The 2011 Dilemma

[EastMtnLobo]

Last year I saw a lot of talk about which big men would get the most playing time. This year you have to ask who you play at your 1, 2, and 3 spots.

Curious what the rotation will be.

[Burro lobo]

These will be the most contested spots on the team and I feel it will last most of the season, defense and turnovers will be tested and may affect who gets the crunch time. We have a lot of talent and good size at almost every spot and the athleticism has stepped up too, at the very least we should be able to rotate and keep players fresh.

[Howler]

I think the only absolutely guaranteed starter at the 1,2,3 positions is Kendall. I think that it's extremely likely that Pmac will also be a starter at the beginning of the season (and likely throughout the season, barring injury). The real question, imho, is who will join them.

Personally, I look for the opening game starters at the 1-3 to be Kendall (1), Pmac (2) and Tony (3). I really like Tony in the starting lineup because of his length (good defensive attribute) and his ball-handling skills. We all know that he has great scoring potential, and now that he has a year in the system I look for his defensive awareness to be much improved - as well as his overall confidence.

If Tony isn't a starter at the 3, I look for Pmac to play the 3 with Kendall at the 2. It becomes a fight for the starting point, I think between Hugh and Demetrius. I really look for Jamal and Dominique to get their minutes off the bench - with both seeing significant playing time.

That said, whoever starts at the beginning of the season is going to have to produce big-time in order to hold onto the starting spot because the competition is going to be brutal. And that's a good thing.

[Garishwolf]

Nice to have these problems, a good rotation will bring the cream to the top and assure a hot shooter will be on the floor at any given time. Our deep young team, is going to be fun to watch, and a great challage to our great staff.

Imagine these coming, competetive practices...........oowy can't wait.

[mdanger007]

Jarion can also play the guard or small forward. Our biggest problem this year is the same old story: we don't have enough depth defensively at the 4-5 position. Come tournament time, the lobos might have to collapse our guards and pack in the lane if our bigs get in foul trouble.

[TheLoboMan]

Too me outside of Gordon and Williams it's a crap shoot as to who will get the minutes. Let's wait and see. A lot of talented newcomers are going to push for playing time. Some of the vets will need to step it up and prove themselves all over again.

This isn't a bad thing, it creates a healthy competition and will separate the boys from the men. Great problem to have.

[attydude]

Too me outside of Gordon and Williams it's a crap shoot as to who will get the minutes. Let's wait and see. A lot of talented newcomers are going to push for playing time. Some of the vets will need to step it up and prove themselves all over again.

This isn't a bad thing, it creates a healthy competition and will separate the boys from the men. Great problem to have.
I agree Gordon and Williams are probably locks, and think that Cam will see a lot more action this year.

[Howler]

Jarion can also play the guard or small forward. Our biggest problem this year is the same old story: we don't have enough depth defensively at the 4-5 position. Come tournament time, the lobos might have to collapse our guards and pack in the lane if our bigs get in foul trouble.

I disagree about our lack of depth defensively at the 4-5. That was true last year because 3 of our 4 bigs were in their first year in the system (and 2 of them were in their first year of college ball). Drew, Alex, and Cameron should be much better at the defensive end this year. Our coaching staff knows how to teach defense and our bigs are smart enough to learn.

Drew definitely looked lost on defense at times last year, but it's tough coming into a new system halfway through the year. He looked a lot better on D late in the year than early. Cameron's lapses on D can be attributed to being a freshman more than anything. He has the physical skills, smarts and desire to be a really good defender. Alex has to learn footwork and positioning on "D" and learn not to bite on all the fakes he'll be seeing, but he's a smart hardworking player and I'm sure he will respond to coaching. It's tough as a big guy to look sharp defensively as a freshman.

As far as the MWC goes I'll take our bigs over anybody else in the league, both ends of the court.

[Kenny]

Don't forget Hardeman guys. The guy has been a beast for 3 years now.

[Howler]

Don't forget Hardeman guys. The guy has been a beast for 3 years now.

I definitely didn't forget AJ, just didn't mention him in my comment because I didn't consider him to be a defensive liability last year. I see Drew and AJ as being not just the best starting bigs in the MWC, but as one of the best 4-5 tandems in the country.

[LoboMike]

Yeah, AJ is our best defender and could be in the running for MWC defensive POY. He's going to have a big senior year.

[colt6bt]

I have no favorites for starting positions. As long as the 5 that start have chemistry and the guys who come off the bench are committed to taking on that role full heartedly, I think we'll have a big year. It really simply comes down to numbers, and there are a lot more guards on the team than bigs. You want your best guys out on the court, unfortunately, with the exception of Drew I think our best players might be all guards. Not that AJ, Cam and Alex are slouches, but Kendall, MWC FOY; Hugh, All world U19; Dominique Dunning, depending on who you talk to was better in high school than Kendall; PMAC, highest rated recruit to commit out of high school to NM in last 10 years(hopefully no longer the case next year...no knock on Phil), Demetrius, child basketball prodigy; and don't count out Jamal or Tony who both showed promise last year and should be expected to vie for big minutes.

[LoboCubs23]

So non conference:

Jamal
Kendall
Pmac
Drew
AJ

By conference:
Hugh
Kendall
Pmac
Drew
Jarion

Then Next year
Hugh
Kendal
DD
Alex* Depending on new recruits
Jarion

[Mark]

This is who I think Alford will Start. Hugh, Kendall, Phil, AJ, Drew. Don't forget. Alford his huge on senior leadership and is very loyal to his seniors.

[loboray]

I will be more interested to see who finishes in close games than who starts. That will tell you who coach trusts in crunch time. By conference time that group should be well seasoned and tough closers.

[Roob]

This is who I think Alford will Start. Hugh, Kendall, Phil, AJ, Drew. Don't forget. Alford his huge on senior leadership and is very loyal to his seniors.

Kendall played like a senior last year. If Hugh does the same this year, and the other 3 seniors play to their capabilities, this will be a special team. This starting 5 is last year's starting 5 with Hugh swapping in for Dairese. The difference between last year and this year is that this will be a more veteran team - you'll see much more consistency from Pmac, Drew, and AJ. All 3 of these guys will play at a high level all year, barring injury. Last year Pmac had the early injury that made his play inconsistent through much of the year. AJ got himself into some kind of a strange funk in the 1st half of the year before recovering to play at a high level. Gordon started slowly and finished at a much higher level by the time he found his game legs. Get all 5 of these guys meshing well together early in the season, and this will be a special team. The supporting cast will also be stronger this year with the extra year of experience and with DD, Walker, and Jarion joining the mix. It will be interesting to see how quickly this team develops good chemistry and a strong identity.

[Lobo_for_life]

This is who I think Alford will Start. Hugh, Kendall, Phil, AJ, Drew. Don't forget. Alford his huge on senior leadership and is very loyal to his seniors.
That's mine also. Hugh's U19 performance shows that he should step in immediately.

[LoboMike]

This is who I think Alford will Start. Hugh, Kendall, Phil, AJ, Drew. Don't forget. Alford his huge on senior leadership and is very loyal to his seniors.

That would be my starting five also. Though I would expect PMac to get a major push from Tony and Jarion (if eligible).

Cam would be my guess to see the biggest jump in minutes and role.

[abqpianist]

This is who I think Alford will Start. Hugh, Kendall, Phil, AJ, Drew. Don't forget. Alford his huge on senior leadership and is very loyal to his seniors.
Totally agree..especially about the senior leadership thing.

But just reading through this thread...sheesh! I get so excited! This team is going to be amazing to watch and it will not matter who comes in off the bench at any point in time...it's just plain going to be exciting!

Some of those guys coming off the bench will throw in the spark just when it's needed and it will be amazing! Remember some of those times when Jamal came off the bench and everything went nuts! Some of these new guys will do that this year, too!
Almost too much for me to think about already and the season has not started! How will I survive it? LOL!:wiggle::banana:

[EastMtnLobo]

1. Fenton/Hugh/Demetrius (Fenton will be in a tough fight to keep this spot though. And don't forget about Demetrius here either. Not sure we will know until conference starts who won...)
2. Kendal/Dunning (P.Mac could get time here when Kendal is resting)
3. P.Mac/Snell/Jarion
4.Gordon/Baristow
5.AJ/KIRK (Do you want athletic or BIG? Both get lots of time.)

[txlobo95]

Hugh's had a good summer. Depending on how quickly he picks up the offense, I can see him running the point from day 1, much like Pmac came in and started at the 2 day 1. Hugh may get subbed out early, but if he's projected to be the starter at year's end, they will get him acclimated in that role early on, even if other players play more minutes there initially. Over time his minutes would increase as he shows he can handle the additional responsiblities.

Jamal brings in a ton of energy off the bench to spark the team. I would expect him to continue filling that "Jet Terrry" 6th man role.

[wolf1960]

Who is our lockdown defensive players and who will be our knockdown 3 point shooters ??

[BoRealist]

Who is our lockdown defensive players and who will be our knockdown 3 point shooters ??

Good question: I'll say PMac for both. His D is totally underated and a healthy elbow + senior steadiness should lend themselves to a return to shooting form for Phil. He's going to be great this year.

I think Tony Snell and AJ are a couple awesome defenders also and from all accounts this is a Dunning area of expertise also.

Defense and brains get you on the court when you play on Alford's Lobo team.

[UNMerciful_1]

My starting lineup would be:
1. Kendall
2. Tony
3. Phil
4. Drew
5. AJ

I don't know if I'm being the voice of reason or unreason, but I would caution everybody about putting such huge expectations on Hugh. I know he was "all-world", but he was playing with players he has played with for over 2 years. He was also playing in a system he has played in for 2 years. When he comes here, he's going to have to learn the players and the system. While other players he'll be competing with for time (Tony and Demetrius specifically) already know both. Go back a year ago and read some of the threads and expectations people were putting on Alex. There were definitely some unrealistic ones out there concerning him.

[LoboMike]

It's much more common for a guard to come in and hit the ground running (a la Kendall) than a big like Alex. A lot of the bigs haven't been used to playing against guys who are just as big as them and the transition is tougher and takes longer. I remember plenty of tempered expectations for Alex, along with the excitement. That's still the case.

While Hugh might not set the world on fire right away for us, I think his vast international experience and the fact that he is a guard bode well for an immediate impact. There is no denying the guy's talents at this point and those talents fit the system, even if it is somewhat different from other systems he's played in.


My starting lineup would be:
1. Kendall
2. Tony
3. Phil
4. Drew
5. AJ

I don't know if I'm being the voice of reason or unreason, but I would caution everybody about putting such huge expectations on Hugh. I know he was "all-world", but he was playing with players he has played with for over 2 years. He was also playing in a system he has played in for 2 years. When he comes here, he's going to have to learn the players and the system. While other players he'll be competing with for time (Tony and Demetrius specifically) already know both. Go back a year ago and read some of the threads and expectations people were putting on Alex. There were definitely some unrealistic ones out there concerning him.

[UNMerciful_1]

It's much more common for a guard to come in and hit the ground running (a la Kendall) than a big like Alex. A lot of the bigs haven't been used to playing against guys who are just as big as them and the transition is tougher and takes longer. I remember plenty of tempered expectations for Alex, along with the excitement. That's still the case.

While Hugh might not set the world on fire right away for us, I think his vast international experience and the fact that he is a guard bode well for an immediate impact. There is no denying the guy's talents at this point and those talents fit the system, even if it is somewhat different from other systems he's played in.

With Alex last year I think it was about a 50/50 split. Half of us were expecting him to come in and dominate right away, and the other half expected that he would need a big adjustment period to be ready for the college game. With Hugh, it seems like I am the lone holdout. And I'm not saying that I don't think he can't come in and be a significant contributer right away. I think he can. I just don't think he will start with the quality of players we have returning.

[Howler]

With Alex last year I think it was about a 50/50 split. Half of us were expecting him to come in and dominate right away, and the other half expected that he would need a big adjustment period to be ready for the college game. With Hugh, it seems like I am the lone holdout. And I'm not saying that I don't think he can't come in and be a significant contributer right away. I think he can. I just don't think he will start with the quality of players we have returning.

I'm with you, Daddylobo. I'm not seeing him as a starter at the beginning of the season, I think it's going to be 3 seniors and 2 sophomores initially.

That said, Hugh obviously has a tremendous upside, and if he is the starting point when the season gets underway it will be because he earned it in practice. That's one reason I'm so looking forward to RPS's scrimmage and practice reports, especially after Hugh and Jarion show up. Isn't it about time for another report from the Davalos, RPS?

[18,018]

I know I'm out by myself on this one, but I still feel like we'll see Fenton in the starting line-up for the first exhibition game:

1. Fenton
2. Williams
3. Pmac
4. Gordon
5. Hardeman

Hugh may start after a few games, but I know the only thing Alford loves more than multiple PG's on the floor is multiple upper-classmen PG's on the floor.

Then again, I've still yet to physically watch Hugh or Demetrius or DD play, so I could be way off here.

[LoboCubs23]

I know I'm out by myself on this one, but I still feel like we'll see Fenton in the starting line-up for the first exhibition game:

1. Fenton
2. Williams
3. Pmac
4. Gordon
5. Hardeman

Hugh may start after a few games, but I know the only thing Alford loves more than multiple PG's on the floor is multiple upper-classmen PG's on the floor.

Then again, I've still yet to physically watch Hugh or Demetrius or DD play, so I could be way off here.

Im with you 18018 see my post earlier. I have the same starting 5, but I do think by Christmas or at least by conference we see Hugh take over for Jamal at least and maybe Jarion filling in for AJ . That is a front line. Jarion and Drew up front would have to scare anyone in the league, and if Phill can hit 45-50% we will be unbeatable.

[abqpianist]

not sure about Fenton starting (I love seeing his energy come off the bench), but agree about everything else you say. Don't really believe Hugh will start right off the bat; has to get ingrained into our system first...but I don't think it will take him long to get there. Exciting any way you look at it!

[Loco Lobo 05]

1.Greenwood/Walker
2.Williams
3.PMac/Henry
4.Gordon
5.Hardeman

(If Jarion is academically eligible he is too good not to start).

[loborick]

Henry is not a five! He doesn't even weigh 200 pounds.

[toddl18]

I think the only absolutely guaranteed starter at the 1,2,3 positions is Kendall. I think that it's extremely likely that Pmac will also be a starter at the beginning of the season (and likely throughout the season, barring injury). The real question, imho, is who will join them.

Personally, I look for the opening game starters at the 1-3 to be Kendall (1), Pmac (2) and Tony (3). I really like Tony in the starting lineup because of his length (good defensive attribute) and his ball-handling skills. We all know that he has great scoring potential, and now that he has a year in the system I look for his defensive awareness to be much improved - as well as his overall confidence.

If Tony isn't a starter at the 3, I look for Pmac to play the 3 with Kendall at the 2. It becomes a fight for the starting point, I think between Hugh and Demetrius. I really look for Jamal and Dominique to get their minutes off the bench - with both seeing significant playing time.

That said, whoever starts at the beginning of the season is going to have to produce big-time in order to hold onto the starting spot because the competition is going to be brutal. And that's a good thing.

If I was a coach I would want the most balanced and diverse group I could put out there with that said I would use Fenton at the point as his speed has the ability to help this team in case they are a little slow getting back. Kendall is too good of a shooter to not be a starter especially with how much Alford's team generally struggle without areally good 3 point specialist he is the most consistant of all players from deep. I don't think Mcdonald will start honestly with his game he's better suited to be comming off the bench and being the guy that sparks the bench. I don't know if Tony will start either because for the most part his freshman year was very inconsistant and lacked confidence while I think he'll improve in those aspects it's hard to say if he's ready to have the pressure of a starting spot. I could see alford try to play a 3 out 2 in type offense so I think you could see Dunning or Hughs as the guy there till Snell gets confidence in his game. I think you could also see a 2 3 type of team with AJ at the 3, Gordon at the 4 and Kirk at the 5. Size unlike speed never goes away throughout the game.


Jarion can also play the guard or small forward. Our biggest problem this year is the same old story: we don't have enough depth defensively at the 4-5 position. Come tournament time, the lobos might have to collapse our guards and pack in the lane if our bigs get in foul trouble.

This is an untrue statement I don't think you are being fair to how alford defense is setup and how it works. Alot of the big men get left out on islands (to steal a football term) and don't have help when/if they get beat. Where as the guards do also alford uses a traditional defense scheme that puts enfacites on guards ability to drive here guys into big men to try to double/get stops/blocks. The problem is if teams are hitting from deep it cause the guards to try to cheat to stop shots and leads for easy breakdowns on plays.

[mikexom]

With our depth I would love to see us press end to end. Seems like the team plays better offense out of the press than otherwise.

[BoRealist]

I know Fenton scares the hell out Lobo fans sometimes but I think it's important to note that Fenton starting point guard vs. Fenton fire starting sub are two different players. Without seeing our new players in person I can safely say the Fenton is the best true point on the team. He is the best passer and ball handler of all the guards (even KW). He is the best entry passer on the team although I guess you can make an argument for Tony here. Getting the ball to Drew and AJ down low is going to be well over half the offense next season so having a guard who can get them the ball in excellent position will be key. Jamal runs around like his hair is on fire which is what was expected of him while Gary commanded the team but think back to Jamal actually running the offense as a starter in the final couple games. He wasn't nearly as out of control. Walker and Hugh could take his starting spot but I don't think it's a given.

My personal preference would be to move Williams to point full time and let him develop that part of his game. He's certainly smart enough to run the show.

If I had my way (which we can all probably thank the basketball gods I don't)
Williams - PG
McDonald - SG
Snell - SF/G
Hardeman - PF
Gordon - PF/C

Likely start of the year line-up
Fenton - PG
Williams - SG
McDonald - SG
Hardeman - PF
Gordon - PF/C

[Burro lobo]

My different take on Hugh is that he was featured on the Emus and no one (under 19s) played much "D". Hugh will not be featured nor will a lack of defense make him the starter. He was with that team for a number of years and he was the fabric that held it together, now he will earn his time like everyone and let me say he will succeed with time and work. I have trouble touting some players over the other, but DD is going to be tough all around and will be more of an impact than expected. Tony should also have a breakout sophomore year, his size and speed will show up with his improved understanding of Alford's game. I thought Tony looked lost in most games before the BYU game when something clicked. Jarion still has to show up and prove himself and Walker is the surprise package waiting to be opened, I hope what we all want!! Jamal has his work ahead of him, his speed and quickness are there, just needs to put on his thinking cap and not be his own worst enemy. Then we come to Adams who put himself into a hole and now must haul himself up by the shoe laces to get out of his own earned nightmare, he has so much to do to return back to where he wants to be. Kendall has the bull by the horns, let's see where he takes us! I expect to see young Mr. Alford show up more than most walkons due to his ability and the fact he wanted to stay home and play for his dad, I am kind of excited to see how he does. Phil needs to have the year that he was expected to show the three previous years, his game is smooth enough that we are all surprised of how well he played at the end, but I still want to see him impress those scouts that will take him to the next level.
This year has so much potential and actually is flying under notice of most other teams and scouts, I feel it should be a breakout year for the Lobos, the kind of a year that gets some attention of those big name recruits, you know those that are going to have a tough time earning playing time from players already here.

[lobo46]

My different take on Hugh is that he was featured on the Emus and no one (under 19s) played much "D". Hugh will not be featured nor will a lack of defense make him the starter. He was with that team for a number of years and he was the fabric that held it together, now he will earn his time like everyone and let me say he will succeed with time and work. I have trouble touting some players over the other, but DD is going to be tough all around and will be more of an impact than expected. Tony should also have a breakout sophomore year, his size and speed will show up with his improved understanding of Alford's game. I thought Tony looked lost in most games before the BYU game when something clicked. Jarion still has to show up and prove himself and Walker is the surprise package waiting to be opened, I hope what we all want!! Jamal has his work ahead of him, his speed and quickness are there, just needs to put on his thinking cap and not be his own worst enemy. Then we come to Adams who put himself into a hole and now must haul himself up by the shoe laces to get out of his own earned nightmare, he has so much to do to return back to where he wants to be. Kendall has the bull by the horns, let's see where he takes us! I expect to see young Mr. Alford show up more than most walkons due to his ability and the fact he wanted to stay home and play for his dad, I am kind of excited to see how he does. Phil needs to have the year that he was expected to show the three previous years, his game is smooth enough that we are all surprised of how well he played at the end, but I still want to see him impress those scouts that will take him to the next level.
This year has so much potential and actually is flying under notice of most other teams and scouts, I feel it should be a breakout year for the Lobos, the kind of a year that gets some attention of those big name recruits, you know those that are going to have a tough time earning playing time from players already here. It is nice to know at least 1 person has my son projected to play more than scrub minutes. Thanks Burro.

[Garishwolf]

I know forsure DD will be a crowd favorite fast, his enthusiastic, 110% get em team play will make him a FAVorite.

I tink DD, has already been takin in by the LOBO comunity, may seem to be overlooked, but he's a solid true red LOBO, and will bring the PIT to there feet in years to come.

can't wait to see him in action, and see his D in play, he could be a major D shutdown player right out the door.

[loborick]

Of all the newcomers, it's is so hard to project who is going to get major minutes and who will have an immediate impact. We have some major talent coming in. It's going to be a dogfight for minutes between DD, Hugh, Jarion and Walker. Whomever earns court time will have deserved it. Everyone is on a Hugh kick right now because of his success at the U-19s. But we have four new players that could all make an impact. I'm really interested to see it.

[LoboCubs23]

It is nice to know at least 1 person has my son projected to play more than scrub minutes. Thanks Burro.


No I dont think anyone has DD projected for scrub minutes, in fact I expect him to seriously contend for conference FOY, in fact I bet he wins it. That being said he will have to play a ton of minutes to get that, and I think he will. I dont think he starts this year, but next year I think he locks down his spot in the SL for the rest of his days at UNM!

[LIDOakaLJT]

I have to disagree with you Lobocubs23 --- I do not think that any of our Freshman will win the MWC FOY award this year. Only because there's too much talent on this team (from ALL players) for any freshman to get serious time on the floor to compete for the award. I would not be surprised if one of Hugh's Aussie teammates headed to BSU gets the award --- only because BSU is weak in the areas where those guys will be playing. In other words, they'll get the playing time needed to establish stat lines worthy for FOY.

JMHO


GO LOBOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[18,018]

It is nice to know at least 1 person has my son projected to play more than scrub minutes. Thanks Burro.

Always hard to predict playing time for a player that many of us have never actually seen play. Nique sounds like he'll be an awesome addition, and his highlights have certainly impressed me (and his interviews/attitude sounds like EXACTLY the type of player I know I'll love as a Lobo).

Having said that though, I've never seen him trounce NMSU or shoot a free-throw in the Thomas & Mack, and I've still never seen him face up on a Jimmer or a Kawhi (unless you count that bad-a$$ avatar pic you've got!). Not many of us have anything more concrete to go on then a few highlight reels and some faceless internet scout opinions. So really, I would just take all of this line-up prediction with a grain of salt. Not too many posters here predicted Kendall to play as much or as well as he did, and now he's essentially some poster's here very own bball savior (slight man crush here personally).

The good thing is our coach plays the guys who deserve it and work the hardest. Nique sure seems to fit the bill there, so no reason to really think he won't be our next all-star. I sure wouldn't be surprised if he comes in and kicks butt from day one. :arms:

[polhzp]

I think Tony will be the first player off the bench early on as the season starts and he will do well, but once we get rolling DD will replace him as the first player off the bench. I predict he will lead all our freshman in scoring and he will become the player we rely on as that off the bench spark we will need.

[Dominic]

Starters -
PG - Hugh Greenwood
SG - Kendall Wialiams
SF- Phil Mcdonald
PF - Drew Gordon
C - A.J. Hardeman

Bench -
PG - Jamal Fenton
SG - Demetrius Walker/Dominique Dunning
SF - Tony Snell/Jarion Henry
PF - Cameron Bairstow
C - Alex Kirk
Hugh and Kendall will share the PG duties, and Tony Snell will be the first player off the bench.

[pjamj]

I just hope Alford settles on a starting lineup as early as possible and sticks to it for the entire season, barring an injury of course. The sooner he identifies everyones role the better chance the guys have to gel and become a team.

Last year was frustrating due to a different lineup in almost every game. In defense of Alford, the team had an inordinate amount of injuries last year. Let's hope that does not happen again and let's hope everyone not only accepts, but celebrates, their role. THAT will go a long way in this becoming a great team!

[Burro lobo]

Well we'll see, it just seems that DD has been overlooked. Now with the play of Hugh in the Under 19s he has received a big boost and he deserves it he was the heart of that Australian team and did deserve 1st team recognition, but DD wasn't playing hamburger out their either and he always got honors in all of those tournaments too. I am not trying to pick anyone over another, I just want all of them to shine, lastly I have been surprised that DD hasn't received what I thought was his due, this kid did what ever his team needed and he carried them to the very end and at the best level of competition in Ca. Now I hope I am surprised, but I think most of you will be! Either way Go Lobos, this is the start of something big, very BIG!

[MacLobo]

Let's not all forget that in Alford's system, and with the depth we have, being in the "starting line-up" doesn't real mean much more than having their name called when the lights are out. The minutes will be spread around, there's no doubt about that! The only 2 who won't see significant minutes are Perez and Alford. With the depth we have, we'll have the liberty of subbing frequently and running teams off the court!

[pablo]

My different take on Hugh is that he was featured on the Emus and no one (under 19s) played much "D". Hugh will not be featured nor will a lack of defense make him the starter. He was with that team for a number of years and he was the fabric that held it together, now he will earn his time like everyone and let me say he will succeed with time and work. I have trouble touting some players over the other, but DD is going to be tough all around and will be more of an impact than expected. Tony should also have a breakout sophomore year, his size and speed will show up with his improved understanding of Alford's game. I thought Tony looked lost in most games before the BYU game when something clicked. Jarion still has to show up and prove himself and Walker is the surprise package waiting to be opened, I hope what we all want!! Jamal has his work ahead of him, his speed and quickness are there, just needs to put on his thinking cap and not be his own worst enemy. Then we come to Adams who put himself into a hole and now must haul himself up by the shoe laces to get out of his own earned nightmare, he has so much to do to return back to where he wants to be. Kendall has the bull by the horns, let's see where he takes us! I expect to see young Mr. Alford show up more than most walkons due to his ability and the fact he wanted to stay home and play for his dad, I am kind of excited to see how he does. Phil needs to have the year that he was expected to show the three previous years, his game is smooth enough that we are all surprised of how well he played at the end, but I still want to see him impress those scouts that will take him to the next level.
This year has so much potential and actually is flying under notice of most other teams and scouts, I feel it should be a breakout year for the Lobos, the kind of a year that gets some attention of those big name recruits, you know those that are going to have a tough time earning playing time from players already here.

I disagree.I think Hugh will continue to be featured-even as a frosh and will provide quite a bit of what we need-tough, gritty player who will do anything to win and has a nice 3 shot, which was sorely lacking on the lobos last season.

[Bullchuter]

:arms:It doesn't matter who starts...we are going to be awesome this year! I already have my future's ticket to win the NCAA..with very good odds. Go LOBOS!

[PitNicker]

Fun to speculate. I agree lots of guys could get a chance to start later.

But it's really difficult to imagine an opening game starting lineup that doesn't include AJ, Drew and Phil. And if you ask me, it's hard to see Kendall not being part of that too.

The leaves a fifth slot for somebody incredibly versatile. As versatile as this team is in general, I still don't think we have anyone more versatile than Tony.

Of course one of the Freshman or DW might become "that guy," proving he is just too valuable not to have on the floor. And if someone like Hugh or Dominique turns out to be the second coming of Jason Kidd, then it will be obvious and that guy will need to be on the floor.