Where Will Sacramento State Get Bench Production?

 

If you have been reading this blog lately, you know I think that Sacramento State has the potential to have their best team in quite some time. Their starting lineup has a legitimate claim to be one of the top three best lineups in the conference. However, the problem comes when they have to go to their bench... where will they get production?

In the backcourt, their best reserve could be Mikh McKinney, a junior college transfer (with three years of eligibility left). He is a combo guard capable of backing up Dylan Garrity and Jackson Carbajal. Last year, he averaged 14 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. I expect he should get the first chance at being a key performer off the bench.

There are three returning players in the backcourt - Jordan Estrada, Julian Demalleville, and Kendall Groom. Despite all the experience, all of them have been a bit underwhelming in their careers, and it seems like the newcomers will have all the chances they want to carve out a role. Cody Demps could be an interesting guy to watch, as he is extremely versatile at 6'4'', and Katz says he can play three spots. He could be a little raw, but he has the talent. Dreon Bartlett is also on the roster, but he seems like a prime redshirt candidate.

The frontcourt also has a lot of guys that could play, but not a lot of clarity, as three newcomers will likely be competing for most of the run. None of the three posted really impressive stat lines in junior college, but all bring different skill sets. Ryan Okwudibonye is the most traditional of the big men, and can play the three or four. He is not a strong offensive player, with just 4.6 points per game on 44% shooting, but could bring a defensive and rebounding presence.

Joey Quigley is a bit more skilled, and projects as more of a stretch four. He can handle the ball a bit more, and is a solid passer. Jordan Salley has good athleticism, but may struggle to produce consistently. He will be a backup at the four as well.

The Hornets need at least two or three of the newcomers to become consistent producers, and guys they can count on in the second unit. If they do, the Hornets will make the conference tournament. If they can't find that productivity, it could be another year watching the tournament from home.

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A Look At Sacramento State's Recruiting Class

After a last place finish in the Big Sky, Sacramento State is in need of some hope. They hope their four-man recruiting class will provide that.

The best of the bunch appears to be Dylan Garrity, who is also the only freshman recruit the Hornets are bringing in. At 6'2'', he is a solid all-around guard that will likely be asked to play a lot of minutes right away. He averaged at least 17 PPG each of his last three years of high school, including 20.6 PPG his senior year. He also had 3.7 APG, 3.7 RPG, and 1.8 SPG. He is a solid outside shooter (45% from downtown). He was all-state twice in high school, and holds his school record for points and assists. If the program is going to turn around under Brian Katz, Garrity will likely be behind it.

They also signed 3 JUCO guys. One of them is Anthony Costentino, who is 6'7'' and played at Southwestern College in Chila Vista, CA last year. He was named the conference MVP both of his years there, and last year put together a line of 18.7 PPG AND 6.9 RPG. He is dangerous from everywhere on the court, as he shot a respectable 38% from beyond the arc. “Anthony is very versatile player who has perimeter skills and can go inside and post up,” says Brian Katz. “He comes from a basketball family and has grown accustomed to winning at every level he has played.” He figures to be in the mix for playing time at the 3/4.

Another G/F combo is Joe Eberhard, who comes to Sac-Town after playing two years at Irvine Valley JC. Last season he averaged 11.1 PPG and 6.3 RPG. He is a very versatile player, and could see some minutes at a couple of different spots for the Hornets.

The last guy they brought in is combo guard Jordan Estrada, who played at Diablo Valley JC in Concord, CA. He averaged 13.2 PPG to go with 1.8 APG last year. He also showed a propensity to hit the deep ball, making 40% last year. He will be in the rotation for minutes at the guard spots, though he doesn't look to me to be a starter.

What do you think of the class? Who is the best, and what do you expect from them?