Here's how I'd rate their expected impact.
1.Rakeem Buckles- If he ends up coming here, you would have to think he is the favorite to start at the 4.
2.Charles Buggs- If Buckles doesnt come you would think Buggs would start. Even if Buckles comes, I could see us playing small ball against some teams with both Buckles and Buggs on the floor.
3.Malik Smith-With Joe Coleman gone Malik has a good chance to take over Joe's spot in the starting lineup. He wont be taking 8 threes a game like he was at FIU, but he will be able to space the floor and knock down the open jumper unlike Joe.
4.Dre Mathieu-We desperately needed a second capable ball-handler last year, and Mathieu should be that guy this year. I think there is an outside chance he could start this year, but he will definitely see plenty of minutes off the bench if he doesn't start.
5.Daquein Mcneil-Due to the fast pace style of play, Mcneil will definitely see some minutes off the bench. Gives us a third capable ball-handler.
6.Wally Ellenson-We all know about his leaping ability. He is going to need to hit open jumpers if he wants to see solid playing time.
7.If Buckles comes, I could see him in a role like Oto's last year. Will obviously seenmore playing timenout of neccessity if Buckles doesn't make it up here.
Alot is riding on Buckles transfering and being eligible this year. I think Buggs makes some nice strides regardless. Smith, Mathieu, and Daquien will give us alot more options in the backcourt than we had last year. I like Wally's potential but he is going to have to get his jumpshot going early in the season if he wants to see solid playing time. King to me, is a better version of Oto, coming off the bench. All in all, we really need Buckles.
