UMass Basketball: Depth chart predictions for 2022-23 season

Mar 5, 2021; Richmond, Virginia, USA; Saint Louis Billikens guard Yuri Collins (1) dribbles the ball as Massachusetts Minutemen guard Noah Fernandes (11) defends in the second half of a quarterfinal in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament at Robins Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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Massachusetts Minutemen guard Noah Fernandes Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Point Guard

Predicted Depth Chart

1 – Noah Fernandes

2A – Keon Thompson

2B – Rahsool Diggins (largely because I see him getting some run at the 2 as well)

Barring the unforeseen – Noah Fernandes will be the one to carry the load as far as primary ball-handling duties are concerned. He has long been solid running the Point for the Minutemen, but the manner in which he finished last season (averaging 27.6 points in UMass’ three A10 Tournament games) is particularly encouraging for his prospects as the veteran leader of this team. He also underwent surgery on a lingering wrist injury this offseason, so it’s exciting to speculate on his potential at 100%.

Whenever Fernandes is off the floor, he’ll be spelled by UConn transfer (and former top 100 recruit) Rahsool Diggins as well as under-the-radar Freshman Keon Thompson. They are two very different players, Diggins being a three-level scorer with room to grow on the defensive end and Thompson a hard-nosed defender whose strengths on offense are driving and getting to the line.

Frank Martin may take a matchup-based approach to their usage depending on who has the hot hand or the manner in which the team is getting beat on a certain night. Either way, this is a position of strength for the Minutemen.

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