Georgia Tech Basketball: Projected Rotation

Now that we have taken a close look at each member of this roster, it is time to discuss how each guy fits into the overall construction of the lineup. The depth chart listed at Roto Wire gives a decent picture at what Tech has to offer at each position, however there are certain areas where more context is needed.

First off, the recent news of Bubba Parham’s injury that will require surgery takes him out of the picture in the backcourt. There is no timetable for his return, which will thrust Kyle Sturdivant as well as the remainder the guards into even bigger roles. This almost certainly cements a starting backcourt of Kyle Sturdivant and Michael Devoe for the Jackets to begin the season. Sturdivant showed last year as a sixth man that he is capable of taking that next step and his play will be key in taking pressure off Devoe who is expected to shoulder the scoring load for this team. From here, it will be interesting to see which of the younger guys can establish themselves to provide depth for this backcourt. Deivon Smith, Deebo Coleman, Miles Kelly, and Tristan Maxwell should all get their chance to compete for minutes and prove themselves early on in the season against some lesser competition.

In the frontcourt, I would expect to see a veteran starting lineup of Khalid Moore, Jordan Usher and Rodney Howard. Moore has been a loyal soldier so far in his time at Tech and should continue to be used a defensive matchup specialist but I think the hope amongst the coaching staff is that one of the aforementioned younger players will take most of those minutes in three guard lineups. Pastner has always dreamed of being able to feature smaller and faster lineups and this group may enable him to do that. Freshman Jalon Moore is the other candidate for minutes at this spot. Usher figures to be the dominant presence at the four spot in his senior season and figures to be counted on heavily after taking a scoring jump as a junior. Finally, at the five spot, I expect Howard, Saba Gigiberia, and Jordan Meka to be rotated heavily based on situation and matchup. While it’s not the most experienced group, all three bring something different to the table and it is certainly the most intriguing part of the roster, given coach Eric Reveno’s history in developing big men. Meka could also work his way into the mix at the four spot as a bit of a tweener in bigger lineups when Usher needs a rest.

What are your thoughts on this group headed into the season? Leave your comments below!