UW's prognosis next year is interesting to say the least.
The team returns six Big Ten rotation players and adds a transfer who pretty much projects as one. The sentiment now seems to be the freshman will at least have a rotation role, and if that happens, you've got a full rotation.
BUT there's the feeling there's not a ton of star potential with the group. Cruddy finishes for the guards and best forward have people a big edgy. I'm less concerned because I think a good coach with lots of solid pieces should be able to be fine, but who knows.
Who is coming back:
F Nate Reuvers: Will likely start at center and be the No. 1 big. Has range, a developing post game that's a little soft for my taste and can block shots, but doesn't move that well. Was quite good for 2/3s of the year, but tailed off. He's the most talented and has the clearest role. Should be fine.
G D'Mitrik Trice: Smaller guard, good floor general, had struggles with end-of-clock work after the first 10-15 games. He's the target of some fan ire. I think he'll be fine, but not sure about the ceiling
G Brad Davison: Thicker guard. Plays some point, some 2, could be a third guard. Was miserable shooting at points but seems to have potential. Another guy the UW fanbase has seen a lot of and is feeling less great about. My gut is he'll be fine.
Wing Kobe King: He's a guy who can do a little of everything, and has become a sort of beacon of hope for fans who see potential there. Showed the ability to post a little, drive some, hit shots, play the perimeter. He was bad down the stretch despite being more active, and despite the fact I think he'll be good, I'm not as high on him as some.
G Brevin Pritzl: A shooter who can do a bit more. Good rebounder, solid finisher. Release isn't quick enough, but he's an efficient complementary player. Played 19 MPG this year, could get up to 22-25ish maybe.
Aleem Ford: Combo forward shooter who doesn't attack well and is kinda slow. He shot well last year, bad this year, is kinda a functional defender since he can switch and move his feet OKish. Not better than a lightly used 3rd big, but maybe there's a jump in there.
The transfer
Former OSU big Micah Potter: He's a 6-9, 240 pounder who many are penciling in as the starting 4/backup 5. Can I guess shoot. Any thoughts OSU fans?
Who is leaving
Ethan Happ: All-time great. Had some issues with his game and dominated the offense, but his gravity was big. Defense and rebonding will be a mess to replace.
Kahlil Iverson: Athletic dunking wing without much range. Was ragged on as an offense stopped most of the year, and suddenly came on late as the rest of the offense struggled. Some fans are worried about losing him, which is a reminder to not write anyone off.
Who is joining up
F Tyler Wahl: Looks like a hard-nosed combo forward. Maybe can shooter. Could surpass Ford in the rotation, and one insider has him as an instant plug in for the top-8. Even though it fits the complexion rule, feels like a Krabbenhoft or Bruesewitz
Reserves to watch
F Taylor Currie: Reclassified to move up a year and redshirted. Might be a stretch big, also might be a year away still.
C Joseph Hedstrom: A walk-on who will get a scholarship. Big and apparently unafraid to mix it up. Maybe a 3-4 MPG guy
G Trevor Anderson: Productive small school transfer who walked on, after a knee injury, tore his ACL early last year. Seems like a nice functional fourth guard, maybe more?
Guy who never was
Tai Strickland: Tall point guard with a high upside. Kinda unclear if he was in position to reach that upside, but his path to PT next year wasn't clear. So he's gone and UW has an extra opening to play with.
Not a team with any surefire stars, but I assume with a good coach can cobble together a solidish Big Ten team that should probably make the dance. It might get weird, though.
