The good thing is we are not relying on a freshman to start next year.

One thing we will be both taller and more athletic. The only person we could back door lob last year was Ingram. Now we have Uguak, Agunanne, Greene and maybe Kafies.

This will add a dimension to the 4-1 we did not have last year.

Nice analysis, Fleet. The variable is how long it will take to put the team together. Chemistry and experience working together were so important this year.

We have had the same issue last year. Townes was a transfer and Krutwig came in as a starter. We had another freshman become a key part of our rotation.

We will not be the exact same team and we had our weaknesses. We had a 6-5 backup center. We did not have a back up point guard or power forward.

Aher Uguak with one year of practice with new Mexico & one year of practice with LU and Christian Negron with a year of practice with LU and both with a lot of talent will be an important pieces of the LU puzzle in 2018-2019.

I appreciate “Blers” explanation of Negron’s medical problems:

“Meniscus while recovering from ACL. All that considered he still made it back a few weeks into the season before he had an ankle sprain before the Milwaukee game. By the time he was healthy we were in conference play and the rotation was kinda set.

A full healthy off season should do him wonders though. One rough year doesn’t make someone injury prone. I was really impressed with how his jumper developed (based on warm ups alone) over the course of the season. If he can hit that 12-15 feet out with any consistency we’ll be in great shape.”

I also completely agree with 25 yearstreak’s point that:

“The variable is how long it will take to put the team together. Chemistry and experience working together were so important this year.”

LU is returning 4 talented players who put in starter minutes last year: Custer, Williamson, Townes, & Krutwig. What we will be missing is Donte Ingram at power forward.

Ingram led the MVC in minutes played (1161) and was 3rd in the MVC in total rebounds (243). That is a lot of time & rebounds to replace.

Unless we sign another big man, Uguak & a healthy Negron are going to have to fill those shoes & fit in with the starting 4s chemistry.

Also let us hope that our freshmen backups, Agunanne at center, Bujdoso at the point, and our backup shooting guards, Skokna & the 2 freshmen shooting guards Kaifes & Greene, will blend in with the starters when the starters need a break, are in foul trouble, or if injuries come.

Go Ramblers!

The biggest question is how will Uguak,Negeon and anyone else defend. All three guys we lost defended very well.