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Sam Cassell Jr. Picks Maryland Over USF And A Brief Roster Breakdown For 2013

By Ken DeCelles
Rocky the Bull. Our 3rd string point guard. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE
Rocky the Bull. Our 3rd string point guard. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

For those hoping we would have four years of the Sam Cassell Dance, you will be a bit disappointed. At the Capitol Classic this weekend, Sam Cassell Jr. recommitted to Maryland over USF. This wasn't that big of a surprise considering his intent to declare with four other Maryland commitments at the same event, but he would have been a solid pickup this late in the recruiting calendar.

Now with Cassell Jr. going elsewhere and Blake Nash transferring, the Bulls still have two scholarships available. One possible option is Florida Atlantic forward Kore White, who visited USF with Cassell Jr. and went to LaSalle this past weekend. White would be able to play immediately as a graduate transfer and would give Coach Heath some experienced depth at either forward spot.

For the purpose of this exercise, let's just assume that Heath is unable to sign anyone else and carries over two scholarships. Next year's roster would look something like this:

PG: Anthony Collins, Musa Abdul-Aleem

SG: Jawanza Poland, Martino Brock, Abdul-Aleem, Shaun Noriega

SF: Victor Rudd, JaVonte Hawkins

PF: Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, Zach LeDay

C: Waverly Austin, Jordan Omogbehin

While the roster is talented, there are some depth concerns at point guard and in the frontcourt. AC will be taking 30-35 minutes a night at the point, but if he gets hurt or Musa isn't 100% from the stress fracture in his foot, we are in big trouble.

While Heath has said that Victor Rudd will play more at the 4 this year, it still leaves us with Toarlyn Fitzpatrick as our only experienced post player coming into next year. Waverly Austin should fit in just fine, but we will be depending on two freshmen in Zach LeDay and Jordan Omogbehin, who is still recovering from knee surgery.

While it'll be hard for Stan will be able to find a point guard that can contribute this late, White would be a solid option as your 3rd or 4th post if he transfers. He won't be a 10-5 type of guy, but Kore will give you 10-15 minutes without being too much of a liability on either end of the court.

We will keep you guys updated with White and any other recruit that pops up this signing period.