I don't think it really matters. Lets say that M'Baye can't adequately defend the 3 for an entire game but can get by for a few minutes a game. If that is the case OU may essentially have 6 starters. M'Baye gets 10 minutes to rest Fitz, 10 minutes to rest Osby, and 10 minutes to rest Cam. All four guys play 30 minutes a game. Obviously it won't work out perfect like that but the point is if M'Baye can play a few minutes at the 3, he can play around 30 minutes a game even if he doesn't start. Osby has defended quick guys on the perimeter this year so even if M'Baye cannot possibly do it, Osby can. When OU goes to its bench for a big guy they are going to get production next year. That doesn't exist this year.
The only thing we don't know is whehter Hield and/or Hornbeak will be able to contribute at an effective level but I think they will. History suggest they will. Tim Heskett, AJ, Hollis Price, Lawrence McKensie, Tony Crocker, Cam Clark, David Godbold, WW, TMG, Drew Lavendar, DeAngelo Alexander and several others all did as freshman. About the only guys (backcourt players) that didn't over the last several years were Tony Neysmith, Ray Willis and Blake Johnston. In Blake's defense he had QUannas and Hollis in front of him playing big minutes. I am confident one of the two will be able to make a noticeable ocntribution. I hope both do but OU is going to be so deep next year there might not be enough minutes for both guys to make a significant contribution.
One other thing I will say about next year is that I truly believe and expect that both Osby and Grooms will be significantly improved. Virtually all transfers that have played like these two guys have shown noticeable improvement from their junior to senior seasons. I would note it will be difficult for Osby to signfiicantly improve due to the fact he is playing so well but I am confident he will be improved. I think Grooms will significantly improve.
I really think we will see Grooms shoot a little more as a senior and make a higher percentage of those shots. At this point in the season he is shooting at .333 and averaging 6.5 per game. I look for him to average about 8.5 a game,shoot at .400 or above, play better defense and make better decisions on offense (he has made good decisions this year but I think it will be better).
Everything is in place for OU to have a really good season next year. M'Baye and minor improvements for the top 7 guys this year alone is a good team. I am positive that Hield, Hornbeak and Henry will be better than Honore and Washington.
I have said it numerous times but very few teams have a backup pg like Carl Blair. Some might have a young guy that is more talented but they generally won't have a guy with his experience. This kid has played a lot of college basketball, including two seasons as a starting pg. He is going to help OU next season even if his only job is to rest Grooms for about 7 minutes a game.
