Basketball Depth Chart

[Buford_Julep]

After watching four practices last week, an exhibition game and two more practices this week, here are my guesses as to what the depth chart is. It isn't easy to tell. No one is buried on the scout team. All twelve scholarship players get their chances to work with the "A" players.

I still am not even sure who is in the starting five. Chris Davis and Lee Green appear to be sure starters. The other three starters will almost certainly be chosen from these four: Len Hopkins, Will Smith, Mike DeGrate and Jermaine Green. Jermaine Green plays on the wing and at the power forward position. Will Smith missed the exhibition game with an injury, but seems to be 100% now.

At this time, it looks like Scott Roniger and Justin Barnett are on the second plateau. They wear Green most of the time. Barnett is still re-habing from what seems to be a back injury. He doesn't run sprints with the rest of the team, but does take part in full court scrimmages.

Jerome Rogers and Ron Harris are usually on the scout team, but still get some reps with the guys wearing Green.

Ty Thomas and Jell Masters are almost always on the scout team.

Point Guards:

1. L. Green

2. Roniger

3. Rogers

Wings:

1. Davis

2. Hopkins or J. Green

3. Thomas

Posts:

1. and 2. Smith, DeGrate or J.Green

3. Barnett

4. Harris

5. Masters

[Harry]

Great report Buford as usual. Question for you, of the freshman signees - excluding Degrate - which one appears poised to make the biggest contribution. I was very impressed with Ron Harris at the scrimmage and think that he may provide the most immediate help at this time.

On the other hand Ty Thomas appeared pretty raw although it was just one practice.

[MeanGreenHoops]

I've only seen the exhibition game but it looked like what you stated is the case Julep. Although I thought Unjel played very well why he was in.

Ron Harris seems to have a great upside while Ty seems raw at this point.

I was surprised that Roniger was essentially the backup at point. He seems a bit slow but perhaps he's still adjusting.

Degrate seems to have great tools.

The team is no doubt stronger than last year.

[NT80]

I also have just seen the Exhibition game, but Hopkins for sure needs as many minutes as we can get him. DeGrate is very athletic and I know he was disappointed in fouling out.

I thought Roniger and Barnett both played well despite being relatively new to the college game. Roniger made some great passes and is a good ball handler. He didn't seem to want to shoot when left open.

I thought Barnett moved well for as big as he is, and he's a good 4 inches or more taller than Masters making him close to 7 feet or more. We have a lot of depth on this team.

[The AFLAC Duck]

could we get a better title for this topic next time?

At first glace I thought it said Basketball Death Chart.

[Buford_Julep]

Right now my guess is Roniger would get more minutes than the other Freshman. Barnett and Harris should get more minutes than Ty Thomas. The guess is based more on the opportunities presented by the position they play, rather than my perception of how well they will play.

Observations and opinions:

1. JJ has told the team the goal is to never let the other team get comfortable on offense or defense. Look for NT to play very aggressive defense. Look for NT to use the trap (double team the man with the ball) both half court and full court.

On offense the goal is to beat the other team down the court and score before the other team can set up a defense. Defensive rebounders have been instructed to always look to throw long passes if there is an opportunity. Defensive rebounders have been told if no one is open for an pass, they should dribble the ball upcourt instead of waiting for someone to get open for an outlet pass.

2. JJ says he expects the Fours (power forwards J. Green, Degrate, and Harris) to score many points by beating the opposition down the court. Not many teams have Fours that can match NT's in speed.

3. After the game with Texas Blue Chips, JJ was happy with the offense, but not as pleased with the defensive play.

4. Chris Davis, Jerome Rogers and walk-ons Rusty Chiles and Lance Boxell are usually the first ones to cross the finish line in sprints. In previous years Red Mangrum, now a grad assistant, always finished first.

5. Don't underestimate Will Smith. He knows what he is doing. The coaches very seldom say anything other than "Good job" to him.

6. I saw Ty Thomas play three high school games last year and he played better each game. Thomas was a late bloomer in high school. He reportedly had a growth spurt after his junior year. This year he is adjusting to playing the wing after playing post in high school. He has the footwork, instincts and quickness to become an excellent defensive player. Sometimes he overcommits. He would rather pass than shoot and has made some spectacular passes. He has also thrown the ball away a few times. He can be a good player. Consistency will come with experience.

7. If Ron Harris had stayed at Arlington Bowie instead of transferring to Arlington Oak Ridge he would be playing for a Power Conference team instead of NT.

Last winter I drove to Arlington to watch Harris in action against Dallas Jesuit and 6-8 Illinois signee Kyle Wilson. What a disapointment. Oak Ridge spread the floor, pro style, the game plan was for the Oak Ridge guards to work one on one against the Jesuit guards. Poor Ron was relegated to literally standing in a corner and watching the guards play. Jesuit Coach Fred Younkman, a former Denton Ryan assistant and no dummy, put Kyle Wilson on the Oak Ridge point guard. The Oak Ridge strategy worked as Wilson fouled out and Oak Ridge won, but it was frustrating to a Mean Green fan wanting to see Harris against good opposition. Oak Ridge played a zone defense and Harris seldom guarded Wilson

Harris has some of the best quick moves on the team. He is a finisher. He needs more experience playing man defense.

8. Scott Roniger has been unspectacular, but hasn't committed many turnovers either. He did get his pocket picked several times in the Exhibition game. He seems to be a good, but reluctant shooter. Point Guard is a difficult position for a Freshman.

9. Justin Barnett Is a very good passer and has the ability to shoot with either hand. He is very strong and is not easy to push around. NT's other post players are lightweights compared to the incredible hulks of the other Sun Belt teams. Barnett needs experience in adjusting to the speed of the college game.

[Cooley]

Excellent updates Buford. Thanks! Any rumors on other possible signees?