Speaking of Josh, does anyone really think he stays around for 2 more years? Probably not. This really puts some pressure on CKE to continue to flip this roster so we can legitimately make a run at the tourney next season.
I have some thoughts about next years roster, assuming Cooper leaves to go pro and we have at least two additional transfers…
We will need 1, possibly 2 starters to replace Schwartz and Cooper.
Let’s talk about Schwartz first, because I think whoever English beings in here could determine Mason’s ceiling. Two ways to do this: bring in another grad transfer wing of the same mold as Schwartz and plug him right into that spot; or what I would prefer to happen, get a transfer who can play either the 4 or 5 (think basically Mbaye) and move Ticket to the 3 full-time. This would help take pressure off the 5 spot when Oduro gets into foul trouble where we don’t have to rely on Henry and Jones to develop exponentially next season.
Now let’s think about Cooper: regardless if Fernandez is a 30mpg ready starter or not, you’ll need a transfer wing who can play either wing position, someone who is going to wind up playing in the 25 mpg range and either start at the 2 or come off the bench for both Fernandez and Gaines.
One more scholarship: I’d love Buchanan here to round out a fantastic freshman class and can be our 8th man in an eight player rotation.
Starters: XJ, Fernandez, Gaines, Transfer forward, Oduro
Bench: Dinkins, Transfer wing, Buchanon
Contributors: Henry?, Jones?, Otis?
Transfers out: Gadsden?, Gray?, Polite?