The Derick Dilemma

This was supposed to be the year for the Grizzlies. A returning junior PG. A returning senior SG in Kangas. And a returning, all-world senior in forward Derick Nelson. However, a season-ending injury has derailed the latter, leading many OU fans to adopt the old Chicago Cubs mantra of, "Wait 'til next year."

On the surface, next year looks better than this year. We'll return Jonathan Jones as a senior PG, two of our freshman will have a year's worth of experience and Derick Nelson will be fully healed. In addition, Jay Thames, a redshirt freshman, will be in the lineup as will two highly touted incoming players, transfer Larry Wright and Drew Valentine.

But I see a few issues with next year's roster. Specifically, I think Kampe needed Nelson to finish his eligibility this year to ensure the success of next year's team.

One Size Fits All
Nelson is a 6'5" forward who has the capability to be the best player on the court every night -- and he usually is. Therefore, it's hard to argue with his return being a negative. But take a look at the players returning and debuting next year:

Guards
Jones 5'11"
Samuels 6'0"
Cushingberry 6'4"
Wright 6'2"
Kast 6'2"

Forwards
Nelson 6'5"
Valentine 6'5"
Maynard 6'7" (I know, a G/F)
Thames 6'9"
Hudson 6'9"

Centers
Benson 6'11"
Milutinovic 7'0"


Obviously, I bolded the forwards because we have 5 very good players who could play major minutes. If Nelson takes 38 of those minutes per game, that leaves 42 minutes (if playing 2G, 2F and a C every game) for 4 other players. Based on his play thus far, Maynard should get major minutes. Hudson has proven to be very solid. And Thames is, according to the moles at practice, a force who'll be an impact player right away. PLUS Valentine.

Then to the guards. Larry Wright will slide into the starting lineup alongside Jones, relegating sophomore Cushingberry to the bench with Samuels.

Your Starting Lineup
So, let's break this down:

Starters
Jones
Wright
Benson
Nelson
Maynard

Reserves playing major minutes
Samuels
Cushingberry
Hudson
Thames
Milutinovic
Valentine (if not redshirted)

That's 11 deep. Nine small to mid guys and two bigs. Three+ guys who love to have the ball in their hands. Still no interior defense. And unless Wright can replace those big Kangas 3s, then we have a lack of a pure shooter as well.

The Point
It's easy to ask the question, "yeah, but where would we be WITHOUT Nelson next year. Still no outside shot, still no interior D." True. But we have to think beyond next year....we have to think of the development and playing time of the guys behind Nelson. I think his return will create problems both on and off the court (see: Pistons, Iverson), and hamper the short-term development of the program.