So many BIG MEN, so little STARTERS.... Who should it be?

[fourthcrusade]

Assuming our PG, G, and SF lineup is Ervin, Bev & Weems, what 2 players SHOULD start as our 2 bigs?

Who SHOULD, in your opinion, round out the PowerForward & Center spots?

Stan used so many different combinations, just thought I'd see what hogville thought....  (btw, i used the 6 guys 6'8" and over as our choices)

[bd93]

I think that It should be Washington and Hill.  With Townes, Thomas and Hunter coming off the bench.

[Foshodo]

Gotta be hill and Washington with townes and cyrus behind them. Then split the 3 between Thomas and weems...if cyrus doesn't produce, opens up even more minutes for Charles. I want to see cyrus put to use.

[Ross U (HDHF)]

I agree with Hill/Wash.

[Hollywood_HOGan45]

Hill and Thomas

no brainer.

assuming thomas can get everythign straightened out.

I really like Wash but he may need some time before becoming a starter.

[Proud Hog]

Washington came on strong late last season.So I think you have to start him and Hill with Thomas coming off the bench early and often.

[hogsmaster]

Washington is not as seasoned as Thomas, but he is a better overall inside player.  Thomas plays with alot of passion.  However, Washington is bigger, longer and more athletic.

[hogsmaster]

Oh, forgot to answer the question.  Hill and Washington.

[Bomis Hawg]

Hill and Thomas.
I don't think Washington is there yet.  He needs more non-conference PT.
Townes did well off the bench at times last year.
McGowan is a complete mystery.  Who knows there.

[ilovepinebluff]

This was tough. We have to have the best big men in the country. I chose Hill and Washington.

[IcEwalker]

I think that It should be Washington and Hill.  With Townes, Thomas and Hunter coming off the bench.

lets hope hunter never comes off the bench

[Razors84]

I think that It should be Washington and Hill.  With Townes, Thomas and Hunter coming off the bench.

lets hope hunter never comes off the bench

I agree - I think Hill and Washington are the best fits for a pressing style.

[hawaiianhogster]

I'll agree with what coach Pelphrey thinks the best are. His style of coaching may require a different starting line up than what we have seen last year. There were many changes in the starting line up. There will be many this coming season until Pelphrey is satisfied. Seems to be a normal trend in BB.

[razorbackfan4life]

Washington is blooming into a great player.  We need him to start IMO....he brings too much to the table.  Steven Hill is the other one obviously.

[alaback]

I think that It should be Washington and Hill.  With Townes, Thomas and Hunter coming off the bench.

lets hope hunter never comes off the bench

Hunter comes off the bench to use fouls.  That's how Heath used him, and hopefully Pelphrey will do the same.

[hawgwild1087]

Washington could play some at the 3 spot next year.  Washington, Thomas/Townes, and Hill on the floor at the same time would be cool to see.

[dotnet]

I think Thomas has always played better when he was the sixth man as opposed to the starter.  He can play starter minutes, just bring him off the bench.

[hawgsav1]

I think Thomas has always played better when he was the sixth man as opposed to the starter.  He can play starter minutes, just bring him off the bench.

Very good point.  Actually then I would change my choices to Hill and Washington.  However I do not believe Washington has developed the skills to be the beastly PF needed but I don't think Townes is in good enough shape to be a starter.  His [Washington's] athleticism is amazing though.  Hill obviously will do a great job running around scaring people away from the rim.  I hope he can develop some semblance of an offensive game (maybe a few back to the basket moves or something).

[mrcrowley]

washington is gonna be a stud

[Tomhog™]

Washington/Hill.  Give Washington a ton of PT to develop his skills.  He's got more potential than anyone in the Front Court...

[HawgAdvocate]

I'd prefer Hill and Thomas. Thomas, being a senior, doesn't deserve to come off the pine when you've got a sophomore who hasn't shown he can control his aggression on defense.

Until Washington can prove that he can play/average more than 6 minutes and less than 3 fouls per half, I see no reason for a guy like Charles Thomas to have to sit. 

Washington can still play plenty of minutes, and having him at the 3 where he will draw less fouls, might be a good way to get him 20+ minutes a game. Thomas is a much more consistant interior defender at this point

Plus, Washington's range doesn't hurt either.

[Tomhog™]

Let Washington play until he fouls out.  He'll learn to control it.  We have plenty of depth to start him.  Thomas plays better as the 6th man.  He gives a boost to the team moreso in that capacity...

[hogsmaster]

I'd prefer Hill and Thomas. Thomas, being a senior, doesn't deserve to come off the pine when you've got a sophomore who hasn't shown he can control his aggression on defense.

Until Washington can prove that he can play/average more than 6 minutes and less than 3 fouls per half, I see no reason for a guy like Charles Thomas to have to sit. 

Washington can still play plenty of minutes, and having him at the 3 where he will draw less fouls, might be a good way to get him 20+ minutes a game. Thomas is a much more consistant interior defender at this point

Plus, Washington's range doesn't hurt either.

I say play the best players regardless of their classification.  You earn it on the court in practice.

[BigDave70]

hill/wash but we cant forget thomas=6 man of the year award

[Hog Fan from Camden]

What?  No votes for Vincent!  (heavy sarcasim) 

[Prosciutto]

washington is gonna be a stud

I agree. I think we start Washington and Thomas so we have 2 scoring threats.

[VenturaHog]

good poll, I said Hill and Thomas, Thomas did really well in the tourney and I think he has earned that starting spot. His passion seems to be infectious, especially with Beverley, and I think thats a big asset with setting the tempo of a game.

[HogsGoneWild]

I thought Cyrus transferred? I could be wrong but i thought he transferred to Miami.

[BrooklynRoss]

I got to see more out of Hill. Either he wants it or he doesn't. He needs to decide this year if he's a basketball player or just athletic.

[hillhog]

I said Hill and Thomas, in the hopes that from what was said about Thomas' showing in Cancun maybe he has finally realized what his role really should be and is ready to perform consistently. He started off looking good then slid backward for whatever reason with a spurt now and then of showing what he is capable of. Let's hope this will be his year to really shine.

[slopinhogs]

i say Hill and Washington i thnk this kid has a tremendous amout of ability and he can score for a big man. :razorback:

[ColumbianHog]

Hopefully they'll mix it up based on the opposition.

They can go big with Washington (3), Townes (4), and Hill (5).

Or they can go small with Weems (3), Thomas (4), and Washington (5).

Or they can go anywhere in-between.  Versatility is nice to have.

[mopork]

I think Thomas and Hill will be the bigs, though Washington will be nipping at Thomas's heals.  I can see Washington playing the 4, or spelling Weems as a big 3 when we want to play big.

[chillinhoggie]

Hill for sure and it was a toss up between Thomas and Washington....I vote Thomas cause he's busted his A#$ ever since he's been here and deserves it.... 1st guy off the bench should be Washington....flashes of brilliance ...hopefully with more to come.

[BallHog1]

If you went up for the KY game last Saturday and didn't take the opportunity to stop by the WALT and see the b-ball team you missed a treat. My first impression was disbelief at the difference in the big men doing individual drills with Coach P. Townes and Thomas were almost unrecognizeable as a result of the change in their physique. These guys are lean and cut now. They look like olympians. I don't know if that will translate into wins for the team, but their physical condition is impressive.

[ballhogger14u]

I was there and very impressed with townes and thomas, both were dominant and in very good shape, im sorry  but hill just sucks , terrible offensive player, and not a good rebounder. he blocks shots and that is it

[BallHog1]

I kind of gathered the same but didn't want to rain on him yet. I'm not sure we won't see a Townes, Thomas, Washington rotation with Hill being a defensive specialist. I'm holding out hope that he still comes around on the offense though. Man, I'd have given anything to be that tall when I was younger.
He's still a force and a real positive resource just as he is but the potential for something unbelievable is hard to miss.

[ColumbianHog]

I was there and very impressed with townes and thomas, both were dominant and in very good shape, im sorry  but hill just sucks , terrible offensive player, and not a good rebounder. he blocks shots and that is it

You may be right but don't discount his value as a great shot blocker.  Not only does he make opponents think twice before driving the lane but he gives our wing men the ability to play the passing lanes a bit more.  They know if they get beat Hill is back there ready to erase the mistake.

I say let Hill try to block every shot and let Thomas and Weems crash the boards.  (or Townes, Hunter, Washington...you get the idea).

[Fatty McGee]

Washington has to learn to play defense in the post fellas.  It's Hill and Thomas, with Townes maybe getting a look if he's rolling offensively.  Not to say Washington can't/won't be great, but he showed little defensively last year.

[Fatty McGee]

The better question would be phrased:  So many guards, so few ready to play the point. . . who should it be?

[mopork]

The better question would be phrased:  So many guards, so few ready to play the point. . . who should it be?

True.  I think you have to go with Ervin at first, as out of control as he is, and be putting pressure on Welsh to be ready by conference play.  Welsh definitely showed flashes last year.