Looking ahead...

There are rumblings that Martin and the big money aren't happy. Is Martin on the sidelines next year?

Does Stokes return?

Can Richardson build on a strong tournament performance?

What kind of lineup are we putting on the floor?

What are realistic expectations?

 

Stokes was coy on the subject post game, saying all the right things you would expect at this point.

Around Memphis, the word is that those close to him are saying he is gone.

I believe he is currently projected as a late 2nd rounder

 

Martin is on the sidelines if he wants to be. After how close he was to jumping last year, I can't imagine Stokes is back, even if his draft prospects are iffy. Maybe if they're non-existent, but if there's any hope, he's not going to come back to see how he fares against triple-teams.

The backcourt could actually be intriguing with Thompson, Hubbs, and Richardson. But Moore and Reese will need to help inside, and Davis and the freshman posts will need to grow up quick.

 

I can see it both ways for Stokes.

1) Why go into a loaded class?

2) What does coming back accomplish? Most of the big negatives on him probably do not resolve between this year and next year. Also, as TV mentioned, with some of the players TN loses, its possible he stock drops further bc the team is worse.

 

On Stokes it's hard to say.
He lacks some offensive skills that the league wants out of a PF. On defense he is a liability in the pick and roll.

If he gets good info that he ll be drafted for sure it's hard to tell him to come back.

If he did come back with Richardson, Moore, Thompson and Hubbs they could be decent.

 

In my honestly ignorant opinion, I think he stands a better chance next year. He isn't going first round this year, and the risk of going in the second is greater than the risk of an injury playing college ball next year weighed against maybe cracking the 1st round off a strong season and in a weaker draft.

Just my ignorant opinion.

 

Every time we have a debate like this with a player - it seems like they always end up leaving. Or maybe it only happened with Hopson.. just seems all too familiar.

 

I would think that he could probably obtain injury insurance that would be comparable to what he may make as a late 2nd rd draft pick...

 

Every time I start caring about something UT related, what I want to happen never happens.

So I'll just not care, and if he comes back, cool.

 

Stokes could use a solid year of working on defending the P&R.

I could make an argument for him to stay, but I don't see it.

Wish he would. He'd be the biggest piece for the makings of a decent little team next year.

 

Stokes will leave, measure 6-6, then play in Crimea.

 

If he could be a tight end, he'd make more $$$

 

Hubbs and Co said there are some NFL teams that have inquired as to his football interest

 

Cash money. I hope this is the route he goes. Stay for one more year then go be a monster tight end in the nfl

 

If Stokes came back we would have a formidable 5 to start. Depth is an issue.

 

Cofer, Cornish, Austin, Turman?

 

Who? Who? Who? Who?

 

Pretty sure they each take care of the depth you are talking about

 

They've yet to play a minute. I didn't mean depth as in a warm body.

 

You don't know whether they will be just a warm body or not. Nor do we know if they can play and contribute next year. Gotta hope they do