Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Tulsa, OK (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruitng class as they bow out of the tournament; because there's always next season.
Tulsa's main core of their team this year consisted of mostly seniors, as six of their top seven scorers will all be graduating and moving on. Even though this may be a tough pill to swallow, there is plenty of help on the way. Coach Frank Haith did a very solid job with the 2016 class reeling in a diverse class consisting of five players from four different positions.
First off you've got SF Travis Atson from Notre Dame Prep (MA), Atson will be able to provide immediate offense with his smooth touch from all three levels, and his underrated athleticism. Atson may step into a bigger role than most freshman because of the huge scoring hole that all the seniors will be leaving behind them.
Looking into the frontcourt, the Golden Hurricanes have PF Martins Igbanu out of Marietta, Georgia. Igbanu is a strong bodied four-man at 6'8 and about 230 pounds. Igbanu should be able to help with rebounding on both ends of the floor, and should develop into a strong finisher around the rim once he gets adjusted to the physicality at the next level.
Another fresh frontcourt piece coming in will be C Will Magnay out of Austraila. Magnay is a legit 6'10 with an extremely long wingspan that should allow him to help with interior defense as he averaged over three blocked shots per game in the U20 Austrailan Championship.
Looking into the backcourt, Coach Haith will have two guards in Joe Battle and Lawson Korita that are natural born scorers, and should also be a tremendous help to all the scoring they are losing.
Korita has great size for a shooting guard at 6'5, and can absolutley shoot lights out from beyond the arc. He could develop into a very complete player depending on if he improves his on-ball defense and his strength to allow him to finish through contact more often.
Battle is more of a combo guard that can create more off the dribble and finish through contact a lot better. He can also set up plays for his teammates with ease due to his quickness that allows him to blow by defenders and kick the ball out to the three point line.
Tulsa is very likely take a dip after losing so much senior leadership, but the group they have coming in next year definitely has the potential to lead the program to another apperance in the Big Dance. It could be sooner, rather than later.
Comments:
Be the first to post. Just use the form below.