Tulane Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Green Wave

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Head coach Ron Hunter of the Georgia State Panthers reacts against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: K.J. Lawson #13 of the Kansas Jayhawks gestures during the second half against the Northeastern Huskies in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 21, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

At this point, the Green Wave’s rotation is up in the air

In terms of a rotation, it’s hard to tell at this point, although Hunter has said that Lawson will start and Zhang is likely to have another starting spot. As long as he is healthy Ona Embo should find himself in the starting line up again and I think Thomas likely slides into one of the starting guard spots as well. The final spot could go in a couple of directions, if Hunter wants to go small then Thompson could get the nod, but, depending on his eligibility, Ibrahim Ali could be the man if the Green Wave wants a bigger lineup.

The bench will likely see a bunch of freshmen, it is likely that Russell, Jr. could be one of the first players off the bench if his progression continues on an upward trajectory into early-season practices. Koka is likely to be the primary big man off the bench and Pope has a chance to earn significant frontcourt minutes as a freshman.

Key guard depth will likely come from Walker and if he is deemed eligible by the NCAA, TeShaun Hightower who is a 6’5 guard who played last season at Georgia. By Hunter’s own admission, the transformation of the roster has been remarkable and has everyone associated with the program excited to see how they do.