Head coach Grant McCasland spoke to the media on Friday of last week and he had a lot to say about the roster. This is basically a non-transcript, but I wanted to group the quotes with each player and topic. These are NOT direct quotes. I mentioned this weekend (on Saturday) that Australian guard Ben Henshall withdrew from the NBA Draft and there is the thought that Henshall is one of the guys that McCasland and the staff would add to the roster. I have no idea who the other player might be, but I like surprises. I believe that “versatility” is what McCasland was thinking in constructing the roster.

LuJuan Watts: A versatile player. Limit turnovers and create opportunities, is a playmaker and can shoot. Special skill to score in the paint. In talking to LaJuan, I told him that I feel like everyone knows what their role is.

Tyree Bryan: Older, played JUCO and mid-major. Shot 40%+ from deep and is Big 12 ready. Can get off the ground and make 3’s and is a joy to be around. They both bring experience and versatility.

J.T. Toppin: There’s a lot to perfect with JT Toppin, he ended up being the Big 12 Player of the year, but he didn’t have a great start. There is a ton of room for improvement and he’s a great playmaker and JT as a leader and facilitator can make plays from the perimeter. He’ll have the opportunity to improve from the perimeter and defensively.

Donovan Atwell He’s an awesome teammate and has a heart for his teammates, Christian and JT, but we have great returners on what it takes to win and how to get better.

Luke Bamgboye: Is awesome and his energy, he went up to Chance and he was telling Chance how great he’s going to be.

Nolan Groves: Have a freshman that will play. Nolan is physically ready to go, can make 3’s and finish.

Josiah Mosley: I think Josiah Mosley has a high ceiling and he’s looked great in our workouts early.

Staff Additions: As far as the staff is concerned, have been patient, and have several guys in mind. Have two positions, it is how they compliment each other, and putting it together is important. I do anticipate that happening sooner than later. We have more help than players on the bench, with the transfer portal being a big part of recruiting, it is important that we have a close knit group.

Possible Additions to the Roster: Regarding our roster, we do anticipate in adding one, possibly two, and for different reasons, we still have some work to get done to get it to the finish line, some of it academics and being eligible and the right fit for everyone. We are being crazy selective and if it fits, then great, if not, then we’re not going to do it. We are going to add a ball-handler, but needs to be the right fit.

Thoughts on the Roster: When we finish putting the roster together, a separator is guys who can make 3’s, when playing with Toppin and Anderson, and what separated us was guys last year to make 3’s and the focus was being able to shoot the basketball. We didn’t want guys who were average shooting the ball. If you have size and versatility, that’s a plus. Also add LaJuan and Luke’s ability to block shots.

What I love about our team is depth defensively and get up and get after people with size and athleticism. Last year we stuck with a smaller team and trying to get to the finish line. Have an athletic deep group, Tyree and Donovan are bigger guards that can move, Luke and Josiah, are big and can move. When I look at our roster, we have a lot of athleticism, we got bigger and more physical is key to finishing strong. We gave up difficult shots, but you have to make them miss and you have to rebound. Other thing is making sure we have a good plan for teams to take things away, and not get pigeonholed, the versatility of keeping the ball moving and attacking people at different spots has improved with this team. Can score with different guys, which I think helps.

Coach’s Challenge: The coach’s challenge, want to get it right, but no one likes the delay. I withhold judgment until we get through it. I see the NBA games, I do feel like it is an attempt to get the call right.

On Flagrant 1, gives them the ability to make better decisions.

On the Florida loss: Get to the end of those games, watched the Florida game, your principles have to be good. The switchability and ball-pressure is a big deal.