Donkey

1. Projected 3 home losses (MSU, Purdue, Creighton). Need to win 2 of those. 2. Maryland/Rutgers on the road (both). 3. Don't lose any game by more than 9 points (point differential killed the rankings last year).

From what I have been told, Hoiberg may be ready to retire. I can easily see it being a mutual decision. Who would take over is a complete unknown; however, I would love to see LaVall Jordan as the coach. He has BIG experience as an assistant and has 5 seasons in the Big East.

Indifferent. If the team is dancing at the end of the year, I could care less about individual stats.

I was told this week Banton was expected to come off the bench to run the offense. When Banton left, Verge was brought in to cover Banton's role. Kobe will be sliding down the bench. Expect Trey, Verge, and Kobe to be running the offense this season. Also, Verge will only stay one year and ensures more scholarships for next year.

I keep hearing about Breidenbach having a role. It sounds like he is rebounding from his injury well. With the exception of Bryce and Trey, it sounds like the starters and rotation will be match up based. I love the depth on this team.

Tominaga will be one of the first guys off the bench. His shooting will open up the offense. Tominaga isn’t coming to redshirt. I don’t see Kobe’s minutes going up. If anything, he may play less with the new talent coming in.

I said Walker was not a lock, but Andre is not a lock either. I do think Andre could be the starter if his development continues at the current rate. Bryce and Trey are locks unless something unforeseen happens. If Edwards comes, he will play. I would not be surprised to see another 6’8/6’9 3/4 come in. I see Kobe coming in off the bench.

There is no particular, specific need for the remaining scholarships. Best guess would be a taller Wilcher who would be a matchup nightmare at the 3 and could play the 4 if necessary. I think that is why Keon Edwards met with the staff recently. I was told all of the remaining scholarships had to go to guys who could contribute on day 1. Then, Kojenets committed with the understanding he would redshirt. Kojenets (Mayen) and Bieta (Walker) could fill specific roles in 2022-2023 with Kojenets having the ability to grow into a (Mayen/Walker) role later on. Banton is a good kid but has now had 2 years in the program and had one year to sit out and work on his game. He played under a very good coach in Rick Stansburry at WKU. If Banton has not developed his perimeter shot by now, when? Anything is possible, but his time is running out.

From what I have been told, Walker is not a lock at the 5 as the staff loves what Andre can do. The idea of Banton at the 4 is not unthinkable; however, the staff wants a stretch 4 on the court to open the offense (hence Mayen, Briedenbach, and Kojenets). Banton does not fit that role with Walker or Andre on the court (unless one of them pulls a Brooke Lopez). Bryce and Trey will be the starters. The plan is to build the team around Bryce and Wilcher is a very good complementary piece to Bryce and Trey. There is a reason why you keep hearing about combo guards talking to the staff and not a true PG. Having guys like Bryce, Trey, Wilcher, Banton move the ball around and run the offense depending on match ups makes the offense very dangerous. Then having a guy like Tominaga come off the bench whenever Bryce, Trey, or Wilcher sit down; wow. Mayen should also be very motivated. NBA scouts have seen him at practice and were very interested. He has a lot to prove and now has a legitimate back up who could unseat him. I am a little worried about the defense if Doc leaves. I guess there is legitimate interest between Doc and UTEP.

I would be very surprised if Banton starts. The original expectation was Banton would go pro in this upcoming draft, but shooting and other issues surfaced. The staff really wants Banton to excel but feels he is better off the bench. If Banton can calm down during the game, the offense will be a lot better especially the second unit. I could see Banton as a point-forward 3-4 coming off the bench to run the offense when Bryce or Trey come off the court (which would allow Hoiberg to play some of the 3pt shooters on the bench). I am very interested to see who will fill the last scholarship spot. Assuming Trey, Bryce, and CJ are likely going to be starters with Kobe, Banton, Tominaga, and Lakes on the second unit, I wonder what Hoiberg has in mind for the last spot. Whoever is taken will be someone who is expected to play.

Everything I have been told is that Breidenbach is expected to play Day 1. Mayen is expected to start, but he will be pulled if the shots are not falling. Both are expected to be stretch 4s so Bryce has room to make plays.

1. Expect the open scholarships to go to transfers unless a high school player is an immediate contributor, e.g. no taking flyers like previous years on guys like Wood or Andre (although Andre was a good pickup). 2. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Andre go to the same school as Tyty? 3. Breidenbach will play exclusively at the 4. Expect Walker/Andre at the 5. 4. Shef Smith could run the point (along with a few other guys who could transfer in).

Marion’s attitude/toughness was very underrated. I am not sure Roby will ever get to Marion’s level.

I watched that game on NET. I think Benson had 2-3 kids with D1 scholarships that year. Didn’t Hastings have a post player who had a low D1 scholarship? I remember Hastings playing hard but Benson was just dominating.

Jacob Hammond spent a year there.