Chris Harry Write-Up on Condon and Haugh

never trust a guy with two first names

 

Like Billy Donovan?
Jimmy Stewart?
Thomas Jefferson?

 

Which is why it's crazy for people to say we should start three guards with all the talented height we acquired.

 

We're def deep at PF, so it will be interesting to see how that rotation goes from three to five. With the addition of Pullin, though, how do you not start Pullin, Clayton, Kugel?

 

Man, I don’t know. I guess to me, it is just confusing because I saw a clear vision at the outset of prioritizing fixing our height deficiencies, so I immediately thought Golden was going for a tall team. Clayton is 6’2”, but he has a powerful build and well above average hops.

I get starting Pullin alongside Clayton and Kugel, but I’m just curious what it gains. Is that better than either Clayton or Pullin plus Kugel and SF, PF, and a C? I’m not sure it is. Then again, we’ll have to see what happens when they all practice. Pecking order will be established. I wonder what Golden told them all to get them here. Was the prospect of coming here so great that a guaranteed starting slot wasn’t important? Was the NIL deal that sweet? So many questions, but I’m glad to have what appears to be a stacked G and F rotation.

 

I just hope we find a starting five and a bench rotation that works early in the season and stick with it. Seems like every year we have a whole new roster and the coach has to tinker with it for 3/4 of the season before finding the right mix. It's like we are Kentucky without the 5 stars.

 

It's exciting that we've reached the point where conceiving the starting lineup & rotation is a challenge. Planet suggests a scenario in which Kugel doesn't start. It's indicative that one or more of our best players will be on the bench at times and that's necessary for a good roster.

On that note, how would you rank the current roster in terms of players who should see the most minutes? My quick list:

1. Kugel
2. Clayton
3. Samuel
4. Pullin
5. Richard
6. Jarvis
7. Handlogten
8. Haugh
9. Smitty
10. Aberdeen
11. Condon

I'm not suggesting that Richard get more minutes than Handlogten, as some of that will be according to position needs; just suggesting that Richard is a top-five contributor who should see plenty of minutes. He was probably a top three player on last year's roster. Smitty and Aberdeen might be above Haugh when it's all said and done, but Haugh has some tools.

 

Was with you until the end. I don’t see a benefit to Pullin and Clayton starting with Kugel on the bench, unless Kugel has a sophomore slump. I think many believe he gets drafted this year, which means he’s likely a year long starter and part of our strongest lineup. I think if you go big, you need to choose between Clayton and Pullin, based on their position.

 

I think Handlogten would be at or near the top in usage. I also put Jarvis ahead of Samuel in usage, but that really depends on what Coach feels about the 3 position. That’s really the biggest mystery. Does he start a guard in that position or a big. That will completely change the look and style of our team. Basically, it will define the mantra. I’m excited to find out. So interesting!

 

I think you're right in terms of minutes distribution. I ranked it that way with consideration to scoring/statistical contributions. Handlogten might end up being a bright spot ala Colin, but he's young at this point.

 

We really don't have the prototypical (i.e. 6'6" or 6'7" with length) wing, do we?

 

I think Jarvis can be that guy based on his highlights.

 

Interesting . . . . I viewed him as more of a PF, due to girth. More of a Haslem + outside shooting than a Mike Miller or Corey Brewer type. Maybe he will play some three.

 

There is a chance Jarvis is our best player on the roster. I’m not exaggerating. Look at the guy’s footwork. It’s impeccable. He's also explosive, can hit the three, and has handles. NBA build. Maybe I'm too high on him, but I'm definitely on the hype train. Clayton as well. I think Kugel has overall potential over them, and let's see how he improved this offseason. Right now, though, EJ is my guy. Well Clayton and EJ. lol.

 

The beauty of the roster as we see it now is that it should be flexible enough to play different lineups to address matchups/mismatches. On paper, you have to like the pieces Coach Golden has assembled. Hopefully they're the right pieces to compete at the SEC level.