If we go with a lineup of Tay, Pullen, Jamar, CK, and Spri there are four legit scoring options and very good defensive team. Tay would have to prove he can control the offense and improve his handle, which wasn't great last year. And I'd worry a bit about another Dom situation in which defenders can sluff down and pack in the post/trap Pull. Aside from the occasional step back three, Tay doesn't have much of an offensive arsenal. Maybe with a season under his belt he can actually make a layup. I have faith. But mostly I see this as a "Colon lineup" that starts most games but Frank gets the team going by quickly taking Tay out and replacing with Rod or (needs to be much improved) Nick.
This team really has fantastic depth. As everyone has said, the key is for a couple guards to step up and provide options depending on whether Cob plays 1 or the 2, which will depend on the opponent. I believe Rod is going to be very good and can start at the 2 this year. Regardless of the matchup, Frank is going to want to give Jake, the figurehead of the rebirth of KSU basketball, minutes at point that he desperately wants to show he can be an NBA player. How long Frank gives him the chance, who knows, but that means someone else is going to get some extended minutes at the 2. That should be Rod, but may be Nick. I can't see Tay playing that role.
Jamar isn't perfectly suited for the 3 but I think that's where he's going to play mostly. Wally should exclusively play the 4. He will foul out quickly at the 5. Spri may need half a season to get used to Big 12 caliber play. CK is likely going to need to shift to the 5 when Spri struggles. There just aren't enough minutes for Jamar, Wally, CK, and Spri to split those two spots. They're too valuable and Jamar is the most obvious one who can be utilized elsewhere and has before. And I do think JHR will see some minutes. I liked a lot of what I saw out of him last year although I know there are some haters. Rod can also play some 3 in the Tay/Sprads, Cob/Nick set with Nino/Southie providing small forward depth. One or both of the freshmen will need to log good minutes. I think both are more than capable. The unexpected buzz about Shane over the summer has me feeling pretty good about the latest NY addition.
I don't get the 3 guard sets suggestion. It doesn't really make sense. There's no reason to have Tay and Rod playing at the expense of one of Jamar, CK, and Spri, unless Spri turns out to suck.
Holy shazbot! this season is going to be awesome.
But it's so far away....
