryce, and giving another year of development to Zuby, Ruben, and Vince. Don’t think we need an extra piece given Maker didn’t get any burn last year (aside from those legendary 2 min against DePaul)
And his cousin Insane Bolt, aka Mullin's Revenge. Yes, that pair would be faster.
Gotta also account for Kadary and Luis who were as good of defenders and rebounders as any forwards in the league. Sanon and Sellers aren’t that
Check a current photo of Usain Bolt and you might change your mind.
Ruben’s continued growth/development will be hugely important.
SJUDave
Well-known member
I can't wait to see what Ruben looks like in November with a full summer of work. He was so late to get here last year that I'm sure it stunted some of the learning. Now him and Lefty will have a ton of time to work. Should see nice improvement for both, specifically Ruben
He's going to be a monster. He's going up against Zuby and Hopkins...iron sharpens iron. There aren't too many backup big men I'd take over him.
With Mitchell seemingly off the table, Prey becomes all the more important. It seems we will be adding plenty of offensive talent, but aside from Hopkins maybe not a ton of grit. Ruben is already a dog on the boards and D, and I hope he can develop his offensive game enough to play major minutes next year.
Yep and his offensive game will come along nicely too. He had to defer on last years team. That baseline drive and dunk he had against Arkansas was sick.