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Louisville's Probable Starting 5

IL Wildcat

IL Wildcat

New Poster, Show Me Love
Feb 20, 2003
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I'm just curious, with all the guys who have departed for the Cards, who do you guys expect the starting 5 to be?

I've been reading a bit about the Puerto Rico trip and who played well, and this is what I came up with for a starting 5. You guys know the team personnel better than me, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

PG Quentin Snider
SG Trey Lewis
SF Damion Lee
PF Jaylen Johnson
C Mangok Mathiang

I'm least confident in the frontcourt guys. It seems, at least from reading reports about the games in PR, that grad transfers Trey Lewis and Damion Lee made quite an impression and both seem almost a sure thing to start. The other three are less sure, it would seem. But I'm thinking Rick is going to want some experience at the point in Snider. I'm not sure about Jaylen Johnson at PF. He may be the best athlete for that position but may not be consistent enough just yet. Mathiang seems the best defensive option at center, but Onuaku and Mahmoud seem likely to be in the rotation. I wouldn't be surprised to see one of those guys play power forward alongside Mathiang. Both can face the basket a bit.

So, what do you think? Go easy on me. I haven't posted here in a long time.
 
zipp said:
Why would you intentionally wanna break a good streak? Other than it's football season and nothing to talk about.
Click to expand...

Ah zipp, you know, just a crazy UK fan who loves hoops. Anyway, what do you think of my probable starting line-up? Is that even close?
 
PG: Lewis: Snider: Mitchell
SG: Lee: Mitchell: Henderson
SF: Adel: Johnson: Lee
PF: Mathiang: Mohammad: Johnson
C: Onuaku: Mathiang: Mohammad: Matz

Spalding gets lots of love from Pitino, so I think he'll be first off the bench to spell Mathiang and or Onuaku (moving Mathian to C and play PF). I think Anas will play some of the 4-5. Johnson and Adel will battle for the 3 and Johnson, also plays the 4 at times. I think Adel wins the starting nod based on his D. I think it's likely though that Lee will move down to SF at times, and Mitchell takes over at SG and Snider at PG.

Also can't overlook Henderson as getting some significant minutes at SG.

Pitino will have lots of options and lots of flexibility.
 
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IL Wildcat said:
Ah zipp, you know, just a crazy UK fan who loves hoops. Anyway, what do you think of my probable starting line-up? Is that even close?
Click to expand...
Fans of a basketball school wanna talk basketball when the football season has just started. I guess we're not a basketball school.

"Elite program", my a$$...
 
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tn00nan said:
PG: Lewis: Snider: Mitchell
SG: Lee: Mitchell: Henderson
SF: Adel: Johnson: Lee
PF: Mathiang: Mohammad: Johnson
C: Onuaku: Mathiang: Mohammad: Matz

Spalding gets lots of love from Pitino, so I think he'll be first off the bench to spell Mathiang and or Onuaku (moving Mathian to C and play PF). I think Anas will play some of the 4-5. Johnson and Adel will battle for the 3 and Johnson, also plays the 4 at times. I think Adel wins the starting nod based on his D. I think it's likely though that Lee will move down to SF at times, and Mitchell takes over at SG and Snider at PG.

Also can't overlook Henderson as getting some significant minutes at SG.

Pitino will have lots of options and lots of flexibility.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply tn00nan.

You may well be right, especially about Mathiang and Onuaku at the 4-5. That wouldn't surprise me at all.
In the backcourt, I guess the question becomes shooting and scoring. Rick always chooses shooting and ball handling over size. He chooses quickness over length and strength. That's why I think PG Snider may see the floor more than SF Adel. And that would shift Lewis and Lee down to the 2 and the 3. But Lee, at 6-6, has the size to play the 3, so I don't think that's a big issue for the Cards this year. What kind of shooter is Adel? If he can hit a 3 with much consistency, I'll agree with your line-up. :D
 
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tn00nan said:
PG: Lewis: Snider: Mitchell
SG: Lee: Mitchell: Henderson
SF: Adel: Johnson: Lee
PF: Mathiang: Mohammad: Johnson
C: Onuaku: Mathiang: Mohammad: Matz

Spalding gets lots of love from Pitino, so I think he'll be first off the bench to spell Mathiang and or Onuaku (moving Mathian to C and play PF). I think Anas will play some of the 4-5. Johnson and Adel will battle for the 3 and Johnson, also plays the 4 at times. I think Adel wins the starting nod based on his D. I think it's likely though that Lee will move down to SF at times, and Mitchell takes over at SG and Snider at PG.

Also can't overlook Henderson as getting some significant minutes at SG.

Pitino will have lots of options and lots of flexibility.
Click to expand...
Nice post
 
IL Wildcat said:
Thanks for the reply tn00nan.

You may well be right, especially about Mathiang and Onuaku at the 4-5. That wouldn't surprise me at all.
In the backcourt, I guess the question becomes shooting and scoring. Rick always chooses shooting and ball handling over size. He chooses quickness over length and strength. That's why I think PG Snider may see the floor more than SF Adel. And that would shift Lewis and Lee down to the 2 and the 3. But Lee, at 6-6, has the size to play the 3, so I don't think that's a big issue for the Cards this year. What kind of shooter is Adel? If he can hit a 3 with much consistency, I'll agree with your line-up. :D
Click to expand...

Good point IL Wildcat. If it's all about outside shooting, I'm not sure about Adel. I've only seen him a bit, though he looks like he has a decent outside shot. But from the aspect of quickness and defense, I think my starting 5 would be very tough. Mitchell might play his way in for more minutes (which I hope), moving Lee down to the 3. But I have to admit that Mitchell's outside shooting seems suspect. He seems like more of a slasher.

It should be interesting. I like Snider. I'll think he'll see his share of minutes. He's got a decent shot. Just needs more PT and confidence I think.
 
tn00nan said:
Good point IL Wildcat. If it's all about outside shooting, I'm not sure about Adel. I've only seen him a bit, though he looks like he has a decent outside shot. But from the aspect of quickness and defense, I think my starting 5 would be very tough. Mitchell might play his way in for more minutes (which I hope), moving Lee down to the 3. But I have to admit that Mitchell's outside shooting seems suspect. He seems like more of a slasher.

It should be interesting. I like Snider. I'll think he'll see his share of minutes. He's got a decent shot. Just needs more PT and confidence I think.
Click to expand...
I believe Snider will start.
 
I really like the lineup Toonan posted, but I'm not too confident about Trey Lewis as our point guard. He made some bad decisions and took some really tough shots down in Puerto Rico. His playing style will remind everyone of Chris Jones - who was a great player, just not a point guard. If Trey can't run the point, Snider will start. Adel is going to be really hard to keep off the floor. I'll just say his weaknesses were not exposed during the trip to Puerto Rico. He was the 2nd most impressive of the new guys, with Damion Lee being #1 by a mile.

I can't predict the starting lineup better than anyone else, but here's how I'd rank the players based on what I saw in Puerto Rico

1) Damion Lee - best scorer since Reece Gaines. Much more than just a shooter
.
.
.
2) Chinanu Onuaku - he's going to breakout this year. Great size and instincts. Good passer who needs opportunities offensively.
3) Deng Adel - Jack of all trades. Length and athleticism to boot
4) Trey Lewis - poor showing in PR, but his outside shooting will be crucial. Struggles to score in traffic. Needs to learn the PG position
5) Quentin Snider - good feel for the game. Can penetrate and find teammates, which is where he's most valuable.
6) Donovan Mitchell
7) Ray Spalding
8) Mangok Mathiang - he will be a great role player this year. Knows his limitations
9) Jaylen Johnson
10) Jay Henderson
11) Anas Mahmoud
.
.
.
12) David Levitch
.
.
.
13) Matz Stockman
 
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IL Wildcat said:
Yeah, but I know where I am. I'm no fool. Have we spoken before? I've been around the various versions of these rivals boards for over 12 years now.
Click to expand...
Where you are is on the internet so it's my opinion people should be themselves no matter where they post instead of portraying themselves as someone they're not on one board and then being who they really are on another board.

But that's just me. I prefer not to be labeled. Maybe you enjoy that. To each his own.
 
I don't think it really matters who our starters will be in the grand scheme of things. Rick has said it himself that he plans to run at a very fast pace this season and a lot of people will play. You almost have to put in / / / for every position. The minutes will be widely distributed. The shorter shot clock, more length on defense, better athletes and better shooters is going to give us many options. The rotation is going to be all over the map I think. The best 5 will get the most minutes but I couldn't tell yuo who that is outside of Damian Lee. That kid is GOOD!
 
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Cue Card said:
Where you are is on the internet so it's my opinion people should be themselves no matter where they post instead of portraying themselves as someone they're not on one board and then being who they really are on another board.

But that's just me. I prefer not to be labeled. Maybe you enjoy that. To each his own.
Click to expand...
Hey Cue Card, the truth is I'm respectful no matter where I post. I'm not going to stop being myself. I'm really not sure what balderthanu was referring to above. Years ago, when UK still had Tubby Smith and Louisville first hired Rick Pitino, I was a bit more fiery toward UofL fans who had negative things to say about UK. But these days, I'm much more laid back about the rivalry. It's all in good fun. I'm not going to hide that I bleed blue, by the way. But Louisville is our top rival, so I care about the Cards too. And I personally enjoy hearing another perspective from time to time rather than always drinking the blue kool aid. And I love to interact and debate also. As you say, to each his own.
 
J-Rye_UL said:
I really like the lineup Toonan posted, but I'm not too confident about Trey Lewis as our point guard. He made some bad decisions and took some really tough shots down in Puerto Rico. His playing style will remind everyone of Chris Jones - who was a great player, just not a point guard. If Trey can't run the point, Snider will start. Adel is going to be really hard to keep off the floor. I'll just say his weaknesses were not exposed during the trip to Puerto Rico. He was the 2nd most impressive of the new guys, with Damion Lee being #1 by a mile.

I can't predict the starting lineup better than anyone else, but here's how I'd rank the players based on what I saw in Puerto Rico

1) Damion Lee - best scorer since Reece Gaines. Much more than just a shooter
.
.
.
2) Chinanu Onuaku - he's going to breakout this year. Great size and instincts. Good passer who needs opportunities offensively.
3) Deng Adel - Jack of all trades. Length and athleticism to boot
4) Trey Lewis - poor showing in PR, but his outside shooting will be crucial. Struggles to score in traffic. Needs to learn the PG position
5) Quentin Snider - good feel for the game. Can penetrate and find teammates, which is where he's most valuable.
6) Donovan Mitchell
7) Ray Spalding
8) Mangok Mathiang - he will be a great role player this year. Knows his limitations
9) Jaylen Johnson
10) Jay Henderson
11) Anas Mahmoud
.
.
.
12) David Levitch
.
.
.
13) Matz Stockman
Click to expand...
JRye, you're the second guy who has spoken highly of Deng Adel. Perhaps I need to give him another look. I did notice, in one of the only box scores I could find from the PR trip, that he played a good number of minutes, nearly 31 in the game that ended PR 102 UofL 94. The only troubling thing about his stats is that his +/- was -22, which was worst on the team. But it seems clear that he must have been doing something right for Rick to play him over 30 mins, or at least Rick must see the potential in him and wants to bring it out more quickly. Either way, perhaps he's going to get on the floor more than I think.

It's likely, as another poster above said, that it won't matter a huge amount who starts. That's the same with any team, really. If you want to see the guys who the coach really trusts, look at who's on the floor at crunch time of a close game. That's the most telling thing.

By the way, for Tn00nan above, I never replied. If the Cards truly go with the up-tempo game, with many bodies going in and out, 3pt shooting wouldn't be "as" important. If Rick Pitino truly decides to do this, it will be a serious departure from the way he has coached the last several years at Louisville. It may be a bit of a return to his early days at Louisville and some of his days at UK, when he pressed, ran, and trapped all night and tried to wear teams down over the course of the game. In that kind of wide open game, length and athleticism takes precedence over 3pt shooting. Of course, Rick's best teams have had several guys who can hit that three, so it's tough to be definitive.
 
IL Wildcat said:
JRye, you're the second guy who has spoken highly of Deng Adel. Perhaps I need to give him another look. I did notice, in one of the only box scores I could find from the PR trip, that he played a good number of minutes, nearly 31 in the game that ended PR 102 UofL 94. The only troubling thing about his stats is that his +/- was -22, which was worst on the team. But it seems clear that he must have been doing something right for Rick to play him over 30 mins, or at least Rick must see the potential in him and wants to bring it out more quickly. Either way, perhaps he's going to get on the floor more than I think.

It's likely, as another poster above said, that it won't matter a huge amount who starts. That's the same with any team, really. If you want to see the guys who the coach really trusts, look at who's on the floor at crunch time of a close game. That's the most telling thing.

By the way, for Tn00nan above, I never replied. If the Cards truly go with the up-tempo game, with many bodies going in and out, 3pt shooting wouldn't be "as" important. If Rick Pitino truly decides to do this, it will be a serious departure from the way he has coached the last several years at Louisville. It may be a bit of a return to his early days at Louisville and some of his days at UK, when he pressed, ran, and trapped all night and tried to wear teams down over the course of the game. In that kind of wide open game, length and athleticism takes precedence over 3pt shooting. Of course, Rick's best teams have had several guys who can hit that three, so it's tough to be definitive.
Click to expand...

I'm really confident that UK will win this game no matter who starts or what personel the Card have. The game is at Rupp....and recent games......a trend now.....is us beating ul or almost beating them every single time. I have a ton of confidence we win this game.
 
OP there will be numerous starting lineups based on match ups, injuries, sickness, and player development - or maybe in an instance, lack of player development.

The opening night starting five is not really clear at this time, I'd imagine the starting five in March is even murkier.
 
IL: years ago, before or early in the Calipari era, you (or someone else from Illinois) could post nothing about UofL on the blue board that was not dismissive if not downright disrespectful. I get that we're rivals and if that's who you are and how you want to play, that's fine. I've been banned there for months now and so don't know if Cal's winning streak (from whatever source it comes...) has softened your demeanor. But I have a long memory.

Blue Power Cat: your arrogance may be well-deserved and prescient. I've discovered in sports and in life that when you get comfortable with an expected outcome, the unexpected usually occurs.
 
zipp said:
Fans of a basketball school wanna talk basketball when the football season has just started. I guess we're not a basketball school.

"Elite program", my a$$...
Click to expand...

UofL 0 wins 1 loss: UK 1 win and 0 loss. That is all that needs to be said about football.
 
I'm just impressed that the slapd!cks have finally eked out a win against a Sun Belt Conference team.

LPT Football: We can probably handle Western now--they're in CUSA...
 
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balderthanu said:
IL: years ago, before or early in the Calipari era, you (or someone else from Illinois) could post nothing about UofL on the blue board that was not dismissive if not downright disrespectful. I get that we're rivals and if that's who you are and how you want to play, that's fine. I've been banned there for months now and so don't know if Cal's winning streak (from whatever source it comes...) has softened your demeanor. But I have a long memory.

Blue Power Cat: your arrogance may be well-deserved and prescient. I've discovered in sports and in life that when you get comfortable with an expected outcome, the unexpected usually occurs.
Click to expand...
Fair enough balderthanu. I've definitely had some exchanges with some Louisville fans over the years. I can promise you this- I never get personal. I never use foul language. I am always respectful toward other posters. I like to post using facts and stats to back up my point of view. That's how I post. I often write scouting reports on UK opponents. I've even written for a UK sports blog called Big Blue Theory. If you go there, the last post on the board is my scouting report for Wisconsin. I'm a pastor at a church here in Illinois. Is that who you're thinking of? I've gone by the moniker IL Wildcat since I started posting on these sites back in 2003.
 
balderthanu said:
IL: years ago, before or early in the Calipari era, you (or someone else from Illinois) could post nothing about UofL on the blue board that was not dismissive if not downright disrespectful. I get that we're rivals and if that's who you are and how you want to play, that's fine. I've been banned there for months now and so don't know if Cal's winning streak (from whatever source it comes...) has softened your demeanor. But I have a long memory.

Blue Power Cat: your arrogance may be well-deserved and prescient. I've discovered in sports and in life that when you get comfortable with an expected outcome, the unexpected usually occurs.
Click to expand...


I know what your saying, however, its a rivalry. It goes with the territory. Ive
read SuCkS board for over 15 years, and IL is one of more tamer posters, DESPITE his dismissiveness
of the Cards.
 
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Thanks for vouching for me KerryRhodes. I've seen you over at CatsIllustrated from time to time as well. I shall endeavor not to cause any troubles. And if I do, I'm sure I'll be shown the door. I've mellowed a bit in my old age. Ha! It's not life and death like it once was for me.
 
Last edited:
You aren't going to get shown the door. It is a very open board. You'll have to really get after somebody or just go incredibly overboard to be in jeopardy, and even then you will get multiple warnings.

A # of rules are broken on the reg.

You are harmless it appears.
 
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IL Wildcat said:
Thanks for couching for me KerryRhodes. I've seen you over at CatsIllustrated from time to time as well. I shall endeavor not to cause any troubles. And if I do, I'm sure I'll be shown the door. I've mellowed a bit in my old age. Ha! It's not life and death like it once was for me.
Click to expand...


Ive NEVER posted on your board. Just read it.

Its great entertainment LOL
 
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KerryRhodes said:
Ive NEVER posted on your board. Just read it.

Its great entertainment LOL
Click to expand...

Likewise!


tn00nan said:
PG: Lewis: Snider: Mitchell
SG: Lee: Mitchell: Henderson
SF: Adel: Johnson: Lee
PF: Mathiang: Mohammad: Johnson
C: Onuaku: Mathiang: Mohammad: Matz

Spalding gets lots of love from Pitino, so I think he'll be first off the bench to spell Mathiang and or Onuaku (moving Mathian to C and play PF). I think Anas will play some of the 4-5. Johnson and Adel will battle for the 3 and Johnson, also plays the 4 at times. I think Adel wins the starting nod based on his D. I think it's likely though that Lee will move down to SF at times, and Mitchell takes over at SG and Snider at PG.

Also can't overlook Henderson as getting some significant minutes at SG.

Pitino will have lots of options and lots of flexibility.
Click to expand...

Odd if this is how it plays out. Snider really stepped up for you all. would be odd seeing him coming off the bench when it will be his team to run in the near future. The experience would do him well.
 
Rhavicc said:
Odd if this is how it plays out. Snider really stepped up for you all. would be odd seeing him coming off the bench when it will be his team to run in the near future. The experience would do him well.
Click to expand...
Lewis and Snider don't work well in the backcourt together. Having both in the game at the same time blurs the line between "should I run the offense" vs. "should I hunt for my offense." I personally prefer Snider because he's a more willing passer, but he has a long way to go as a playmaker.
 
J-Rye_UL said:
I really like the lineup Toonan posted, but I'm not too confident about Trey Lewis as our point guard. He made some bad decisions and took some really tough shots down in Puerto Rico. His playing style will remind everyone of Chris Jones - who was a great player, just not a point guard. If Trey can't run the point, Snider will start. Adel is going to be really hard to keep off the floor. I'll just say his weaknesses were not exposed during the trip to Puerto Rico. He was the 2nd most impressive of the new guys, with Damion Lee being #1 by a mile.

I can't predict the starting lineup better than anyone else, but here's how I'd rank the players based on what I saw in Puerto Rico

1) Damion Lee - best scorer since Reece Gaines. Much more than just a shooter
.
.
.
2) Chinanu Onuaku - he's going to breakout this year. Great size and instincts. Good passer who needs opportunities offensively.
3) Deng Adel - Jack of all trades. Length and athleticism to boot
4) Trey Lewis - poor showing in PR, but his outside shooting will be crucial. Struggles to score in traffic. Needs to learn the PG position
5) Quentin Snider - good feel for the game. Can penetrate and find teammates, which is where he's most valuable.
6) Donovan Mitchell
7) Ray Spalding
8) Mangok Mathiang - he will be a great role player this year. Knows his limitations
9) Jaylen Johnson
10) Jay Henderson
11) Anas Mahmoud
.
.
.
12) David Levitch
.
.
.
13) Matz S
Click to expand...
 
J-Rye_UL said:
I really like the lineup Toonan posted, but I'm not too confident about Trey Lewis as our point guard. He made some bad decisions and took some really tough shots down in Puerto Rico. His playing style will remind everyone of Chris Jones - who was a great player, just not a point guard. If Trey can't run the point, Snider will start. Adel is going to be really hard to keep off the floor. I'll just say his weaknesses were not exposed during the trip to Puerto Rico. He was the 2nd most impressive of the new guys, with Damion Lee being #1 by a mile.

I can't predict the starting lineup better than anyone else, but here's how I'd rank the players based on what I saw in Puerto Rico

1) Damion Lee - best scorer since Reece Gaines. Much more than just a shooter
.
.
.
2) Chinanu Onuaku - he's going to breakout this year. Great size and instincts. Good passer who needs opportunities offensively.
3) Deng Adel - Jack of all trades. Length and athleticism to boot
4) Trey Lewis - poor showing in PR, but his outside shooting will be crucial. Struggles to score in traffic. Needs to learn the PG position
5) Quentin Snider - good feel for the game. Can penetrate and find teammates, which is where he's most valuable.
6) Donovan Mitchell
7) Ray Spalding
8) Mangok Mathiang - he will be a great role player this year. Knows his limitations
9) Jaylen Johnson
10) Jay Henderson
11) Anas Mahmoud
.
.
.
12) David Levitch
.
.
.
13) Matz Stockman
Click to expand...

Nice post
 
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