AT Starting Next Year?

[CABUFan]

I thought I saw somewhere that Les said Anthony Thompson will be our starting center next year. Is that true? If so, when did JL say it? It seems a little early to make that decision, but if AT is ready to start as a redshirt freshman that would be great.

I'd assume that would mean the starting lineup would be something like SM, AW, TW, RA, AT, which would give us a few more inches in the paint than we've had the last couple of seasons.

[pfunk880]

It would be great if he is far enough along to start. I sure hope so because having him and RA in the post would be fantastic. Singh and Egolf would be able to spell them (and Collins if he somehow figures out how to play at this level).

[Da Coach]

I do not believe JL ever said he will start. However, I do believe he will be given the opportunity to be a starter.

[VeveJones007]

I do not believe JL ever said he will start. However, I do believe he will be given the opportunity to be a starter.

There was a quote pertaining to it in the paper a month or so ago. I'm racking my brain trying to remember exactly what he said...the best I can come up with was that Les said what you're thinking; that AT will be in the running to start at the 5 next year.

[SFP]

Please let's not start making AT our miracle player, I'd rather be pleasantly suprised than disapointed like this year.

[pfunk880]

Please let's not start making AT our miracle player, I'd rather be pleasantly suprised than disapointed like this year.

I agree.

[ER3]

I agree.

Me, too.
I think it would be best for us to have absolutely no expectations for Egolf, Cole-Scott, Collins, Thompson, McCain, and Roberts before play starts next year...There's no reason to think any of them will be good enough to start game 1 next year...and without expectations, whatever we get from them will be a pleasant surprise.

[Lakeview Brave]

Please let's not start making AT our miracle player, I'd rather be pleasantly suprised than disapointed like this year.

Amen!

[pfunk880]

I think it would be best for us to have absolutely no expectations for Egolf, Cole-Scott, Collins, Thompson, McCain, and Roberts before play starts next year...There's no reason to think any of them will be good enough to start game 1 next year...and without expectations, whatever we get from them will be a pleasant surprise.

There's a difference between expectations and thinking someone is a "miracle player."

[tornado]

I have high expectations, but.....

I cannot believe you will find a quote anywhere in which the coach
actually names who is starting 8 months before the season begins.

[wily coyote]

I have high expectations, but.....

I cannot believe you will find a quote anywhere in which the coach
actually names who is starting 8 months before the season begins.

I don't think JL said anything about AT starting but, what he said was " AT is the best big man hes coach other than POB." IN my opioion that wouldn't take much. I like our chances next year if we get any help from our newcomers. If not we are going to be thinner in numbers then this year.CU and ILL ST. look be be very good next year and I wouldn't count out DU. Until we change our thinking guard play will get us to where we want to be ,we will be looking at the 4-5 spot most years. WE need bigs that can play like Lawson,Sampay,Odiakosa,and Cox. I love MS to death but in all honesty he wouldn't start at CU,DU and ISU. So until we get guys in equal to or better we are looking at the same results.

[it's boogie time]

Has he put on more weight and muscle since the start of the season? I think he was up to around 205 or 210 lbs around October.

I've only seen AT play in the exhibition games, so I'm in the dark on how much of an impact he can make next year. There's no question that there are plenty of minutes available.

[BradleyBrave]

I have high expectations, but.....

I cannot believe you will find a quote anywhere in which the coach
actually names who is starting 8 months before the season begins.

He said it on 'Jim Les Live' recently, and several people heard it and commented about it on this board.

[it's boogie time]

I was listening to that JL show in question. A caller asked about what type of player AT will be. Coach Les said something to the effect that he will start out as a 4 and might develop into a 5. That is how I remember it. I apologize if I'm wrong. I can't recall minutes or starting rotations being discussed. You can probably go back and find that thread on here.

[tornado]

I didn't hear it, but would have to think that's what he was saying.
I have never heard any coach state who his starters are months in advance, as
it would be a self-defeating move unless you have a proven superstar like LeBron or Tim Duncan.