Lots of speculation over the past three months, but he was always up there with high starting potential in my mind alongside Hall, Fouss, and Knell among returning players. With his defense, energy, and ability to finish at the rim (not to mention good shooting) he seemed to have more all-around potential than Knell who started last year, for example.

If that's true, the question now is if coaches pencil him in as more a 3 or 4? Do they go bigger, or get more guards out there? Who else is playing themselves into a starting role alongside him? I'd guess with our lack of size in the post they are hoping to put Bosko, Catchings, or Mag out there at the 4 and keep Richie more on the perimeter. But what if Demin, Baker, and Knell are all playing well enough to start?

IDK, but if Baker really is emerging as the player we hoped he'd be last year, given Saunders' and Demin's development, it's hard to imagine Knell starting again despite last year and being a returning senior. Which is quite amazing really and bodes well for the strength of the team. I guess as a fan I should hope the team is so good and deep that Knell is coming off the bench given what we know about his limitations and streakiness, but I haven't dared to do that. Are things changing?