Breaking Down Next Season's Roster

With 11 players on its roster, Iowa’s 2009-10 might be complete. There certainly could be an addition or two, but the core nucleus is intact. Here’s an early breakdown of next season’s roster. (All star ratings are based on a 5-point scale).

Projected Starting Lineup:

F Matt Gatens, So., 6-5, 215
Overall Rating: ****
Role: *****
Potential: ****
--Gatens is the poster-child of the Iowa program. He should easily be the best player on the team, and now with Jake Kelly gone, he should see an increase in shot opportunities.

C Jarryd Cole, Jr., 6-7, 250
Overall Rating: ***
Role: *****
Potential: ***
--Cole showed some rebounding ability and inside toughness at the end of last season. With being another year removed from his ACL tear, it should be Cole’s time to thrive.

G Anthony Tucker, So., 6-4, 200
Overall Rating: ***
Role: ****
Potential: ***
--After a trying first season in a Hawkeye uniform, Iowa desperately needs a productive Tucker. His 3-point shooting could be key in providing some scoring for an offensively-challenged team.

G Devan Bawinkel, Sr., 6-5, 210
Overall Rating: **
Role: ****
Potential: *
--Bawinkel is simply on Iowa’s roster to put up 3’s. That’s not a bad thing if the guy can make them.

G Cully Payne, Fr., 6-1, 180
Overall Rating: **
Role: ****
Potential: ***
--As the only point guard on the current roster, Payne projects as a starter. He was one of the top players in the state of Illinois. He was a nice late find for Todd Lickliter.

In the Rotation:

F Aaron Fuller, So., 6-6, 210
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ***
--If only Fuller were just a little taller, or a little better ball handler, or a little better shooter. Despite his shortcomings, Fuller could still be a nice piece. His skills are decent across the board.

C Brennan Cougill, Fr., 6-9, 260
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ***
--With the lack of inside depth, Cougill should get a crack to play right away. He’s big and beefy, and has some nice inside moves. He’ll have to get stronger and quicker, though.

G/F Eric May, Fr., 6-5, 220
Overall Rating: **
Role: ***
Potential: ****
--Iowa’s current roster is short on athletic wings. That means May should get some immediate minutes. He’s an underrated recruit who has more athleticism than anyone on the team.

F Devon Archie, So., 6-9, 215
Overall Rating: **
Role: **
Potential: ***
--Archie is a large unknown. His high school coach says he’s a late bloomer with a lot of potential. His size will get him a look at early playing time.

Get Comfortable:

F Andrew Brommer, So., 6-9, 235
Overall Rating: *
Role: **
Potential: **
--Brommer flopped as a freshman. He didn’t play particularly well when he got early minutes. But it was only his first year. He’ll get another chance. Hopefully he’ll improve.

G John Lickliter, Fr., 5-11, 175
Overall Rating: *
Role: *
Potential: *
--Will see action only in scrub time.

*Image from the AP.