Vanderbilt Basketball: Who is the Commodores’ most important player in 2017-18?

The Vanderbilt Commodores enter next season with several returning starters, but which one will be the most important to Vandy’s success in 2017-18?

Mental errors cost the Vanderbilt Commodores in the NCAA Tournament, but their 2016-17 campaign was definitely not a bust.

Heading into 2017-18, however, there are several questions surrounding Bryce Drew’s team, and the ability of several key players to improve will make or break Vandy’s NCAA Tournament chances.

So, who is the most important player for Vanderbilt in 2017-18?

While Matthew Fisher-Davis and Riley LaChance both must take steps forward in order for this Commodores’ squad to have success, both have consistently proven themselves over their Vanderbilt careers. The team, Drew, and the fans know what they have in these two players and what they are going to get night in and night out.

However, the departure of Luke Kornet means that there is a huge piece missing on this roster (pun intended), and senior forward Jeff Roberson will have to make up for the rebounding slack.

Roberson averaged just over 10 points and seven rebounds per game last season, but will likely need to average much closer to a double-double for the Commodores to reach their full potential.

Sure, Roberson is not Kornet, they do not play the same exact positions, and they are different in terms of size and skill set, but those who do step in to fill Kornet’s shoes are not proven whereas Roberson is. If there is a learning curve for other players – and there will be – can Drew count on Roberson to pick up the slack?

Next: Ranking top coaching moves of the offseason

I think he can, and I think Drew knows he can. Vanderbilt has some weak spots heading into the 2017-18 season, but I do think this is an NCAA Tournament team – especially if Roberson plays well.