2026-27 Depth Chart

[SchnitzelBoy]

Here's what I expect will be the depth chart going into next year:


PG: Nigel James  - Colton Crowdis  -  Nolan Minessale -  Adrien Stevens
SG: Adrien Stevens - Damarius Owens - Nash Walker 
SF: Nolan Minessale - Michael Phillips III - Alex Egbuonu - Ethan Johnston
PF: Royce Parham  - Damarius Owens - Alex Egbuonu - Ian Miletic
C: Sananda Fru - Royce Parham  - Josh Clark  - Caedin Hamilton


Guys listed more than once are based on roles they can play and where they might fall into the pecking order for minutes at that spot.

[wadesworld]

Here's what I expect will be the depth chart going into next year:


PG: Nigel James  - Colton Crowdis  -  Nolan Minessale -  Adrien Stevens
SG: Adrien Stevens - Damarius Owens - Nash Walker 
SF: Nolan Minessale - Michael Phillips III - Alex Egbuonu - Ethan Johnston
PF: Royce Parham  - Damarius Owens - Alex Egbuonu - Ian Miletic
C: Sananda Fru - Royce Parham  - Josh Clark  - Caedin Hamilton


Guys listed more than once are based on roles they can play and where they might fall into the pecking order for minutes at that spot.

Seems fairly accurate.  I'd expect Minessale to be the primary backups at both the 2 and 1, and then DO to be a backup at the 3 and 4 rather than at the 2 and 4.  I think Nolan starts at the 3, and then whenever either of Stevens or James go to the bench for whatever reason Nolan moves into that spot and Owens is first off the bench, filling in the 3 spot.

Hoping to use the last scholarship spot for a backup 5 right behind Fru.

[SchnitzelBoy]

Here are some projected minutes-per-game averages:

Nigel James  - 29
Adrien Stevens - 28
Nolan Minessale - 28
Royce Parham - 28
Sananda Fru - 25


Damarius Owens - 15
Michael Phillips III - 15
Colton Crowdis  -7
Alex Egbuonu - 10
Ethan Johnston - <1
Ian Miletic  -3
Nash Walker  - 4
Josh Clark  - 4
Caedin Hamilton - 4

I think Caedin and Clark will spot Fru for about 7-8 minutes based on matchups with Royce slotting in for about 7 minutes. Alex, MPIII, Damarius, and Ian are all big enough to play PF.

Keep in mind a bunch of these minutes might come in garbage time for guys like Ian, Nash and Crowdis because we have a ton of dudes on the wing. DO and MPIII could inch towards 20mpg as the season progresses.

I think we have a ton of switchable pieces on this roster so I can see why the PT will be so top-heavy.

[Galway Eagle]

Here are some projected minutes-per-game averages:

Nigel James  - 29
Adrien Stevens - 28
Nolan Minessale - 28
Royce Parham - 28
Sananda Fru - 25


Damarius Owens - 15
Michael Phillips III - 15
Colton Crowdis  -7
Alex Egbuonu - 10
Ethan Johnston - <1
Ian Miletic  -3
Nash Walker  - 4
Josh Clark  - 4
Caedin Hamilton - 4

I think Caedin and Clark will spot Fru for about 7-8 minutes based on matchups with Royce slotting in for about 7 minutes. Alex, MPIII, Damarius, and Ian are all big enough to play PF.

Keep in mind a bunch of these minutes might come in garbage time for guys like Ian, Nash and Crowdis because we have a ton of dudes on the wing. DO and MPIII could inch towards 20mpg as the season progresses.

I think we have a ton of switchable pieces on this roster so I can see why the PT will be so top-heavy.

MP3 would have to have put in major weight to play the 4. Maybe he has that j in his future but I'd give it a very slim chance if happens this year.

[Badgerhater]

I do like the starter minute average at the 30 range...it means there is quality bench depth.

Having bench players who can come in as effective weapons rather than simply hold the line while the starter takes a breather adds a lot a dimension to a team.

[BCHoopster]

The make up of this team is very young.  It will be interesting if the bench will help or not.  Owens is only returner with experience, yes you have the two bigs, not sure they bring anything to the table.  Would have liked MU to have added another experience player at a guard slot, oh well. 

[jfp61]

No one is being honest Caedin is playing 10 minutes per game next year, unless Clark gets good.

[MU82]

I'll be surprised if Nigel doesn't average 30+ minutes. He's the Energizer Bunny; unless he is in foul trouble, Shaka will not want to take him off the floor (nor would I). He averaged 32.3 in Big East play as a freshman.

Also ... assuming that Shaka doesn't significantly change our offense, the 2/3 positions are interchangeable. Differentiating between the two isn't really necessary.

[Uncle Rico]

Popcorn is popped

[SchnitzelBoy]

Caedin could get to 10mpg but it'll be entirely at the expense of Josh Clark. I could see them being about even in the depth chart with matchups being ghe deciding factor.

Dodds reported that MPIII is clocking in around 6'7 these days and will certainly put on some weight. I think we'll run small here and there eith DO being first PF off the bench and Alex filling in as well.

I really like length we have 2-4 with Royce, Minessale, DO, MPIII, Ian, and Alex

[wadesworld]

No one is being honest Caedin is playing 10 minutes per game next year, unless Clark gets good.

I'll bet the under.

[rccola42]

Here are some projected minutes-per-game averages:

Nigel James  - 29
Adrien Stevens - 28
Nolan Minessale - 28
Royce Parham - 28
Sananda Fru - 25


Damarius Owens - 15
Michael Phillips III - 15
Colton Crowdis  -7
Alex Egbuonu - 10
Ethan Johnston - <1
Ian Miletic  -3
Nash Walker  - 4
Josh Clark  - 4
Caedin Hamilton - 4

I think Caedin and Clark will spot Fru for about 7-8 minutes based on matchups with Royce slotting in for about 7 minutes. Alex, MPIII, Damarius, and Ian are all big enough to play PF.

Keep in mind a bunch of these minutes might come in garbage time for guys like Ian, Nash and Crowdis because we have a ton of dudes on the wing. DO and MPIII could inch towards 20mpg as the season progresses.

I think we have a ton of switchable pieces on this roster so I can see why the PT will be so top-heavy.

That may be what it looks like against bad non conference, but against anyone decent guys like James are playing at least 34 minutes.

[Hards Alumni]

That may be what it looks like against bad non conference, but against anyone decent guys like James are playing at least 34 minutes.

If anyone is playing more than 30 a game we are going to do the February fade again.

[jfp61]

I'll bet the under.

I pray.

[BM1090]

If anyone is playing more than 30 a game we are going to do the February fade again.

Tons of teams have guys that play 30 MPG and don't fade. And we've only had one fade under Shaka. 2023, 2024, and 2026's teams all got better or maintained as the season went on.

[MU82]

If anyone is playing more than 30 a game we are going to do the February fade again.

Kolek averaged almost 34 mpg in Big East play his last two seasons. Oso averaged nearly 33. We did not have a February fade either season; indeed, we played great.

We played our best basketball last season in the second half, with James averaging 32+ mpg.

Every player is different. James has as incredible motor, and he is essential to the team's success. I will be pretty surprised if he doesn't average 31-33 mpg.