Bigs
Hammonds I think will be much improved from his freshman year. He's an NBA type talent. Becuase the team is so deep in the frontcourt, he will look to expand his backcourt/wing role as well.
Nic Claxton is another giant alongside the super athletic Hammonds and like Hammonds played in all 33 games last year as a freshman.
Derek Ogbeide tops off the teams the teams tremendous size coming in at 250 pounds and 6 foot 9. He will look to improve off of a little bit of a down year from last season.
Mike Edwards will have a chance to fight for serious playing time at the PF/C position after the graduation of Maten. If Claxton/Ogbeide struggle to improve from their prior season, dont worry, Edwards will come in and bring serious experience, size and talent.
JOJO TOPPIN is another 6'6" guy alongside Wilridge, and an incoming freshman. With the depth they have though, he may find it hard to see big minutes.
WILRIDGE, E'TORRION is yet another big body Senior that might fit a little more into the SF/PF category, but since the team is so heavily loaded on size depth and guard depth, he may find it hard to find a serious role. Only time will tell though.
AMANZE NGUMEZI more tremendous size for the future and was a highly regarded recruit. Will learn alot from Hammonds and Ogbeide.
Guards/Wings
Tyree Crump is starting to shoot the ball better and should see an uptick in playing time for his Junior season.
William Jackson II will be the much needed veteran presence as he went from 1.1 assists in his sophomore year to 3.5 assists a game last year during his junior season. That suggests he's becoming a lot more efficient with his usage.
Jordan Harris **brings a lot of size to the shooting guard position and is poised to bounce back from a tough sophomore season last year. Freshman year he shot the 3 ball very well and he hopes to get back to that.
**Tye Fagan **adds a lot of depth to the guard position, and has a really good all around game, probably will compete for serious playing time despite only being a 3 star recruit. He is a lot better than his scouting reports suggest.
**Teshaun Hightower Saw a start in the exhibition game, and Like Harris another brings great size to the SG/SF position, but finds himself in a crowded and experienced backcourt, so may find it hard to hold the starting job. Coach likes him because hes a good option at the 3.
IGNAS SARGIUNAS He saw offers from the likes of Arizona state and SMU. Like Fagan, only a freshman, but very mature for a freshman and can definitely find himself in the mix for playing time. Competed in some very competitive Lithuanian leagues.
I think its unusual for a college basketball team to see 13 players who have a viable shot at serious playing time, but this is one of them. Outside of Hammonds the team isn't exactly glowing with premier talent though, and will need Crean will really need to soul search in order to find a little more of a reliable rotation. I think offensive flow was a bit of an issue last season, so I think Crean will be looking for the players who find their knack to score.
I think Crump and Claxton are definitely big candidates to really see huge upticks in playing time from last season. Last exhibition game Crump got 18 points, while Claxton (who is already regarded as a starter for team) got 14 points.
I see this team as being a team that could sneak into the NIT or even more, which could shock some people as the SEC will continue to get more and more competitive.
