I think the best lineup on this team next year might not include two guys that have played a lot for this team. In my mind, unless the opponent has a really physical five man, the best group on this team might be:
Sears, Preston, Roderick, Vander Plas, Carter.
That's not throwing stones at Wilson, McDay, Brown, or anyone else whose game elevates over the summer. I just think those five are the best five, and most versatile. (And we know we'll see someone's game jump forward over the summer, we just don't know who.)
I think a lot of that will depend on the matchup. I have a hard time not including Wilson in our top 5. He was an absolute beast last year at times and gives us something defensively that no one else on the roster gives us. There's also a reason that McDay gets the third most minutes on the team and draws the other teams best player on the defensive end. And let's be honest, we don't know what we are getting in Jason Carter. Are we getting the potential 1st team All-MAC guy that left here two years ago or are we getting the guy that struggled with legs issues last year?
Fair points here. I guess I'm assuming we're getting a healthy Carter, which is what led to my post. While I can't disagree with including Wilson in that best five, and he probably is one of the best five, I'm not sure he's the most versatile. My reason for that five is that Sears and Preston create matchup problems, Roderick is probably the best perimeter shooter, and BVP and Carter create matchup issues by being able to step outside the arch and play off the dribble. All five can knock down three's.
That said, they won't always be the best five based on the respective opponent, I agree. And I agree with you on McDay and his value. His value on defense can't be underestimated.
All this said, these are great problems and conversations to have. The 10th guy on Ohio's roster right now would probably be earning quality minutes on teams in the bottom two-thirds of the MAC this year.
And all this conversation leaves out the potential jumps from guys like Towns, Brown, and Granger, along with the fact that both freshmen could push for playing time.
Fun times!