If we're playing for next year, here's my read on what we're looking at as of 2/19/18. I thought the kindest format was to revisit the MVI post.
1. Leron Black
He was a high 4* recruit so the potential has been there. He has become a very good 3-point shooter and he seems unstoppable as a scorer 1-on-1 inside. I'm really proud of him as a go-to guy this year. He's fun to watch.
2. Ayo Dosunmu
5* stud point guards are everything we've been missing for the last dozen years. I just can't go any lower than #2.
3. Trent Frazier
Trent has the "it" factor that few players have. He's going to be a fan favorite and when he heats up it is must-see TV. Once he starts playing in meaningful games and makes a sophomore leap, he's going to be electric. He won't lose any effectiveness playing off the ball with Ayo. He's only #3 because of the 100.8 ORtg (high usage) which isn't ideal. I expect improvement and that will make us a lot better when he stops having 2-11 shooting nights.
4. Kipper Nichols
Kipper is a frustrating player sometimes but he is a versatile player with undeniable offensive talent. He's also arguably our best rebounder. He's not a great defender but as a quasi-sophomore there is still room for improvement. Surround him with more talent and minimize "bad Kipper" (the two things should go together) and he'll be incredibly valuable.
5. Michael Finke
Finke has limitations but the team is undeniably worse off without him, as shown in the last few games. He's someone that defenses have to account for, he has size (which is in short supply on this team), and he provides leadership on a team that doesn't have much. He could shoot better next season. He probably won't defend the rim better but he still adds value.
6. Mark Smith
If you look at who Mark Smith is and who he could become next season instead of who he was supposed to be, then I think this is the right spot for him. The biggest thing holding him back is that he needs a pull up jumper to finish against rim protectors. His shot looks good and I think he can be a 35-40% 3-point shooter next season, based on his FT%. Confidence has been the issue as he's struggled to adapt to next-level defenders this season. You can see improvement with him each game lately and once it starts clicking he will be able to do a lot of different things well. He is a good passer and he has good size for his position. Watch him closely for the rest of the season.
7. Aaron Jordan
Jordan is a solid 3-and-D type. He has good size on the wing and is effective rebounding. He isn't very explosive and he doesn't have a quick release, but he can be a role player on a tournament team.
8. Greg Eboigbodin
Greg is a developing big, so he'll be better next season. His one trick on offense has mostly been solved by opposing defenses, but he'll add a move or two. He is a solid rebounder on both ends and he is starting to reduce the fouling rate from "crazy high" to just "high." He can block some shots and sets good screens. He's another role player on a tournament team next season (this season is a bit rough still.)
9. Da'Monte Williams
Da'Monte has a nice all-around skillset in terms of defense, rebounding, and passing. He just can't score efficiently at all. Some of that is the ACL recovery for sure. But until he shows a little more you probably have to put him at #9.
10. Te'Jon Lucas
Te'Jon has been back to playing his game since his suspension. Unfortunately, his game includes an astronomically high turnover rate, brutal free throw shooting, and no 3-point shooting. Even when you think he played well, he ends up with a <100 ORtg because those three holes in his game aren't getting better.
11. Matic Vesel
Matic is a total project at this point. I see height and some fluidity. I don't see anything close to a Big Ten player this year. He should have redshirted but sometimes we really needed another body on the court and he was the only option.
12. Empty Scholarship #1
13. Empty Scholarship #2
I assume that we're going to add another 2-4 players to this list in the offseason. If you make an 8-man rotation out of our top guys, maybe that's a tournament team if guys develop. We need more quality depth, especially if we play 10 men like Underwood wants.
1. Leron Black
He was a high 4* recruit so the potential has been there. He has become a very good 3-point shooter and he seems unstoppable as a scorer 1-on-1 inside. I'm really proud of him as a go-to guy this year. He's fun to watch.
2. Ayo Dosunmu
5* stud point guards are everything we've been missing for the last dozen years. I just can't go any lower than #2.
3. Trent Frazier
Trent has the "it" factor that few players have. He's going to be a fan favorite and when he heats up it is must-see TV. Once he starts playing in meaningful games and makes a sophomore leap, he's going to be electric. He won't lose any effectiveness playing off the ball with Ayo. He's only #3 because of the 100.8 ORtg (high usage) which isn't ideal. I expect improvement and that will make us a lot better when he stops having 2-11 shooting nights.
4. Kipper Nichols
Kipper is a frustrating player sometimes but he is a versatile player with undeniable offensive talent. He's also arguably our best rebounder. He's not a great defender but as a quasi-sophomore there is still room for improvement. Surround him with more talent and minimize "bad Kipper" (the two things should go together) and he'll be incredibly valuable.
5. Michael Finke
Finke has limitations but the team is undeniably worse off without him, as shown in the last few games. He's someone that defenses have to account for, he has size (which is in short supply on this team), and he provides leadership on a team that doesn't have much. He could shoot better next season. He probably won't defend the rim better but he still adds value.
6. Mark Smith
If you look at who Mark Smith is and who he could become next season instead of who he was supposed to be, then I think this is the right spot for him. The biggest thing holding him back is that he needs a pull up jumper to finish against rim protectors. His shot looks good and I think he can be a 35-40% 3-point shooter next season, based on his FT%. Confidence has been the issue as he's struggled to adapt to next-level defenders this season. You can see improvement with him each game lately and once it starts clicking he will be able to do a lot of different things well. He is a good passer and he has good size for his position. Watch him closely for the rest of the season.
7. Aaron Jordan
Jordan is a solid 3-and-D type. He has good size on the wing and is effective rebounding. He isn't very explosive and he doesn't have a quick release, but he can be a role player on a tournament team.
8. Greg Eboigbodin
Greg is a developing big, so he'll be better next season. His one trick on offense has mostly been solved by opposing defenses, but he'll add a move or two. He is a solid rebounder on both ends and he is starting to reduce the fouling rate from "crazy high" to just "high." He can block some shots and sets good screens. He's another role player on a tournament team next season (this season is a bit rough still.)
9. Da'Monte Williams
Da'Monte has a nice all-around skillset in terms of defense, rebounding, and passing. He just can't score efficiently at all. Some of that is the ACL recovery for sure. But until he shows a little more you probably have to put him at #9.
10. Te'Jon Lucas
Te'Jon has been back to playing his game since his suspension. Unfortunately, his game includes an astronomically high turnover rate, brutal free throw shooting, and no 3-point shooting. Even when you think he played well, he ends up with a <100 ORtg because those three holes in his game aren't getting better.
11. Matic Vesel
Matic is a total project at this point. I see height and some fluidity. I don't see anything close to a Big Ten player this year. He should have redshirted but sometimes we really needed another body on the court and he was the only option.
12. Empty Scholarship #1
13. Empty Scholarship #2
I assume that we're going to add another 2-4 players to this list in the offseason. If you make an 8-man rotation out of our top guys, maybe that's a tournament team if guys develop. We need more quality depth, especially if we play 10 men like Underwood wants.
