@bskeet
I would say that of all recent teams, this one has more question marks as to who will get playing time. There is a lot of talent and many publication have said that KU might have the best starting 5 next season but, as far a I can tell, the only players that seem to have locked a starting position are Selden and maybe Ellis, depending on the line-up coach Self uses, all other positions are open although you would think that based on pedigree and promises made during recruiting (wink, wink) Oubre and Alexander will likely start.
**Point guard: **Mason is the likely starter with Frankamp and Graham getting time depending on how much they have developed over the Summer.
Shooting guard and Small forward; In the past, Coach Self has used many player at both positions and depending on the line-up he uses he might do the same this year. Selden is the likely starter at SG and Oubre at SF and then we several players that will get time at these positions including Green, who we all agree has a huge upside, even when his defense is not there (at least it was not there last year), and Svi who might get considerable playing time (at both positions) depending on how quickly he can adapt to the style of play. I believe there is also a good chance that Ellis will see a fair amount of time at the 3, since that is his most likely position at the next level. I can also see Frankamp getting time at the 2, when shooter is needed but I don’t see any of the other players (not even Svi) playing PG.
Power Forward and Center: Ellis and Alexander are the likely starters, but this is based on past history and potential and we don’t know how much progress the other players have made in the off-season. and some can surprise. As I indicated, I believe Ellis will get time at the 3 and the other players vying for time are:
Lucas; He had a good summer playing overseas; he has solid fundamentals and all needs is having the Wizard of Oz give him some confidence.
Traylor: The dude can ball and has the best motor on the team. He can be a game changer or he can disappear at times, but his heart is always there. I will guess that has made progress over the summer and he will look like t-Rob when we see him next. He needs more consistency and he can be a game changer.
Michelson: Like Lucas, he played some Summer ball but I could not infer much from his performance. He is perhaps the biggest question mark. He could develop into a superior rim defender and rebounder, a “poor’s man Jeff Withey” if you will, as his background would suggest, or he might end mostly riding the pine; I don’t quite see him as a scorer.
We all know that most coaches, including Coach Self, will end up playing 8 (+/- 1) players, is here is my list of the top 8 players based on current information and not including Summer progress and the position they will likely play and by likelihood of playing time…
Selden - SG
Ellis - most;y PF with a fair amount at the SF
Oubre - SF with some SG
Alexander - PF or C depending on line-up
Mason - PG
Traylor - Primarily PF but might also some C with smaller lineups
Green - Mostly SF
Frankamp - PG or SG depending on line-up and need
Borderline: Svi (SG or SF) and Graham (PG)
Again, this can vary quite a bit depending on the progress players made over the Summer that we have yet to see.
This is my own overview and I could end up being wildly right or wildly wrong…or somewhere in between. I guess that covers all the bases so HEM will no tell me I have it all wrong.
P.S. Sorry HEM, could not resist