Early starting 5 predictions for basketball...let's hear your thoughts

[SBeardenRivals]

While recruiting may not yet have come to an end for the Hilltoppers of the Hardwood. Let's hear what everyone thinks in regards of who may be in the starting 5 to start the season based solely on who has signed this far and who is returning. I'll start:

G- Damari Parris
G- Junior Lomomba
G- Que Johnson
F- Justin Johnson
F- Willie Carmichael

of course we will all be able to make a more educated guess once some practices get under way this summer and this fall.

 

[bmwrseries]

Lawson, Carmichael, pharis, Johnson and Johnson. Maybe Stansberry can light a fire under Lawson's ... And get some production. If not sit him out!!! I'd give him the opportunity though.

 

[hanalei91]

I believe Stansbury will want to start as many of his recruits as possible. With everyone *hopefully* healthy + new kids who can play immediately, workouts and practice will be highly competitive: something WKU Basketball needs. These are my starting 5 based on my veryyyyy limited knowledge...

Justin Johnson (F) - the kid has more than earned his stripes.

Damari Parris (G) - the numbers he put up make him a likely choice. Transitioning to college workouts and practices can be difficult. We shall see how the freshman adapts.

Ben Lawson (C) - Like bmwrseries said, give him the opportunity. At one point during the 2015-2016 season, Lawson was #17 in the nation and #3 in the conference in blocks per game. Interesting statistic:

• 2013-2014 - 9 total blocks
• 2014-2015 - 53 total blocks
• 2015-2016 - 66 total blocks

Que Johnson (G) - The Cougars had an awful season (9-22). WSU played against #4 Oklahoma, #6 Oregon, #20 Utah, and #22 Arizona. Some notable numbers: Que put up 19 points against Oregon, 16 points against Utah (1/21/16) and 13 points against Utah (2/14/2016). Stansbury spoke of WKU getting back to playing [in my own words] more legit teams. Despite the 9-22 season, Que played against numerous ranked teams in his conference. Never underestimate experience.

Marty Leahy (F) - apparently a 3-point machine? Originally had Carmichael here, but decided to go with Stansbury's recruit. Although Carmichael is heading into the 2016-2017 healthy, sometimes it is difficult to work your way back up from injury. I am not completely counting Carmichael out, but I think Leahy will get the start for the first few games, at least.

 

[haskins54]

This is Rivals, right? TJ Howard has 3* on Rivals, Damari no stars? Is that right? If that's right, I must go with:
TJ
Q
Lomomba
JJ
Willie
Now, I must post my disclaimer. I will give a more educated guess early in June if everyone is in BG. I have not seen the freshmen or the transfer grad students.

 

[bmwrseries]

It's refreshing to see there are no guarantees for starters. It's wide open!! It's nice to see some depth to the roster.

 

[Jaredr24]

Personally, I see both of the grad transfer guards starting just because of the immediate need of experience. Parris and Howard will definitely get a lot of opportunities and good playing time but I don't see either one of them starting unless one (or both) of them completely come in and dominate in practice, experience will win. My too early to tell starting five:

PG: Que Johnson
SG: Junior Lomomba
SF: Willie Carmichael
PF: Justin Johnson
C: Ben Lawson

I want Lawson to improve and start but if he doesn't improve much they could go with a "smaller" lineup and have Q. Johnson, Lomomba, Carmichael, J. Johnson, and maybe Anton Waters or Jabari McGhee once he's eligible on December.

It will be interesting to see though; I feel like Leahy could be a really good player coming in and TJ Howard has been working really hard to get to this level so I could picture them being some good, younger playmakers.

 

[SBeardenRivals]

Just to chime in on a few of your guys thoughts.

I think the Grad transfers will start. However, I don't see either one as someone to run the point and set up the offense. I could be wrong. I know Lomomba has some experience bringing it up the court. I just seem him as an option to alleviate pressure off of the primary ball handler should a team full court press.

Last year in practice Carmichael always seemed to be the best player on the court. He has the length and athleticism to guard almost any position on the floor. However, his offensive game is more limited to the post. I love "Big" Ben Lawson, I just don't know if he will be able to grab the starting job in the post over Carmichael and JJ. Now I definitely think he will be a key contributor on the team and off the bench.

To Haskins....we all know that stars can be subjective to an extent. I see TJ as more of a combo guard then a true point guard. Parris is a true point guard with shooting ability as well. Who knows who will get the starting job. It may be one of those two, one of the grad transfers at the point, or hell it could be someone the Tops have yet to even sign.

 

[Sean_Williams]

I'll predict the following starting five for WKU in the fall:

PG: Damari Parris (has handles which is a need, can score)
SG: Que Johnson (veteran presence, 40% from three-land last season)
SF: Junior Lomomba
PF: Justin Johnson (needs to touch the ball on every offensive possession, important piece)
C: Willie Carmichael (for pure athleticism reasons)

It is tempting to peg Lawson in at center over Carmichael, I think it will be a close battle. Grad transfers add instant experience and ability. T.J. Howard will get minutes and hopefully can be a key freshman contributor. Intrigued with Marty Leahy and interested to see what Phabian Glasco can bring to the table after his injury.

 

[hanalei91]

Whoops

Clearly showed my very limited knowledge. So apparently for the past many many months, I have confused Willie and Phabian. Hence, why I said injury.

Anyway, definitely replacing Leahy with Carmichael.

 

[Sean_Williams]

Whoops

Clearly showed my very limited knowledge. So apparently for the past many many months, I have confused Willie and Phabian. Hence, why I said injury.

Anyway, definitely replacing Leahy with Carmichael.

Haha, no worries. With the massive amount of roster turnover the last couple of seasons, it's easy to lose track of who's who.