It feels like everything I write nowadays I want to start with the same disclaimer. *COLLEGE SPORTS ARE WEIRD NOW AND MAKE NO SENSE*. Because that’s just how the world is. The days of developing players for four years and guys sitting on the bench waiting for their turn are long gone. Just look at the two outgoing bigs, Peter Carey and William Patterson. Both were brought in as projects. Patterson redshirted this past season. Carey redshirted his freshman year then saw small minutes this year. Traditionally you’d expect those minutes to steadily rise until Carey was developed to the point where he could make a real impact. But, in today’s era, he instead transferred to Siena where he can get minutes now.
In men’s college basketball, each team is given 13 scholarships. Right now, the Orange have 10 scholarship players on the roster going into the summer. All of them you’d expect to see time on the court next year. Jaquan Carlos, JJ Starling, Chance Westry, and Elijah Moore are all guards who should get significant minutes. All four are highly rated and should make an impact. It’s hard to see where Kyle Cuffe, right now the expected 10th man, sees time with all of the talent in front of him.
When it comes to the forwards, Chris Bell, Jyare Davis, and Donnie Freeman probably all deserve to get starting minutes. One of them will come off the bench, most likely Davis, but there isn’t any room to add anyone new. Eddie Lampkin and Naheem McLeod should split time at center with the ‘Cuse maybe playing small ball without them at times.
Where would a new player fit into this team? Many fans wanted Kadary Richmond to come back to the 315. But if he did then who would take a seat? It’s hard to see where any new players could get time. Relationships are the most important thing in college coaching. Can Autry risk some of his relationships built over the past year by bringing in new blood and breaking promises made to players who have been here? It’ll be interesting to see what the ‘Cuse do this summer.
