2026-27 roster needs

[MrTbone]

So I realize this is going into the way too early category but I was looking through the 2026 signees and doing the math. We have 3 signees (Cook, Caldwell, Simmons) for 5 spots (Walz, Beagle, Roumoglou, Johnston, Lopez). Recent history suggests we’ll lose at least one to the portal.

I think Caldwell and Cook project as big forwards rather than a true 5 so we likely need at least 1, maybe 2 bigs. I think that 4 spot is cleared between the two incoming freshmen, Jaden and JRob.

I suspect we are set at PG between AA, Tyne and Simmons. I think Thomas and Harper cover the 2G.

So we probably need the most help at SF? I think that helps McGlothins case if he and Tanner are the only two vying for that spot. Donovan too perhaps.

So another C and SF for the open spots, plus backfills for whoever else might depart?

 

[*23*]

If AA returns, we need proven players in the portal at the 2, 3, 4, and 5. Watched Cook in person. I think he projects as a five in our system. His HS team uses him in the same way now, he handles the ball FT extended.

 

[Spider2020]

I’m high on Simmons as a recruit, but admittedly that could be just because he’s from same area as Gilyard. We 100% will need a starting 5 in the portal, and likely need to add 2 good wing players from the portal as well. Ideal lineup is probably AA - Thomas/Portal - Harper/Portal - Daughtry/JRob - Portal.

 

[Eight Legger]

I see our starting lineup looking like this:
PG - Transfer
SG - Transfer
SF - Transfer
PF - Transfer
C - Transfer

Can't wait to spend three months trying to learn these guys' numbers and names before the season ends.

 

[sman]

15 on scholarship still seems excessive and redundant to me. but we certainly need a 5.
the 15th ... maybe a lottery ticket ultra athletic wing guy.
roster's pretty young next year. hard to get my hopes up for big improvement.

 

[MrTbone]

If AA returns, we need proven players in the portal at the 2, 3, 4, and 5. Watched Cook in person. I think he projects as a five in our system. His HS team uses him in the same way now, he handles the ball FT extended.

Interesting, I didn’t see Cook that way but if that’s what you saw in person then I suppose we’re looking for one less 5 and another wing probably.

 

[*23*]

Interesting, I didn’t see Cook that way but if that’s what you saw in person then I suppose we’re looking for one less 5 and another wing probably.

He is a bit undersized for a 5, but is pretty strong/bulky. He looked pretty good game i saw him but got into foul trouble too soon so didn't get to see as much as would have liked. I feel like we saw him as replacement for the 5 that picked Wofford.

 

[sman]

if he's a legit 6'8" and strong, that can play at the 5. that's TJ Cline size.
did you guys see him at a high school game or with Middlesex Magic?

 

[*23*]

I saw him at HS game in November. His team played against IMG academy, which was pretty stacked. He had a really nice start then picked up two quick fouls, then a third when he came back in, which affected his aggression rest of game.

 

[MrTbone]

When was the last time we had a really good wing? Like a legit 3/SF? Burton?

I know there’s a view that our best years have come with a top PG running things, which I don’t disagree with, but they’ve also had someone at that 3/SF spot as well (Burton, Butler).

We sure have brought in a lot of those guys and so few have been big contributors.

 

[*23*]

Yep. This is part of the reason I was hyping/hopeful on Bryson pre season. Felt if he could be that stud wing that would pull things together and make us have legit talent. Of course that was predicated on Walz showing up more than 1 out of 4 games and a bunch of production from some oherr guys that have disappeared in A10 play.

 

[PalmTreeSpidUR]

Isn't the answer to the OP a two-parter:
(1) please do NOT let us need a point guard and
(2) we need pretty much everything else.

 

[*23*]

Agree Palm Tree.

Hopefully AA back. Several guys have shown some ability, but no sure fire starters among the rest of the team. Will be very interesting to see if we are just left with left overs in the portal again.

I think the offensive ability masked this in this season's haul. First red flag was the guy that ranked every teams portal pick ups. Most of the teams he did not focus on players defense. With ours he called it out. And it has come to fruition.

 

[Eight Legger]

Was painfully obvious last night. None of our guys except AA could get around vcu defenders. But their guys were too quick for us and dribbled past us at will. Embarrassing

 

[ur2K]

Not sure where to put this, but have we ever had a player that runs as hot and cold as Will Johnston? He's had some zeros, a no-show like VCU (4pts) and then some 20+ games. I don't understand him as a player.

 

[97spiderfan]

Not sure where to put this, but have we ever had a player that runs as hot and cold as Will Johnston? He's had some zeros, a no-show like VCU (4pts) and then some 20+ games. I don't understand him as a player.

Johnston has been a pretty big disappointment. I thought he would be a regular 15 point scorer for us, but he is so up and down. He can't create his own shots against athletic players, he doesn't have a PG handle and tries to get to rack but that usually ends in a missed lay-up or blocked shot. I love the energy he brings and his effort brings though.

 

[Urmite]

When was the last time we had a really good wing? Like a legit 3/SF? Burton?

I know there’s a view that our best years have come with a top PG running things, which I don’t disagree with, but they’ve also had someone at that 3/SF spot as well (Burton, Butler).

We sure have brought in a lot of those guys and so few have been big contributors.

Newman…j/k

 

[vt4700]

Was painfully obvious last night. None of our guys except AA could get around vcu defenders. But their guys were too quick for us and dribbled past us at will. Embarrassing

U could tell the first few possessions it was gonna be a long night where everything was too easy for them and too hard for us. They got an easy layup on their 1st possession, we shot a tough mid range 18 footer with the clock winding down on ours, and then they got an easy dunk on their 2nd possession.

 

[vt4700]

Johnston has been a pretty big disappointment. I thought he would be a regular 15 point scorer for us, but he is so up and down. He can't create his own shots against athletic players, he doesn't have a PG handle and tries to get to rack but that usually ends in a missed lay-up or blocked shot. I love the energy he brings and his effort brings though.

Agree. I felt he would be a key scorer as well. But, if u want to be a top tier A-10 team, he needs to be a 10-15 minute bench guy, not your leading mpg guy at 26 a game.

 

[Eight Legger]

U could tell the first few possessions it was gonna be a long night where everything was too easy for them and too hard for us. They got an easy layup on their 1st possession, we shot a tough mid range 18 footer with the clock winding down on ours, and then they got an easy dunk on their 2nd possession.

Pretty much always that way when we play vcu. You would think we'd have a better plan for attacking them after all these years, but nope.