Starting lineup
PG – James Akinjo
The reigning Big East rookie of the year was dynamite as a freshman, leading the conference with 5.2 assists per game while also ranking second on the team with 13.4 points per game. Lack of efficiency and turnovers kept Akinjo from making an even bigger impact, but those were mistakes you’d expect a freshman – especially an aggressive one – to make. You can read my full breakdown on Akinjo and why I think he’ll be one of the country’s breakout stars here.
SG – Mac McClung
McClung was a YouTube sensation in high school because of his leaping ability, yet the former three-star prospect proved his worth rather quickly for the Hoyas, becoming one of their more important offensive players. He averaged 13.1 points per game, good for third on the team.
Like Akinjo, questions about McClung stem from efficiency. He shot just 39.2 percent from the field a year ago, including a measly 27.7 percent from three. And, at 6-2, he’s extremely small or an off guard, even though he is bigger than the 6-foot Akinjo.
Offense will not be a problem for this backcourt duo. Defense is where that lack of size may hurt them as it did last year when they ranked 133rd in adjusted defensive efficiency. Another year of playing together in Ewing’s system should help in that regard but, even if they remain below average, McClung is one of the most exciting offensive players to watch in the Big East.
SF – Jamorko Pickett
The versatile 6-8, 205-pound Pickett is a lanky athletic wing who gives the Hoyas a bit of everything. He started 23 games last season, providing energy on the glass and on the defensive end. That is where he’ll be asked to make an impact again. Pickett is an inconsistent offensive player, but the Hoyas have plenty of guys who can score (namely the two listed previously in the backcourt). If he can become a true lockdown defender – which he has the potential to be – the Hoyas have a ton of potential.
PF – Josh LeBlanc
Another Big East All-Freshman selection last year, LeBlanc is an undersized four man who proved to be a beast on the boards. At 6-7 and 230 pounds, he finished second on the team with 7.3 rebounds per game while chipping in over nine points and one block per game. Expect him to play a similar secondary offensive role while being this team’s glue guy inside.
C – Omer Yurtseven
Yurtseven is a bit of a wild card. During his two seasons at NC State, he was high on the radar of NBA teams but only showed flashes of being an NBA-level talent on the court. He is extremely skilled around the basket and has range extending out to the three-point line, both of which helped him average 13.5 points and 6.7 rebounds in 2017-18, but was often bullied by other opposing big men who could somewhat match his size (7-foot, 275 lbs). His lack of foot speed also limited him defensively.
The Turkish native practiced with the Hoyas all of last season and has now had a full year and half of tutelage under Ewing, which should help his progression and impact. He enters the season as one of their best players and will be relied on to handle the load Govan carried for the past two years. Expect him to be one of major focal points of the offense.