Are you sure you want to go into the season with the four players you listed as the back ups to Spangler? I'm perfectly comfortable with Lattin. He has already proven to be a big help to Ryan on the boards, plus he will give us another defender with size in the paint.
I thought Bennett would put my mind at ease, too. But, so far he has proven me wrong in my prediction when I said he would be "the most improved returning player on our roster." I may need to get out of the prediction business.
That brings me to Cole and Mankin. Let's assume for the moment that Spangler, Lattin and an "improved" Bennett are permanent fixtures in our rotation, with Cole and Mankin as the back ups. Where will we be if one of the top three post players in our rotation is injured? I think it's a gamble at best to rely on two players who have yet to prove they can play at the D-1 level.
That's why I don't think redshirting McNeace is a good idea, unless Thomas is eligible to play this year. I think we can all agree that Jamuni will benefit from a redshirt season to work on his game and to put a few pounds on his skinny frame. The question is, will that be the best for the team and for what could be a very nice season, even if Thomas can't play?
I say to heck with the redshirt. Throw Jamuni into the fray and let him use his 6' 10" frame and long arms to block and change shots. None of us really know how he will perform at this point. But I have more confidence in what he could "potentially" bring to the floor than anything I have seen with my own eyes from the other two. Besides, playing him now will be good experience that will only make him better next year. JMHO for whatever it's worth. Maybe nothing.
