Earlier I predicted that Roy Devyn Marble, Aaron White, and Mike Gesell are near sure bets to start. Now I will predict the other top candidates to start for the final 2 spots. Obviously, it matters who finishes a game more than who starts, but it is still fun to speculate as a fan. Gesell will be at the point. However, Marble and White can play numerous positions. Marble could start at the 2 or 3. White could play at either forward position. This gives Iowa a lot of flexibility and options. Here are some top candidates to start:
F-Zach McCabe-6-7/JR
(wcfcourier.com)
The Sioux City Heelan product played last year as a undersized post player. This year, McCabe should be able to move to his more natural power forward position. The key for McCabe was to stay out of foul trouble. Still when McCabe stayed out of foul trouble; he did have some big games for Iowa. He finished with 7.8ppg and 4.6 rpg.
McCabe may not be the most talented player on the basketball court, but few bring as much toughness, effort, and physicality than McCabe brings. Not only does he bring scoring from inside, but also can shoot from the outside. McCabe shot 44.9 % from behind the three point arch.
F-Melsahn Basabe-6-7/JR
(hawkcentral.com)
Basabe had a disappointing season as a sophomore. The former Siena recruit was a surprise player as a freshmen. The New York native started all 31 games as a freshman and averaged 11.0 ppg and 6.7rpg. Many fans were expecting big things for Mel, and may have entered his sophomore year with overhyped expectations. However, I think fans, coaches, and Mel himself were at least expecting improvement between his first and second years. That did not happen as Mel lost his starting position and averaged 8.2 and 4.8. Sometimes Basabe's appeared laid back demeanor would frustrate fans. Melsahn seemed to come out of his slump towards the end of the year and everyone hopes that is a sign of things to come.
From all accounts; Basabe is a great teammate and a leader off the court. With the progression of sophomore Gabe Olaseni and freshman Adam Woodbury at the center position; Basabe should be bound for a very good junior year. Few big men in the Big Ten have Basabe's athletic ability. Basabe also brings shot blocking ability to the team. In my opinion, for Iowa to make the big dance this year, they will need a very good year from Basabe.
F/G-Eric May-6-5/SR
(hawkeyereport.com)
A lot of fans are forgetting about the senior from Dubuque. May will be the only scholarship senior on the roster and will give the team a veteran leader. As a junior, May recorded many career lows in numerous stats as he battled a back injury. Last year he played just 14 minutes a game and often was not seen in the second half. However, May is still a very good athlete and brings a lot of strength to the wing position.
G-Josh Oglesby-6-5/SO
(thegazette.com)
Oglesby will have to replace some of Matt Gatens's outside shooting. He could start at the 2 and slide Marble to the 3. As a freshman Oglesby averaged 6.4 ppg and shot 37.2% from behind the arch. Oglesby was a little to hesitant as a freshman and needs to be more aggressive this year. However, the Cedar Rapids native has proved that he can play in the Big Ten and should get only better. I would like a backcourt of Gesell, Oglesby, and Marble in together.
C-Adam Woodbury-7-1/FR
(hawkcentral.com)
Woodbury was a huge get for Iowa. Choosing Iowa over North Carolina was huge for the Hawkeyes and the program's turnaround. Iowa fans are rightfully so excited for the 4 star big man. But, it is usually a tougher transition to the college game for big men. The lefty is known for running well up and down the court and playing defense so he should start eventually.
C-Gabe Olaseni-6-10/SO
(hawkcentral.com)
Iowa coaches really wanted to redshirt the product from England last year, but could not due to lack of depth and injuries to the post position. Gabe averaged 5 minutes as a freshman and often looked very out of place. However, he did show more potential as the season went on and reportedly looked much more improved during the Prime Time League. Olaseni is a nice defender and I would not be surprised if he is Iowa's starting center on November 9th against Texas-Pan American. Starter or not, Olaseni will be counted on being a key contributor next year.
My Predictions of the Starting Five Against Texas Pan-American:
PG-Mike Gesell
SG-Roy Devyn Marble
SF-Aaron White
PF-Zach McCabe
C-Gabe Olaseni
My Predictions of the Starting Five When the Big Ten Season Starts:
PG-Mike Gesell
SG-Roy Devyn Marble
SF-Aaron White
PF-Melsahn Basabe
C-Adam Woodbury
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