Next Year's Team Thread
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Might as well start this up to talk about the comings and goings of next years squad.
After a Championship all bets are off on who leaves & who returns. We have 4 stud recruits coming. We’ll likely be active in the portal for insert_ amount of players.
Until then enjoy the glory of this year.
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Here’s the skinny.
Exhausted Eligibility- (3)
Mitch Lightfoot, Remy Martin, Jalen Coleman-Lands.
Seniors with Covid year available to them- (2)
David McCormack & Ochai Agbaji
Underclassmen with decisions to make- (2)
Christian Braun & Jalen Wilson
Redshirts with decisions to make- (2)
Kyle Cuffe Jr & Cam Martin
More then likely to return- (5)
Dajuan Harris, Bobby Pettiford, Zach Clemence, Joseph Yesufu, KJ Adams.
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KU to this point hasn’t shown any interest in the transfer portal because they were too busy winning a championship but it will be notable to see what they recruit and what positions. A championship is surely going to get guys attention a little bit more now. Remy Martin having a successful March also helps.
Also despite showing up on some final lists KU doesn’t appear to be in the serious running for any remaining unsigned HS recruits. That could change but with 4 studs coming in + the portal being available to get something ready-made to contribute I don’t see them getting another HS prospect.
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My educated guess is 5-6 returning scholarship players. Full HS class reports to KU. Bring in 3-ish transfers. Impact level of one transfer will depend greatly on if we get one of CB/JWill (lean towards JWill return) back.
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Worst Case Scenario- KU loses 6 of its Top 7 rotation to graduation and professional avenues.
Best Case Scenario- KU returns 3 starters in Harris, Braun, Wilson with a 4th possible McCormack.
Let’s hope for a little bit of the latter.
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I’m really hoping Bill can pitch JWill to return. Would help next season’s team tremendously.
There is a role for someone to be “the guy” next season. So I expect to get a very high-end transfer if JWill isn’t back. Likely we won’t know until after NBA feedback.
Terrence Shannon, David Roddy, Lester Quinones, Nigel Pack, Mike Miles Jr. are all names that I would be interested in as of right now. I’m hoping to get one of these dudes no matter what. But as far as timing and everything, it makes sense that we would end up with one of these borderline NBA prospects who are looking for change after receiving some feedback.
If I were to guess a lineup:
- Harris
- Transfer
- Dick
- Rice
- Clemence
Bench:
- Pettiford
- KJ
- Udeh
Deep Bench:
- Zuby
- Yes
I think there is a clear role for 2 transfers. Ideally a starting guard who can light it up and the other a wing willing to take a bench role (think JCL/Moss). I personally think you see JWill move on. That was the talk at the beginning of the season anyways. Something tells me he is just ready to start making money pretty much regardless. But if he is back I see it more like:
Starters:
- Harris
- Transfer
- Dick
- Wilson
- Clemence
Bench:
- Rice
- Pettiford
- Udeh
Deep Bench:
- KJ
- Yes
- Zuby
Wilson moves Rice into that bench wing role I think we need. But still leaves the door open for a transfer guard who can score. This, in my eyes, is the team with the higher upside. But I do worry JWill tries to do too much next season and puts up 16 ppg on awful advanced stats and pure volume. If JWill takes a leap this offseason and is able to play within the system efficiently like Och (though not to such an extreme, because Och was insanely efficient) this team is once again FF good.
Either way, one thing I’m banking on is Zach taking a leap. We were able to invert the offense to get big guards post looks with Dave at C. Imagine what kind of damage we can do with Zach at C spacing the floor. Would let you post up Rice, Wilson and Gradey against mismatches even more.
We are in a damn good spot though. Perfect time for Bill to pull 3 burger boys.
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@Kcmatt7 I’d be shocked if one of Yes and Bobby isn’t starting next year. Bill LOVED Bobby pre injury and Yes had a lot of good moments and if not for Remy finally getting healthy and figuring it out, would definitely have been the guard coming off the bench down the stretch. I know that’s two little guards with one of those two and Harris but it’s happened before. I also don’t think KJ finds the “Deep bench” section next year as Self is clearly comfortable with him on D and would bring him in just to play D. That role will still be around and I’d guess he adds to that next year.
TBH though I don’t know much about the new recruits but in general Self values experience first and foremost. Especially early.
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@Kcmatt7 the word before every offseason is that JWill will leave and he keeps coming back so at this point I really don’t know anymore lol.
The two guard look with Bill is always nice but I wouldn’t mind if we see a lot of what we saw this year going forward. 3 taller guys around a PG and a 5 man. Guys that can all shoot, handle it well enough, rebound etc… With the shortest being maybe 6’5’’. Makes the defense very difficult to deal with, especially if you have a rim protecting 5.
@benshawks08 It’s Bob as a primary reserve playing real minutes all the way he just has to stay healthy. Two maybe 6’ guards in the starting line-up is a tough sell and Juan isn’t going anywhere.
KJ’s biggest issue is he is a 6’7’’ 5 man. I tend to agree with the sentiment that if JWill is back, KJ will have a tough time getting PT.
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@BShark I guess I just get excited about the pressure Harris and Yesefu would put on opposing guards trying to get their offense started. The rest of the team would only have to guard for like 10 seconds by the time they get it up the court and can finally start to run something with those two hounding them.
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I really do hope one of Wilson/Braun returns because that guarantees KU would have a featured player back. Both come back and the ceiling for next year is a lot higher then if only one returns.
Before the tourney started I thought we’d see both back. Now we have no idea what would motivate them to come back.
For Braun he’s a Kansas kid, a lifetime KU fan and as we’ve found out his bond with Dejuan Harris goes a lot further then the basketball court. What does Braun want his legacy to be? It’s already sky high. Another year could send it to the rafters like Ochai or he leaves on a high like Mario Chalmers did. His NIL game was just starting to ramp up as the season was ending (merchandise/apparel) so that’s another thing that may incentivize him to come back if his draft grade isn’t to where he has a guarantee.
For Wilson he’s got parts of his game that could use developing. The chance to take on that “alpha” role and be a featured scorer could be the kind of opportunity he needs to change NBA minds.
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@benshawks08 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I guess I just get excited about the pressure Harris and Yesefu would put on opposing guards trying to get their offense started. The rest of the team would only have to guard for like 10 seconds by the time they get it up the court and can finally start to run something with those two hounding them.
I have a hard time seeing Yesufu working his way up the rotation but we will see.
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@BeddieKU23 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
I really do hope one of Wilson/Braun returns because that guarantees KU would have a featured player back. Both come back and the ceiling for next year is a lot higher then if only one returns.
Before the tourney started I thought we’d see both back. Now we have no idea what would motivate them to come back.
For Braun he’s a Kansas kid, a lifetime KU fan and as we’ve found out his bond with Dejuan Harris goes a lot further then the basketball court. What does Braun want his legacy to be? It’s already sky high. Another year could send it to the rafters like Ochai or he leaves on a high like Mario Chalmers did. His NIL game was just starting to ramp up as the season was ending (merchandise/apparel) so that’s another thing that may incentivize him to come back if his draft grade isn’t to where he has a guarantee.
For Wilson he’s got parts of his game that could use developing. The chance to take on that “alpha” role and be a featured scorer could be the kind of opportunity he needs to change NBA minds.
What could motivate them? Maybe, just maybe, it’s the same thing that motivated Horford, Brewer and Noah (all lottery picks) to come back for the Gators in 06-07 - to repeat as champions, which they did. So, if we’re in dreamland, not just CB and JWil, but also Dave, come back…
I hate to even raise it, but the biggest question mark is not HS prospects or the portal, its the IARP. If and when that shakes out will dictate a lot of decision-making…
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@BeddieKU23 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
I really do hope one of Wilson/Braun returns because that guarantees KU would have a featured player back. Both come back and the ceiling for next year is a lot higher then if only one returns.
Before the tourney started I thought we’d see both back. Now we have no idea what would motivate them to come back.
For Braun he’s a Kansas kid, a lifetime KU fan and as we’ve found out his bond with Dejuan Harris goes a lot further then the basketball court. What does Braun want his legacy to be? It’s already sky high. Another year could send it to the rafters like Ochai or he leaves on a high like Mario Chalmers did. His NIL game was just starting to ramp up as the season was ending (merchandise/apparel) so that’s another thing that may incentivize him to come back if his draft grade isn’t to where he has a guarantee.
For Wilson he’s got parts of his game that could use developing. The chance to take on that “alpha” role and be a featured scorer could be the kind of opportunity he needs to change NBA minds.
I’m thinking like you do. Could be wrong, though. I think the starters next year will be Juan/CB/Rice/Wilson/Zach with Nigel Pack coming off the bench. I’ve learned from Embiid that you can’t tell what they will do.
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It’s been a while since the Florida players did that and not sure we’ll ever see it repeated. We definitely can dream though.
I didn’t mention the elephant in the room since until something more then rumors come out its not worth talking about. Will we continue to fight or take it on the chin? When that times comes I’ll have to reevaluate my fandom to College Basketball.
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@Jethro said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BeddieKU23 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
I really do hope one of Wilson/Braun returns because that guarantees KU would have a featured player back. Both come back and the ceiling for next year is a lot higher then if only one returns.
Before the tourney started I thought we’d see both back. Now we have no idea what would motivate them to come back.
For Braun he’s a Kansas kid, a lifetime KU fan and as we’ve found out his bond with Dejuan Harris goes a lot further then the basketball court. What does Braun want his legacy to be? It’s already sky high. Another year could send it to the rafters like Ochai or he leaves on a high like Mario Chalmers did. His NIL game was just starting to ramp up as the season was ending (merchandise/apparel) so that’s another thing that may incentivize him to come back if his draft grade isn’t to where he has a guarantee.
For Wilson he’s got parts of his game that could use developing. The chance to take on that “alpha” role and be a featured scorer could be the kind of opportunity he needs to change NBA minds.
I’m thinking like you do. Could be wrong, though. I think the starters next year will be Juan/CB/Rice/Wilson/Zach with Nigel Pack coming off the bench. I’ve learned from Embiid that you can’t tell what they will do.
This could be a tough group to start in the “modern” game. I think for sure you need at least one better 3 pt shooter in that mix. Not sure who that is just yet…
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We are going to have to visit the portal for a shooter.
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It would be interesting to visit last years off season thread.
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@BShark said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@Kcmatt7 the word before every offseason is that JWill will leave and he keeps coming back so at this point I really don’t know anymore lol.
The two guard look with Bill is always nice but I wouldn’t mind if we see a lot of what we saw this year going forward. 3 taller guys around a PG and a 5 man. Guys that can all shoot, handle it well enough, rebound etc… With the shortest being maybe 6’5’’. Makes the defense very difficult to deal with, especially if you have a rim protecting 5.
@benshawks08 It’s Bob as a primary reserve playing real minutes all the way he just has to stay healthy. Two maybe 6’ guards in the starting line-up is a tough sell and Juan isn’t going anywhere.
KJ’s biggest issue is he is a 6’7’’ 5 man. I tend to agree with the sentiment that if JWill is back, KJ will have a tough time getting PT.
I love the 6’5 switch everything defense 2-4. Especially in modern ball.
I think you can mix in 2-guard when you feel like the ball is sticking or you want to press a little more or the matchup is just setup so you can get away with it.
KJ is a mystery. I still think he has a ton of upside. But I’m not going to bank on him getting minutes. I feel the same about Zuby right now.
The only reason I don’t think that about Udeh is because Udeh’s wingspan and size will get him at least some run.
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@Kcmatt7 I feel like unless Udeh is a stiff he should end up getting some run. Probably as the primary back-up big. I can see some concerns about having him and Juan out there. It would be somewhat alleviated by the fact that well, the opponent has to score on that line-up too.
I think ultimately for the deep tournament/serious games rotation you are generally looking at 7 guys. So you need one back-up big, and a back-up guard. After that it’s basically spot minute duty depending on injuries, foul situations, match-ups etc… Having the primary back-up guard be a small guard does make a lot of sense as it offers some flexibility.
Winning the title was great for so many reasons. I think going forward we can attract a lot of “one last rodeo” guys as needed. Guys like Remy, JCL that have been on nothing but bad teams and want to experience winning, use Self and the staff for connections (JCL) etc… Even if it’s in a bench role, some guys will want that experience once in college.
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KJ is really best suited for Wilson’s role. He came out of high school with a loose handle and a jumper that needed to develop, so he played where his athleticism was most useful - as a 5 in small lineups. Go back and watch his HS plays. He was a perimeter player as much as an interior one. He just wasn’t far enough along in his development to play full time on the wing. But he’s a 3/4, not a 4/5. He’s the guy that could make a real leap in development. He played less than 200 minutes all season. His athleticism and defense were evident this year. If his offense comes along, he could be a real problem.
Clemence is the one that is a mystery to me. His skill level is obvious. But how does he fit in without a true 5? He would be best suited to play as a stretch 4, rather than having to bang on the interior. Think of him as a less polished Brady Manek - a guy that can step out and shoot, but is best utilized with a bruiser inside to rebound and protect the rim. Udeh probably is not that guy next year, but if the right option shows up in the transfer portal, that could solve that problem while Udeh develops.
If Braun and Wilson are not back, we could see both Dick and Rice starting. Rice is much further along (it appears) with his ball handling and shooting, so he will likely be ready to contribute on Day 1. Obviously, if both Braun and Wilson come back, Rice is probably coming off the bench, but if not, I imagine he starts quickly, if not immediately. Dick is ready out of the box as a shooter, and probably is more prepared to contribute early than Christian Braun was coming out of HS. Figuring out roles of these two will depend on if Braun and Wilson are back, but they will both have some sort of role.
Self probably won’t target a guard unless it is a known sniper at the 2 that is over 6-4. With Harris, Yesufu and Pettiford already in house, there’s no need to bring in another guard unless it is someone that has already demonstrated they can shoot 40% or so from three and gives you a bigger wing player (someone in the mold of JCL).
KU may look to the portal for a bigger interior player, though. Because that isn’t Clemence’s style, getting someone to fill that void would be a serious upgrade for next year.
Nijel Pack or Terrence Shannon would be great additions for KU on the wing, though I doubt KU gets either. Manny Bates might be the best fit inside, as he is a top notch shot blocker at 6-11, 230 from NC State. The downside for him is that he missed the season with a shoulder problem, but if he is fully healthy, he would have two years of eligibility.
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@justanotherfan I think we are gonna play Zach at the 5 but I agree it’s not his style.
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@BShark I could see Zach and KJ playing together in a weird high low type of game. Zach being able to pop and shoot it, KJ maybe driving ala Wilson. We know KJ can switch on D basically 1-5 and I just don’t see Self letting that skill ride the bench. KJ is the next Marcus Garret. Super defender, gonna need to learn how to score.
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I do wonder if KJ has more offensive skills than we are aware of simply because this team never needed his type of skills on that side of the floor. There was no room for him to drive because we had plenty of other guys to do that. Maybe I’m dreaming but with his quickness, strength, and bounce he just HAS to develop into a guy who can take it to the hoop and finish above and around the rim.
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I know some are high on Clemence, but even late in the season against the 16 seed he looked way out of his element. I don’t think you can for sure count on major production from him.
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KJ is going to get an NFL tryout for TE once he’s done at KU…LOL.
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@HawkChamp said in Next Year's Team Thread:
I know some are high on Clemence, but even late in the season against the 16 seed he looked way out of his element. I don’t think you can for sure count on major production from him.
Some includes the coaching staff. Bobby as well, who really just needs to stay healthy.
I feel like he was coming along then he had the foot injury. Good stretch against the Oklahoma schools after that then right back to deep bench. Another offseason will help. I think he starts but total minutes will depend on the match-up. Probably ends up around 15 minutes a game while starting. Bigs by committee unless we bring in an absolute stud.
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Anyone worried about Juan? He looked least enthused of the guys on the stage at the press conference post game. Not used to the spotlight? Sad about his boys leaving him behind? Still mad he stepped out? Wondering why he didn’t close out the game? I don’t know. Just got a weird vibe from him in that press conference. I love the kid and want him to start at PG until he graduates to be clear. Did I imagine something or did anyone else notice anything?
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@benshawks08 He’s fine.
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Self and Och both called Juan out for turning the game around right at the start of the second half by his D. Inspired the rest of them to get after it too.
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@Crimsonorblue22 I might have already mentioned this but Case drew up the play to open the 2nd half.
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@BShark that was a banger! Loved how it used Harris in that screen action. Almost wish we’d run it a few more times to see if they could figure out how to stop it.
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@benshawks08 said in Next Year's Team Thread:
Anyone worried about Juan? He looked least enthused of the guys on the stage at the press conference post game. Not used to the spotlight? Sad about his boys leaving him behind? Still mad he stepped out? Wondering why he didn’t close out the game? I don’t know. Just got a weird vibe from him in that press conference. I love the kid and want him to start at PG until he graduates to be clear. Did I imagine something or did anyone else notice anything?
No, he’s just a naturally reserved and shy dude.
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@HawkChamp It seems to me like Zach will be more of a stretch 4 option, and as he develops, play the 3 in the League. I realize a stretch 4 is not really Coach Self’s style, but if he can knock down shots reliably, then hey. Darrell Arthur was the last to play that style, unless I’m forgetting about someone.
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@SlickRockJayhawk everyone always wanted perry to shoot the three more…
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@SlickRockJayhawk marcus morris
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@SlickRockJayhawk Dedrick Lawson before Doke’s injury.
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@rockchalkwyo said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@SlickRockJayhawk Dedrick Lawson before Doke’s injury.
Dedric was never a stretch 4.
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With Clemence at the 5, especially if Wilson returns, could we see the high-low make a come back next season, at least as a part of the offense?
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@BeddieKU23 - in my gut, I think Jalen & Christian return. Jalen knows he needs further prep and can obtain a higher pick in the draft. Otherwise, he’s back and forth to the G League? Christian is true blue KU. They both can be next years stars, propelling the team deep into the NCAAT. IMHO.
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@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
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@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
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Hopefully they both return like your predicting. It’s the difference between reloading vs a transition type season
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Da boys
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@BShark said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
Mosley went to HS with Harris. They were in the same HS class, and would have gone to college together if Harris hadn’t switched to KU. I would not be surprised if Mosley ended up in Lawrence if his draft feedback isn’t to his liking.
Mosley would be a perfect replacement for Agbaji while Rice and Dick transition to college, then you have a five headed perimeter monster with Harris, Mosley, Braun, Rice and Dick. Even if KU doesn’t fully solve their interior depth issues, I wouldn’t be afraid of going to battle with that group plus KJ, Wilson, Clemence, Yesufu and Pettiford. You’re a bit light inside, but can absolutely punish people on the perimeter and in transition.
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@BShark What is great about that picture is it shows how kids all grow at different times. Braun ends up the tallest!
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@justanotherfan said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@Bosthawk said in Next Year's Team Thread:
@BShark I’m now sold on having a real pure shooter. Clearly is need come tourney time. Obviously a shooter who can be coached to play good D, otherwise he won’t see the floor under Self.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/isiaih-mosley-1.html
This is the guy. Very very tight with CB and Dajuan. Not in the portal yet. Declared for the draft to test the waters, has not hired an agent.
Mosley went to HS with Harris. They were in the same HS class, and would have gone to college together if Harris hadn’t switched to KU. I would not be surprised if Mosley ended up in Lawrence if his draft feedback isn’t to his liking.
Mosley would be a perfect replacement for Agbaji while Rice and Dick transition to college, then you have a five headed perimeter monster with Harris, Mosley, Braun, Rice and Dick. Even if KU doesn’t fully solve their interior depth issues, I wouldn’t be afraid of going to battle with that group plus KJ, Wilson, Clemence, Yesufu and Pettiford. You’re a bit light inside, but can absolutely punish people on the perimeter and in transition.
Only concern with Mosley is athleticism (which is probably what keeps him out of the draft). I think the big thing is he will add shooting that is sorely needed. If CB does come back, that is some more shooting as well.
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Scouting report on Mosley
STRENGTHS Big guard that scores in bunches with efficiency Shot creator and shot maker; Professional scorer
Shifty handle with offensive creativity Makes defenders dance on his island Great combination of hesi’s, lift fakes, jab series and reverse pivots High level isolation scorer Does most of his damage off the dribble Strong frame can score in low or mid post Excellent soft touch finish package Finishes floaters with both hands Good rebounder Efficient shooter from deep Defenders can’t stop him from getting to his spots Terrific free throw shooter AREAS TO IMPROVE | CONCERNS Can be too isolation focused NBA role? Can he be a complimentary player? Passing Ball stopper? A lot of no pass possessions Funny looking release on shot but it goes in AST/TO ratio
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Agree on the athleticism part. He is not a bouncy athlete.
I have to give him credit though. He knows how to create exactly enough space with his body, his dribble, and his footwork to get his shots off. And when he gets his shots off, they go in.
He reminds me a bit of Khris Middleton in that he isn’t an eye popping athlete, but he can get buckets.
After watching his highlights, I’m not sure he comes back to college. He is going to DESTROY people in workouts. He may not do well against the tape measure, but when he gets on the floor, people are going to have nightmares guarding him. He’s an exceptional shooter. His handle is great. He understands pace and spacing on a pro level (underrated skill).
He’s hard to guard because he’s strong enough that you can’t bully him, he shoots 90% from the line, so if you get your hands on him he will make you pay. You can’t play off him because he shoots 45% from three. He has an “old man” game in the paint with fakes, shakes, scoops and other deception to score at that level. He will cook people in individual workouts.
If he’s in Lawrence next year, this team will be crazy good. But I’m not sure he will be in Lawrence. He looks ready for the next level.
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He is EXTREMELY crafty. Because well, he had to be to get to this level. He would be an amazing addition and well, the rumors are very positive right now that’s for sure.
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Man a 50/40/90 guy. Even in college that’s impressive!
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