Next Year Starters

[Panthers to the Bone]

Is there any reason Reed can't play the two, Josten one, and start Coleman, Jordan, and Koch? I think the biggest question of this equation would be Reed at the two. Any other thoughts?

It's difficult to start that type of lineup, as we don't have the depth at the 4/5 (with Barz most likely redshirting) to sub in for those guys. If UNI started that lineup, O'Rear would be the only scholarship athlete that could sub in at the 4/5. Also, the more minutes guys play throughout the season, the more injury prone they can become due to weakness, overuse, and fatigue. Why risk it when we have a plethora of guards available that were recruited to a '3 guard lineup'?

Now, I'm not saying that there couldn't/wouldn't be times where Jake could use that 3 big lineup, but if you are going to do that, IMO, just throw Kerwin out there at the '3' and you have essentially the same thing. 3 bigs can't play down low at the same time, but if you want to go with a big lineup, you now have the opportunity to play a 6'6" small forward with two true post players.

You see what I'm saying? It's not that it wouldn't work, but IMO, for the long term health of the team, it wouldn't be optimal with the quality guard depth we have.

[Khan4Cats]

I agree with Gonzo and PTTB on this with regards to the depth of this team. The biggest question and the factor that will ultimately determine playing time and line-ups (outside of injury) will be the play at point guard. I think the biggest thing we learned at the WUG, aside from getting experience for our youth, was that Jared can handle the point effectively. That would not be ideal because it would drag from his defensive focus, but if Ahelgbe and Culliver can't get the job done, that causes a shuffling of the line-up with Reed and Brown taking some minutes at 2, Dunham and even Koch sliding into the 3, and Coleman, O'Rear and Eglseder rotating at 4 and 5. It is kind of fun, with the depth we have, to be able to play with the possibilities of various line-ups. Hopefully, the coaching staff will be able to work these line-ups and be able to force other teams to match our changes and different looks as opposed to reacting to what other teams show us.

[SMK4UNI]

Just think if Dunham, Coleman, Koch and Eglseder could be on the floor at the same time. That would be a very tall lineup with some very versatile athletes. You could throw in Ahelegbe at point. I am not saying this would be a starting line up but I sure think it could be fun one to watch.

You could interchange Dunham and Reed also.

[Panther Cat]

Coach Jake, just like Mac have stressed defense over offense. The 3 big guys would be a huge liability at the defensive end, even if we are in a 2-3. In the same case, it could give the opposition a tough match up at the other end, however that would put a lot of extra pressure on the guards too.

I don't like the 3 big look. Jordan probably won't start but is definitly going to get some big minutes. If Jordan's D has gotten considerably better we'll see him getting minutes in the upper 20's. But if he still has trouble matching up against the smaller quicker centers then he'll probably only get about 20 minutes a game. But from everything I've heard he looks really good and has gotten a lot better on the other end.

Regardless of who we put out there I think we should have a great shot at making it back to the tournament.

[Kyle]

Origionally posted by Panthers to the Bone:
Also, the more minutes guys play throughout the season, the more injury prone they can become due to weakness, overuse, and fatigue. Why risk it when we have a plethora of guards available that were recruited to a '3 guard lineup'?

I couldn't agree more. I also think we won't see three bigs because our guards will be putting up some significant points. Last year we relied on our big men to put up 30 points a game. Josten understood his role last year, but I think 10-15 pts a game will be typical for him this year, and we all know Reed is capable of getting to the basket.

Don't get me wrong, I think we will see Coleman banging heads a lot this season. In fact, having a group of capable guards might pull the double (or triple) team off Coleman.

[EVSPanther]

I think this year is unlike any previous (recent at least) UNI men's team. Previously, we would always lean either toward the inside or outside. However, I think this year is most unique because of the fact that at any given game we have the personel to do either or. We have the big men that can take over and we have the guards that can take over. I agree with Gonzo's statement above...we are very deep and very talented this year. UNI is most definitely the dark horse this year as I don't think any other teams see us as a potential Top-of-the-league team. Yes, I'm a little biased, but I don't think too far off. Here's hoping the term "dark horse" can be renamed "dark panther" by the end of next year's MVC run. To the Panthers...heal up and beat em' up!

[UNIAlum95]

Caught part of coach Glass on OPR this afternoon and while he said that Adam can play the 3 position it was doubtful we would see the three of them on the floor at the same time. He also said it would be possible to have Jared running the point from time to time. He really likes Carlton's game in that he brings a dimension to the court that we don't currently have. Great interview Sports Guy.

[Panthers to the Bone]

My favorite quote from OPR:

"This floor sucks"

(name that player)

Gary, you should put that in your intro...along with Farley and Hartzell's comments.