Thinking about what Lathon could potentially contribute this coming season....he might have helped with running the offense and contributing dribble-drive penetration. That is best case.
No doubt NU needs more guys with a handle and that alpha mentality to drive the train. Difficult to find the latter in a frosh.
NU probably has enough mobile, good with the ball guys with experience to handle breaking full court pressure. That is more about spacing, moving to the open space, demonstrating patience, and passing.
Running the offense probably wasn't going to be solved by Lathon...but he could have helped.
NU would have given up something on defense if it meant having Lathon on the court and either Gaines or Ash sitting.
I think the bigger issue is in year two when Lathon could have blossomed and really had an impact. NU is now two years away from that, assuming we can get a lead guard.
I don't know that this changes the win total. We just don't have that data today to project that. If the staff is able to patch it together it could make no difference and then fill the gap the year after with a transfer.
A lot of talent on the team. A lot of guys with multiple years in the system. Proven scorers at the D1 level with Law and Taylor...and even Turner. In your face perimeter defenders with Gaines and Ash. Center may be the strongest position. And two potential gems in Kopp and Nance.
It's a chemistry thing. If this team has it they can game out any problem and get into the 20 wins realm. If they don't, it can look like this past year.
I think the team will be ok. I'm more worried about the year after and the fact that NU has six roster spots to fill which may be the most in Collins' tenure.
