The Athletic story on MU's future

[Pakuni]

I think they're giving away 90-day trial subscriptions, for those interested.

https://theathletic.com/1772632/

Some nuggets:
- Koby needs surgery for a thumb injury
- Staff is confident Carton will get a waiver and be eligible this season
- Because of his rebounding ability, Justin Lewis is being viewed as Theo's backup in the post
- Oso needs to get stronger if he's going to see much time next year

[RideMyBuycks]

MU appeared TWICE on The Athletic's 16 worst college basketball jerseys of all time today. I went from considering extending my account to canceling very quickly.

[Galway Eagle]

MU appeared TWICE on The Athletic's 16 worst college basketball jerseys of all time today. I went from considering extending my account to canceling very quickly.

Which ones? And if the writers a vanilla wasp you can't blame them

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

MU appeared TWICE on The Athletic's 16 worst college basketball jerseys of all time today. I went from considering extending my account to canceling very quickly.

The black ones from this season.

[RideMyBuycks]

Which ones? And if the writers a vanilla wasp you can't blame them

Bo's untucked (75-77) and the bumblebees - written by Brian Bennett.  Eamonn listed the 26 best ever jerseys and untucked made that list, too.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Also noted Greg needs another ankle surgery. So 3/7 returners needs surgery they can't yet get, and another may leave to play professionally.

[MU82]

Very good read, Pak. Thanks for posting.

[zcg2013]

If Justin Lewis does play the back-up 5, then I think we will finally see extended minutes of a small-ball 5-out lineup. I for one would love to see that wrinkle.

[BCHoopster]

If Justin Lewis does play the back-up 5, then I think we will finally see extended minutes of a small-ball 5-out lineup. I for one would love to see that wrinkle.

They will not be that small upfront next year even with Theo on the bench, I can only see Theo averaging 20 minutes a game due to foul trouble.  So I can see Lewis
getting at least 20 to 25 minutes next year.  But Lewis, Garcia and Bailey are not small, add Carton and Koby and that is a nice size lineup.  I would rather see that
line-up more often then seeing Theo on the floor as he is an offensively weak.

[moomoo]

If Justin Lewis does play the back-up 5, then I think we will finally see extended minutes of a small-ball 5-out lineup. I for one would love to see that wrinkle.

According to Coach Killings:

Justin Lewis is 6-8, 230 lbs, 7-2 wingspan, "mean streak", and can post up.

Nothing small about him or his game.

But I see your point ZCG...Justin has a nice outside game which was nonexistent with the 5s from last year and I too am looking forward to that line-up.

[Its DJOver]

They will not be that small upfront next year even with Theo on the bench, I can only see Theo averaging 20 minutes a game due to foul trouble.  So I can see Lewis
getting at least 20 to 25 minutes next year.  But Lewis, Garcia and Bailey are not small, add Carton and Koby and that is a nice size lineup.  I would rather see that
line-up more often then seeing Theo on the floor as he is an offensively weak.

There's zero chance that Lewis plays more than Theo.  Theo's fouls per 40 took a significant drop last year from 8.5 as a Freshman, 7.4 as a Sophomore to just 5.2 last year.  A big reason why he only averaged 20 mpg last year was because for the first half of the season we had 3 bigs, and after Ed left, Jayce was playing much better. I think Theo will likely see between 25 and 30 mpg.  I'd guess Lewis will get around 15 mpg.

[We R Final Four]

Lewis
getting at least 20 to 25 minutes next year............seems very bold.

[Pakuni]

Wojo was pretty effusive in his praise for Theo in that story, saying he's far better than his numbers and was held back by his injury. We shall see, but it doesn't sound like Wojo is looking to decrease Theo's court time.

[Viper]

MU appeared TWICE on The Athletic's 16 worst college basketball jerseys of all time today. I went from considering extending my account to canceling very quickly.

MU needs a waiver from the NCAA for a 1-off on the 77 uni. Wear it vs ND. That would be awesome.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

Wojo was pretty effusive in his praise for Theo in that story, saying he's far better than his numbers and was held back by his injury. We shall see, but it doesn't sound like Wojo is looking to decrease Theo's court time.

Theo only played 20 MPG last season and is the only true post on the team.  Not sure how anyone could come to the conclusion that his minutes would decrease. 

[MU82]

There's zero chance that Lewis plays more than a healthy Theo.

FIFY. And I agree.

[Newsdreams]

Lewis
getting at least 20 to 25 minutes next year............seems very bold.

He could if:
1) BB does not return
2) Theo's late surgery might limit minutes
3) If his offense is as good as Stan said.... "he is capable of putting Markus Howard numbers"

[tower912]

Wait, 3 players need surgery?    Wojo sucks.   

[Newsdreams]

Wait, 3 players need surgery?    Wojo sucks.

He's the coach, should have planned.....

[Galway Eagle]

He could if:
1) BB does not return
2) Theo's late surgery might limit minutes
3) If his offense is as good as Stan said.... "he is capable of putting Markus Howard numbers"

If we have a PF/C putting up Markus Howard numbers that'd be crazy. I used to think Jae and Lazar were the best we'd ever see down there. Let's see him be more like Harangody and McDermott!

[BCHoopster]

Wojo was pretty effusive in his praise for Theo in that story, saying he's far better than his numbers and was held back by his injury. We shall see, but it doesn't sound like Wojo is looking to decrease Theo's court time.

I do not want to see Theo's minutes downturned but now that Markus is gone there going to need somebody to put the ball in the hole, unless a miracle happens, Theo
is very limited offensively, so it would be nice to have an offense again that the center can go out and pop a shot from 15,  Lewis and Garcia can do that which will open
the lanes to drive.  Now if all you are doing is having Theo set a pick at the top of the key, this offense will be stagnant again.  Need more ball movement.  Theo then
should be on the bench.

[Newsdreams]

If we have a PF/C putting up Markus Howard numbers that'd be crazy. I used to think Jae and Lazar were the best we'd ever see down there. Let's see him be more like Harangody and McDermott!

Per Stan, said he is capable.

[SaveOD238]

MU needs a waiver from the NCAA for a 1-off on the 77 uni. Wear it vs ND. That would be awesome.

Why not schedule UNC and wear it for a 1977 title game rematch?

[Its DJOver]

I do not want to see Theo's minutes downturned but now that Markus is gone there going to need somebody to put the ball in the hole, unless a miracle happens, Theo
is very limited offensively, so it would be nice to have an offense again that the center can go out and pop a shot from 15,  Lewis and Garcia can do that which will open
the lanes to drive.  Now if all you are doing is having Theo set a pick at the top of the key, this offense will be stagnant again.  Need more ball movement.  Theo then
should be on the bench.

And on defense?  I'd much rather take Theo's less effective offensive game over Lewis' potentially better, because Theo is a solid proven defender.  I think Lewis can get there, but a 6-7 Freshman center playing 20-25 mpg is not a recipe for a good defensive team.

[MU82]

Theo is an outstanding shot-blocker, hustle player and great teammate. He will play plenty, as he should.