Hoops 2015-2016

[MSUMatt28]

If no one transfers you'd think we would see some redshirts. Schilling might make sense there. He would be depth next year but probably wouldn't see a lot of minutes. With him and Clark it kind of depends on whether Izzo wants to play big or small more often. With Swanigan potentially being a one and done and Costello being a senior, having another year of eligibility for the following season would be good (again if he doesn't transfer like some are suggesting here). Ellis is another that will have a really hard time getting on the floor next year.

With all those pieces in place, it really comes down to seeing what kind of improvements Tum Tum can make next year and if he'll be able to handle a 25-30 mpg workload at PG. He absolutely must become some kind of threat to score, even if only at a Travis Walton level. Having Denzel and Harris being able to handle some minutes there too will be good, but it will be better to have them more often in scoring roles.

But boy otherwise there is going to be a lot to like. If Swanigan lives up to the hype then you're got a potential go-to scorer in the post. Harris as a go-to scorer on the perimeter. Denzel as a third scorer who is also doing all the other stuff. That is probably an ideal role for him rather than as a primary scorer which he had to often be this year. Strong leadership with Denzel and Nairn. Size and depth. A shooter off the bench in Forbes. A big X factor with Davis. They've got most of the bases covered.

 

[johnny2x2x]

If no one transfers you'd think we would see some redshirts. Schilling might make sense there. He would be depth next year but probably wouldn't see a lot of minutes. With him and Clark it kind of depends on whether Izzo wants to play big or small more often. With Swanigan potentially being a one and done and Costello being a senior, having another year of eligibility for the following season would be good (again if he doesn't transfer like some are suggesting here). Ellis is another that will have a really hard time getting on the floor next year.

With all those pieces in place, it really comes down to seeing what kind of improvements Tum Tum can make next year and if he'll be able to handle a 25-30 mpg workload at PG. He absolutely must become some kind of threat to score, even if only at a Travis Walton level. Having Denzel and Harris being able to handle some minutes there too will be good, but it will be better to have them more often in scoring roles.

But boy otherwise there is going to be a lot to like. If Swanigan lives up to the hype then you're got a potential go-to scorer in the post. Harris as a go-to scorer on the perimeter. Denzel as a third scorer who is also doing all the other stuff. That is probably an ideal role for him rather than as a primary scorer which he had to often be this year. Strong leadership with Denzel and Nairn. Size and depth. A shooter off the bench in Forbes. A big X factor with Davis. They've got most of the bases covered.

Yeah, it's pretty fun to think about this team's possibilities. The leadership is going to determine how good the ultimately are. Sky high potential, but like all if Izzo's teams they will face adversity.

A couple things not being talked about. Who will play more between Davis and Swanigan likely depends on who defends the pick and roll better. Also, Eron Harris's perimeter defense is going to make a huge difference next year. And Caleb Swanigan is an excellent passer, I'd like to see him with the ball at the elbow against the zone.

 

[Spartan23MSU]

I'm not sure why some on here are so down on Costello. He has the tools to be a very productive player and on a per minute-basis actually was this season. He needs to be consistent and avoid stupid fouls (as does Schilling x 2), but maybe during his senior year he can achieve that.

Me Either, I like the guy actually. I think he will have a good year next year. Im not a fan of the "no touch wonder" (schilling) but I dont dislike him. I just think he belongs in a different venue like central or western.

 

[Spartan23MSU]

PG Tum
SG Harris
SF Denzel
PF Swanigan
C Costello

Bench

Davis
Clark
Bess
Forbes
Schilling-transfer?
Ellis-transfer?
Wollenman
Goins
McQuaid-RS?
Ahrens-RS?

possible we add Williams also

Good lord Izzo is gonna have so many options

I like that starting 5.

 

[Sbee]

The good thing is if out big guys pick up a few fouls early we don't have to go to a walk on.

 

[everyoneneedsasmil]

It wouldn't surprise me if both Davis and Swanigan start. Costello, for all his effort, just isn't that talented. Swanigan's size and skillset also paints him more as a center than PF, and I'm not sure Costello would be a good fit alongside him. I really think it would be the best pairing by the end of the year, so start working it in early.

I'm actively against limiting playing time for any reason other than, "He's not the best player at his position." Maybe that's true the first few games (for the freshman bigs), but I would expect that to change very quickly.