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Now that we've got a (somewhat) filled 20-21 schedule, and the other thread talking about all-time best starting 5's, what do you guys think the depth chart should look like for this upcoming season?

I'd lay it out like:

Curry/Hunter/Strother
Wade/Oliver/O'Connell
Green/Long/Pilavios
Reece/Trice
Ezikpe/Shanu

It's really tough to put Oliver on the bench behind Wade, but our small ball lineup was not working last year, and having Joe and Kalu on the floor together is very dynamic. The 3 spot is pretty dynamic too, could see Wade and O'Connell take minutes there too to add flexibility in the guard lineups.

EDIT: Is Long eligible this year? I could have sworn I saw something saying he became eligible, but I can't find it now.

Curry
Oliver
Green
Wade
Ezikpe

is how I would roll as my "primary lineup." I think Strother may end up better than what most people think and might be part of our "closing lineup." But, I could see a "starting" lineup of Reece at the 4 and Oliver on the bench.

I think Strother could get more minutes than Hunter. I don't expect a ton from O'Connell or Shanu in year 1. I don't think Long is eligible.

I expect Reece and Trice to get primary backup big men minutes. Trice as the primary backup Ezikpe minutes. Reece should rotate in at the 4 spot.

Both Trice and Ekizpe need someone next to them to stretch the floor so I wouldn't play them side by side very often. When Wade is on the court, we need as much outside shooting as possible so that might mean more time alongside Oliver/Strother.

Stother and Hunter seem to be more combo guard types (Curry as well to a lesser degree). Oliver is almost a pure shooter. Green is more of an all around player like Wade, though he's a much better shooter than Wade.

Curry/Strothers/Hunter
Oliver/Wade/O’Connell
Green/Wade/Pilavios
Reece/Trice
Ezikpe/Trice/Shanu

Wade might need some time to get right.

(10-28-2020 10:42 AM)Gilesfan Wrote:  Curry
Oliver
Green
Wade
Ezikpe

is how I would roll as my "primary lineup." I think Strother may end up better than what most people think and might be part of our "closing lineup." But, I could see a "starting" lineup of Reece at the 4 and Oliver on the bench.

I think Strother could get more minutes than Hunter. I don't expect a ton from O'Connell or Shanu in year 1. I don't think Long is eligible.

I expect Reece and Trice to get primary backup big men minutes. Trice as the primary backup Ezikpe minutes. Reece should rotate in at the 4 spot.

Both Trice and Ekizpe need someone next to them to stretch the floor so I wouldn't play them side by side very often. When Wade is on the court, we need as much outside shooting as possible so that might mean more time alongside Oliver/Strother.

Stother and Hunter seem to be more combo guard types (Curry as well to a lesser degree). Oliver is almost a pure shooter. Green is more of an all around player like Wade, though he's a much better shooter than Wade.

I agree with this lineup except I think Reece will get starter minutes coming off the bench.

Yea you can expect to see a 3 man big rotation between Reece, Ezipke, and Trice. We will likely run of "4 guard" lineups, if you consider Wade a guard. I would expect Strother to be the back up PG, with as Giles said, closing minutes. Oliver will definitely be in the starting line up. If he is not, I would be completely shocked. The lineup Giles posted is what I believe the starting lineup will be, unless Wade shows that he is not ready for that yet.

I'm a huge fan of Jason Wade. I like him as a 6th man. He comes in after the starters are winded and is able to energize the team and provide a lift...

I remember JJ using Richard Ross in this manner as well. Pretty effective it seemed...

(10-28-2020 01:23 PM)ODUODUODU Wrote:  I'm a huge fan of Jason Wade. I like him as a 6th man. He comes in after the starters are winded and is able to energize the team and provide a lift...

I remember JJ using Richard Ross in this manner as well. Pretty effective it seemed...

It could work and certainly something to try out, but I'd like to see that kind of energy at tipoff.

(10-28-2020 01:23 PM)ODUODUODU Wrote:  I'm a huge fan of Jason Wade. I like him as a 6th man. He comes in after the starters are winded and is able to energize the team and provide a lift...

I remember JJ using Richard Ross in this manner as well. Pretty effective it seemed...

I agree with this. I think the rotations would work better with him coming off the bench too since he is kind of a swiss army knife that can rotate through three positions as players are rested. I think Oliver needs to start. He has to be a reliable shooter and he needs to be incorporated into the flow of the game from the outset.

I would go:

Curry
Oliver
Green (If he is playing better than last year) or Wade (If Green is not)
Reece
Kalu

This of course is without having any idea how good any of the new guys will be and whether any of them will move ahead of any of the returning guys.

Curry
Green
Oliver (*Wade)
Reece
Ezikpe

I believe Wade will be the 6th man until he gets his feet back under him with actual game minutes.

I agree in that Trice will be used to supplement Ezikpe, especially if one is in foul trouble. Hopefully that's not as big of an issue with him as last season.

For PG, I know that Strother could run the point, but the intent is not to have him do so. The goal is for him to be a straight 2 man.

I don't see O'Connell being used very much, just due to the depth at his position. I do see a nice future for him though. As for Shanu, don't expect much from him in year 1, as he will be a green freshman. The hope is in his development over time similar to successful ODU bigs of the past. Long is currently not eligible this season, but it's currently being looked at.