The Rotation

[Dave in Green]

We've discussed this year's rotation in several different threads, with guesses ranging from 8-11 players might eventually end up in the regular rotation. Coach Dambrot was asked about having 11 players in the first half rotation in the UNCA game. Without prompting, he volunteered 9 as the magic number he's looking for. I don't know if that's an absolute that he wouldn't consider going over or under depending on circumstances. But 9 is apparently his optimum number.

Today's starters are obviously all in the rotation:

1. Rico

2. Walsh

3. Chauncey

4. Tree

5. Zeke

The following subs have been playing regular minutes and should be pretty safely in the rotation for various reasons:

6. Harney

7. Melo (only other true PG on the roster)

8. Forsythe (only other true center on the roster)

That would leave one spot open for:

9. Kretzer

10. Ibitayo

11. McAdams

12. Justice

Kretzer is already playing long minutes and has been amazingly effective on both the offensive and defensive ends for a true freshman. He's also the Zips' leading 3-point shooter for the season so far. I don't see any way he's not in the rotation. Justice has played the fewest minutes of any scholarship player, and is at this point probably least likely to be in the rotation this season.

That leaves Ibitayo and McAdams, who are both quality players who've shown lots of potential. KD has said he thought that Deji is about a year away from being a consistently effective player, and McAdams hasn't been as consistent in his overall play as Kretzer. It appears right now that they may not get extended minutes this season, but may be destined for bigger roles next season. Then again, stuff happens and things could always change. Having such a deep, talented roster is great insurance for unforeseen circumstances.

Anyone else have any different thoughts?

[ZachTheZip]

I think that the 9-man rotation in a given game would depend on the opponent and how we match up.

[akronzips71]

More Tree

More Tree

He is some weapon around the hoop.

PF and Justice are raw material and will take time to develop. McAdams will contribute in the future, still young and inexperienced at this point.

Kretzer has been an amazing surprise and needs to be in the lineup as long as he keeps draining those threes. He has some touch for a guy that is 6'7"

Those two losses were really heartbreaking. This team looked to have so much potential.

But now we seem to have it together.

I think that:

Zeke

AA

Tree

Walsh

Gilliam

Kretzer

Could play for ANY team in Div 1, with Zeke and Tree starting just about anyplace. And Kretzer will probably have a shot at MAC rookie of the year. We are in a good place right now.

[lumberjack]

More Tree

More Tree

He is some weapon around the hoop.

PF and Justice are raw material and will take time to develop. McAdams will contribute in the future, still young and inexperienced at this point.

Kretzer has been an amazing surprise and needs to be in the lineup as long as he keeps draining those threes. He has some touch for a guy that is 6'7"

Those two losses were really heartbreaking. This team looked to have so much potential.

But now we seem to have it together.

I think that:

Zeke

AA

Tree

Walsh

Gilliam

Kretzer

Could play for ANY team in Div 1, with Zeke and Tree starting just about anyplace. And Kretzer will probably have a shot at MAC rookie of the year. We are in a good place right now.

I beg to differ...I think all of the above mentioned could also start at any D! team as well...They all have proven it...Its about speed in D!. Also you can add NH and PF to the list...

[Dr Z]

Kretzer is already playing long minutes and has been amazingly effective on both the offensive and defensive ends for a true freshman. He's also the Zips' leading 3-point shooter for the season so far.

We need an effective three point shooter if our goal is to win a game in the NCAA tourney. I would coach Kretzer accordingly.

[akronzips71]

We need an effective three point shooter if our goal is to win a game in the NCAA tourney. I would coach Kretzer accordingly.

Agree. And Tree to haunt the offensive boards for the missed shots.

[LZIp]

I'd consider Walsh an effective 3 point shooter.

[lumberjack]

I'd consider Walsh an effective 3 point shooter.

Why single out one player in particular? None are to be compared to each other when its a team sport. KD calls the offensive sets an is orchestrated who will take the shot. It just depends on who's number is called...

[LZIp]

Why single out one player in particular? None are to be compared to each other when its a team sport. KD calls the offensive sets an is orchestrated who will take the shot. It just depends on who's number is called...

because I feel that is Walsh's greatest strength he brings to the team on the offensive side of the ball? Just like Zeke is our best shot blocker, Tree best rebounder, etc. Each player has something in-particular (their strengths) that make up a TEAM.