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As uncertain as things are, this should probably wait until Friday morning but let's be optimistic. Since Northeastern hasn't played yet and had a lot of turnover in their roster it's hard to know what to expect from them. Therefore, I'll ask the question, "What do we expect to see from our guys?"

Here's my projected starting lineup and the roles off the bench:
Tre
DeGray
Weeks
Pierre
Fernandes*
* Slight nod over Garcia due to experience factor

Gasperini to relieve Tre for 8-10 minutes
Walker to relieve DeGray
Dominguez to fill in at the 3 or 4 as needed
Garcia to relieve Fernandes and also play alongside him if we need 2 ballhandlers
Kolton as PG backup when needed
McCrory to fill in at 2 or 3 as needed

Preston's role (I sure hope he returns) will be determined by how well DeGray, Dominguez and McCrory play.

I didn't want to start this thread for fear of jinxing it. Now you'll get the blame

^
Seeing all those 11 play is a reasonable goal, as is looking at certain combinations. Putting the best guys out there has to mean Carl and TJ together, but having at least 1 of them playing at all times means sitting one or the other more than coach might otherwise. Wondering how much the team will rely on Tre vs seeking balance (may be dictated by Northeastern's approach). I have a feeling Kolton will be more important than you might think; just a feeling.

I can't hear "Northeastern" without recalling Sean East flinging one in from the Atlantic Ocean to take the halftime lead last year. I think Northeastern lost more than UMass this season, but with both teams at 0-0 amid covid pauses, who knows.

Damn, this team looks deep. Should be a fun and interesting season. Can't wait

In the Colonial pre-season predictions, Northeastern was picked to finish 7th (out of their 10). Last year they finished 6th at 9-9, 17-16 overall.

NU's Tyson Walker (6'0" 162 G So) was named to the 2020-21 Second Team. Last year in Amherst, he started and played 32 minutes, but went 1-8 for just 2 points, with 4 assists and 3 TOs.

Other Huskies from last year's game:
Bolden Brace dropped 20 on us and snared 12 boards. Gone now, senior.
Tomas Murphy scored 18. Gone now, opted to grad transfer to UVM.
Jordan Roland scored 14. Gone now, senior.
Shaq Walters scored 9, he's back.

The rest of NU's roster: https://nuhuskies.com/sports/mens-baske ... &sort=name

Both teams have yet to play, and were disrupted with a shutdown. Given our returning talent, on paper we should win.

^ One of our board members wasn't happy about all the foreign players yesterday on the URI women's team. Wait until he gets a look at this NU crew.

I would be surprised if both Garcia & Noah aren’t starting Friday. I think TJ comes off the bench as an instant offense guy and great 6th man.

Noah
Garcia
Carl
DeGray
Tre

Not sure it matters who starts.. I think we will see a ton of different combo's out there the next 2 games.

ESPN+ now listing the Friday game.

mlaconte459 wrote: Wed Dec 09, 2020 11:41 pm I would be surprised if both Garcia & Noah aren’t starting Friday. I think TJ comes off the bench as an instant offense guy and great 6th man.

Noah
Garcia
Carl
DeGray
Tre

I will respectfully disagree with this. TJ's one of the 3 best players on the team. But like The Insider said, who starts won't even matter if they are going to toy with that many lineup combo's.

I think a lot kids will play. For the new kids most excited to see what Fernandes, Garcia, and DeGray bring to the table.

I’m just happy to watch basketball with a team I follow again.

UMass are -7.5 point favorites tomorrows game against NE. Over/under is 138.5. I would say that both are fair spreads.

I'll take the over. Should put up a lot of points this year

inthescoop wrote: Thu Dec 10, 2020 4:40 pm UMass are -7.5 point favorites tomorrows game against NE. Over/under is 138.5. I would say that both are fair spreads.

Lines moving already. Seeing it now as UMass -6 and Over/Under is 140.

REALLY looking forward to this game