The 2019-2020 season is going to be special!
*Please leave your own depth chart predictions, but this is roughly what I am expecting to see:
Starters:
PG- Davion Mitchell 6' 1"
Hounding defender that should set the tone defensively for the backcourt all season long. Could be a 6-man with 30+ min/game due to Butler's good play while in the starting lineup, but I think his defense will be crucial for this team's success.
SG- MaCio Teague 6' 3"
Likely leading scorer next year and will be the guy every team will key in on stopping.
SF- Mark Vital 6' 5"
Same role as this season. If he can develop some sort of a mid-range game..... good luck stopping him.
PF- Mario Kegler 6' 7"
Loads of potential, but didn't play how some of us might have expected this season. I expect a giant leap in Kegler's consistency on both ends of the court, and hopefully, becomes one of the premier stretch 4's in the league.
C/PF- Tristan Clark 6' 9"
Not much needs to be said here. He was setting up for a POY year in the Big XII before his injury, and I think this offseason will set him up for a special year. Since most teams will focus their attention to MaCio, I think Clark shots will come even easier than they had this year. 1st team All-American will be a great possibility.
Bench:
PG/SG- Jared Butler 6' 3"
This guy has been a pleasure to watch throughout the season. His ability to make the big shot and get to the rim at will is something that can't be taught. However, he does have some flaws on the defensive end, particularly in the zone.
SG- Devonte Bandoo 6' 3"
Had a rough start to the season, but quickly become one of the best shooters on the team and a steady contributor on the bench. Same as Butler, his defense in the zone wasn't good this year, but he'll
SF- Matthew Mayer 6' 9"
Showed us several flashes this season (TCU game in Ft. Worth) and could be in line for a major role next season. Once again though, his defense was atrocious at times and was the sole primary reason for keeping him off the floor for a majority of the games in-conference. Decision making and shot selection were also an issue for Mayer, but I expect that area of his game to be much improved heading into next year.
C- Freddie Gillespie 6' 8"
Obviously, the biggest shock of the 2018-2019 season. Played his butt off every game, and one could say his efforts single-handedly won a couple of games for the bears this season. Would like to see him improve his footwork this offseason so he can provide more assistance as a rim protector.
SG: Darius Allen 6' 4"
Great athlete and prospect, but was unable to make any contribution this year. Wouldn't surprise me to see him make huge leaps on the defensive side of the court, and become a mini-Mark Vital off the bench. Energy guys are always great to have in mass quantity.
Other Options:
Jordan Turner 6' 6":
Going to be a very intriguing freshman that has a chance to play right away. Has a great 3-point shot, size, and athleticism. We will have to wait and see how his defense is when he makes it to campus. I expect the staff will make the decision to redshirt either him or Mayer by the first game.
Flo Thamba 6' 10":
I personally think he would really benefit from a redshirt season, but he will most likely be needed. Unless, of course, Scott Drew pulls off a miracle and picks up a transfer big man that is immediately eligible.
Makai Mason 6' 1":
Yes, I am aware his career is technically over due to being a graduate transfer, but a medical redshirt is not out of the realm of possibility. I think he could turn into one of the biggest spark plugs the Big XII has ever seen off the bench, and potentially be an X-factor for a championship caliber team. With the added depth from Mitchell and Teague, Drew would be able to limit his minutes when needed to avoid his constant discomfort he played through this year. In a sense, Makai could essentially become an NBA vet by coming in periodically to get buckets. Obviously, the decision will be his if he wishes to pursue the MR, but it sure would be awesome to see that man in neon one more year!
*Please leave your own depth chart predictions, but this is roughly what I am expecting to see:
Starters:
PG- Davion Mitchell 6' 1"
Hounding defender that should set the tone defensively for the backcourt all season long. Could be a 6-man with 30+ min/game due to Butler's good play while in the starting lineup, but I think his defense will be crucial for this team's success.
SG- MaCio Teague 6' 3"
Likely leading scorer next year and will be the guy every team will key in on stopping.
SF- Mark Vital 6' 5"
Same role as this season. If he can develop some sort of a mid-range game..... good luck stopping him.
PF- Mario Kegler 6' 7"
Loads of potential, but didn't play how some of us might have expected this season. I expect a giant leap in Kegler's consistency on both ends of the court, and hopefully, becomes one of the premier stretch 4's in the league.
C/PF- Tristan Clark 6' 9"
Not much needs to be said here. He was setting up for a POY year in the Big XII before his injury, and I think this offseason will set him up for a special year. Since most teams will focus their attention to MaCio, I think Clark shots will come even easier than they had this year. 1st team All-American will be a great possibility.
Bench:
PG/SG- Jared Butler 6' 3"
This guy has been a pleasure to watch throughout the season. His ability to make the big shot and get to the rim at will is something that can't be taught. However, he does have some flaws on the defensive end, particularly in the zone.
SG- Devonte Bandoo 6' 3"
Had a rough start to the season, but quickly become one of the best shooters on the team and a steady contributor on the bench. Same as Butler, his defense in the zone wasn't good this year, but he'll
SF- Matthew Mayer 6' 9"
Showed us several flashes this season (TCU game in Ft. Worth) and could be in line for a major role next season. Once again though, his defense was atrocious at times and was the sole primary reason for keeping him off the floor for a majority of the games in-conference. Decision making and shot selection were also an issue for Mayer, but I expect that area of his game to be much improved heading into next year.
C- Freddie Gillespie 6' 8"
Obviously, the biggest shock of the 2018-2019 season. Played his butt off every game, and one could say his efforts single-handedly won a couple of games for the bears this season. Would like to see him improve his footwork this offseason so he can provide more assistance as a rim protector.
SG: Darius Allen 6' 4"
Great athlete and prospect, but was unable to make any contribution this year. Wouldn't surprise me to see him make huge leaps on the defensive side of the court, and become a mini-Mark Vital off the bench. Energy guys are always great to have in mass quantity.
Other Options:
Jordan Turner 6' 6":
Going to be a very intriguing freshman that has a chance to play right away. Has a great 3-point shot, size, and athleticism. We will have to wait and see how his defense is when he makes it to campus. I expect the staff will make the decision to redshirt either him or Mayer by the first game.
Flo Thamba 6' 10":
I personally think he would really benefit from a redshirt season, but he will most likely be needed. Unless, of course, Scott Drew pulls off a miracle and picks up a transfer big man that is immediately eligible.
Makai Mason 6' 1":
Yes, I am aware his career is technically over due to being a graduate transfer, but a medical redshirt is not out of the realm of possibility. I think he could turn into one of the biggest spark plugs the Big XII has ever seen off the bench, and potentially be an X-factor for a championship caliber team. With the added depth from Mitchell and Teague, Drew would be able to limit his minutes when needed to avoid his constant discomfort he played through this year. In a sense, Makai could essentially become an NBA vet by coming in periodically to get buckets. Obviously, the decision will be his if he wishes to pursue the MR, but it sure would be awesome to see that man in neon one more year!