i think lots of people are sleeping on on IR. he was will come in playing a role unlike anyone on the team due to his body size and skill set.
There was more excitement about Benson's commitment than Rap's round these parts largely due to Benson's Rival's star rating, but was always more excited about IR (who was more highly regarded by the local talent evaluators).
Benson will need some time to develop (as per usual for 5s) - if things work out, could be a better/more advanced Olah; not quite as big as Olah, but a similar type of player (tad more athletic, but diff. from Pardon) and one who has competed against better competition in HS).
Almost giddy in anticipation of the thought of finally getting to see the
twin towers come to fruition after not getting to see Shurna and Coble play together.
Rap is listed at 208 which isn't bad considering he has another year of HS BB and an off-season to gain weight.
If that 208 is accurate, that's over 10 lbs on Law.
May not see it as much in 2016-17, but having 2 6-7/6-8 Fs who can shoot it lights and take it to the basket will cause headaches for opposing coaches (still think Law will get the start at the 3, but at times when CC wants to go
big - can see Law switched over to the 2-spot).
I think the real interesting battle will be Pardon v Benson for a wide open 5 spot. Pardon will have a year of experience, college muscle, chemistry - but many around here feel he is undersized. Benson isn't much bigger, but much more highly touted. I think both guys will be given the chance and some PT early to see who will win this spot. I do expect Pardon to be given the token nod to begin OOC until a clear starter emerges.
Pardon and Benson are diff. types of centers (Pardon being a good bit more athletic) and only an inch in difference in height (which Pardon probably makes up w/ his above average reach).
Even if one wins the starting job - some of the playing time will depend on match-ups (assuming both are legit B1G 5s).
Based on CC's style of play, Pardon is probably the better fit.
Skelly had a Big 10 body as a freshman. I think he has a higher ceiling than a lot of folks give him credit for.
This.
How much of that is because he was basically playing out of position? He was a 4 out of HS but when he got in last year primarily as a 5. This year, I believe he is supposed to get back to the 4.
And this.
People tend to overlook the impact of playing out of position (it would have been asking a lot out of Skelly to take on veteran B1G PFs).
From the highlights of the Spain trip - the one thing that stood out (aside from all the dunks) was Skelly taking contact in the paint and still managing to hit the shot (of course, we didn't get to see the misses, but Skelly had a pretty good FG %).
As some had notice last season, Skelly had a knack of being a PitA for opponents; should be an even bigger PitA w/ a year of experience under his belt and playing his natural position.
If CC wants to go w/ the meanest/most physical lineup in 2016-17 at times...
1 - Lindsey (assuming he can handle point duties); if not Ash.
2. Law
3. Lumpkin
4. Skelly
5. Pardon
Probably won't ever see that - but one thing for sure, CC will have a lot of options in mixing and matching (probably will want to mix the better defensive players w/ the better shooters - so Rap and Lumpkin/Skelly together and Law w/Falzon (another option being Tap and Skelly).
