Per Jon Rothstein, Michael Gbinije will be the starting point guard for Syracuse this season, which gives us some insight into how the rest of the starting lineup might look.
All off-season, Syracuse Orange basketball fans have been wondering what shape the 2015-2016 starting lineup would eventually take. Would Kaleb Joseph get the start at point guard or would Jim Boeheim prefer grad senior Michael Gbinije back there? Will Dajuan Coleman be in the lineup at all, let alone starting? What of highly-touted freshman Malachi Richardson?
CBSSports' Jon Rothstein was at SU on Tuesday to take a sneak peak at the team and amongst his tidbits on the day, he dropped one piece of news that helped clear up those questions a bit.
Jim Boeheim told @CBSSports that Michael Gbinije will be Syracuse's starting point guard during the 2015-16 season. Fifth-year senior.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Now, the first caveat when it comes to Jim Boeheim and Syracuse basketball is that starting lineups are overrated. Boeheim had a strategy of bringing in starter-quality players as the sixth-man and seventh-man for a few seasons now (just ask Dion Waiters). However, starting Gbinije is not only interesting for what it means with guards (Joseph as sixth-man?) but also how it affects the forwards.
Early prediction on Syracuse's starting five: Michael Gbinije, Trevor Cooney, Malachi Richardson, Tyler Roberson, DaJuan Coleman.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
That sounds about right, although Coleman's name should always come with an asterisk these days. God forbid we have to find out what it looks like if he's hurt.
Again, however, it's important to note that SU is probably going to tinker with lineups and match-ups for a while this season to see what works. Big man depth is scary so freshman Tyler Lydon has been seeing some time at center. If and when Coleman gets into foul trouble, it's going to force SU to rely on smaller lineups in general. Expect to see situations when Joseph, Cooney, Gbinije all on the floor at the same time. During last week's #HopTalk, Coach Hop said the coaches are taking a "whatever it takes to win" approach to lineups and expect to see that play out in November and December.
Rothstein has some more observations on the day as well, including how much we might see Tyler Lydon and Frank Howard. Also, Kaleb Joseph: BloodShooter.
Greetings from the 315. Here for Syracuse practice. Orange look like a middle of the pack ACC team. pic.twitter.com/zkWaIaPd8e
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Amazing what's happened with DaJuan Coleman. Came to Syracuse with Jared Sullinger like expectations. Has barely played past few years.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Jim Boeheim told @CBSSports that DaJuan Coleman is down to about 270 pounds. Was around 300 as a freshman. Rust is very noticeable.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Palpable buzz at Syracuse surrounding freshman Tyler Lydon. Will play 3, 4, and 5. Really skilled. Underrated rebounder. Impact addition.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Jim Boeheim told @CBSSports that Kaleb Joseph has added 16 pounds since the end of last season. Body looks completely different.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
Franklin Howard will likely play spot mins this season, but should be in line for a breakout year as a sophomore. Replaces Cooney/Gbinije.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
We'll see what happens when the lights come on, but Kaleb Jospeh is shooting the blood out of the ball today. Much improved from deep.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
There's no denying Malachi Richardson's talent, but his decision making has to be top notch if he's a starter. Has to VALUE the ball.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) October 13, 2015
