I know some were saying yesterday that Richie's injury was a fortuitous opening that Mawot really cashed in on. And while that may be true, what I think you instead saw was Mag coming into a role & minutes that would've naturally come his way as we got into the first few weeks of the grind of conference play (& not necessarily at Richie's expense, so much).

As we'll see THEN — we NEED more speed on the perimeter. We also need more individual scoring talent in the first unit. Baker & Fouss are our most obvious candidates for that among our current rotation reserves.

The only way we get Dawson into our starting lineup is at Dallin's expense. Clearly Baker ain't nearly as good a ball-handler as Hall, but he gives us enough to work alongside Egor.

Which is why I think I prefer to go with that switch — & keep Fouss's scoring with the 2nd unit. Keba's physical presence & defensive versatility is probably best served straight outa the gate.

As for our speed need — I think that switch is an easy one. Mag-for-Saunders. I really wish I could say Saunders containment D on the high perimeter has been a strength so far — but that'd be a lie. He might have a tough assignment, but he's just not getting it done. And the opposing personnel are only gonna get better moving forward.

1. Demin - 2. Baker - 3. Mag - 4. Catchings - 5. Keita