Should Will Wade look for a traditional center or continue to play small ball?

Ezewiro is still only around 6'7-6'8 and most people feel that he wont be ready to step right in and contribute anyway. Anselem and Cisse arent even signed yet and are both still two years away from college barring a re-class.

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true distributor that doesn’t have a score-first mentality

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There are three PGs on the roster for next season. Two of them (Smart and Cook) arguably are not "true distributors" but I think JaVonte has the potential to be that for the team. I don't know much about Eric Gaines but his scouting report states that he has "trememdous court vision and is a creative passer." So maybe he will step in early and fill that role. I personally would rather see LSU play a 4 out 1 in system with a true big man and shooters all around. I know teams like Villanova have done it without a real big but you really have to have a special team shooting wise for that to work.

We will have much better length next year

Where have you heard Watford is gone?

Anselem*
Wilkinson

I think Wade will do what most smart coaches do and try to build a roster that is as flexible as possible. That means he’ll probably look for a true rim protector or two. Those players may not be someone who starts or plays 25-30 minutes a game but they will be invaluable in certain matchups.

There will probably be a starting spot available at the 5 because I’d guess Warford and Emmitt go. Honestly I really wish Emmitt would stay and continue to develop his jump shot. I think he could be a 2nd rounder who makes an NBA roster if he could space the floor all the way out to the 3 point line to go along with his strong offensive rebounding and ability to run the floor.

Emmitt isn't that far off from being an NBA prospect (he started to show more range this year), but yes, he certainly needs another year to really be one draft wise. His intentions of what he told the coaches though is that he wants to go make money now with his kid being born this past season.

Smart said he's coming back so no reason to think otherwise on him right now. Watford is on the side of coming back for now, but we still have a few more weeks till folks have to end up 1 way or another declaration wise for NBA draft. If his family stays true to their word, he wont go pro since he's not a 1st round selection. Things are always fluid though. The team could be truly special next season if Watford came back (still think it will be very good without him, but filling Williams and Watford's shoes certainly tougher than just willing Williams).

2 issues with Will Wade coached teams are 3 pt shooting and defense. His teams are more focused around turnovers and offensive rebounding. I know people don’t like to admit it but we were going nowhere in the NCAA tourney with how poorly our defense was. Having more depth will greatly improve this next year but I am afraid it will not be elite enough to contend for a national championship (especially if Watford returns)

It was pretty clear how much better we were last year in the paint with Kavell. Having a 7 footer that can control the paint is so valuable in college basketball.