Starting with bad news how many players are likely to transfer, declare, or run out of eligibility? I think the most likely departures are Kuzma, Bealer, and Daniels.
Kuzma graduates in May and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him transfer. I don’t think he should declare for the draft because he’d go second round or undrafted and another year playing for a higher profile (east coast) program would possibly be the best thing for his NBA Draft resume.
Gabe Bealer is a “senior” this year, but is petitioning for an additional year with the Utes.
On to Devon Daniels, I saw a rumor here that he may transfer but I don’t give it much weight considering he’s back for the Pac-12 tourney. I would bet he sticks around.
The next biggest question I have is what the 5 position will look like. Will PFs Collette and Rawson still see minutes at the 5 or will Jace and Jakub step up and carry the majority of minutes at that position? Jace has improved his touch and post moves a lot this season, but Jokl seems extremely raw and I would be shocked if he breaks into the 2-deep before his junior year meaning Collette will still play out of position.
If Kuzma stays the PF spot remains stacked with Collette and Rawson there as well and I think it enables a possible deep run in March 2018.
The wing position may become a strength if Daniels and Bealer remain and the Tillman kid looks good too. I think Daniels can replace Bonam’s points in the paint and if Bealer can improve his conditioning it will be nice to have a shooting threat at the 3.
At the 2 Parker must find consistency from behind the arc which imho should be his main focus this offseason. If Jake Connor and/or Beau Rydalch have break out years I wouldn’t complain either.
Barefield looks to be the starting PG and Jojo will probably be the backup, right? This is probably the thinnest position on the team.
Lastly, do you guys think the Utes continue the trend and jettison a player or two so they can replace them with JC guys?
Tl’dr:
Is this next year’s two deep?
C Collette, Johnson
PF Kuzma, Rawson
SF Daniels, Bealer
SG Van Dyke, Connor
PG Barefield, Zamora
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