Driving to Philly for Kent State at Temple

7 a.m. … I’m taking a little break for breakfast during my drive to Philadelphia for Monday’s men’s basketball game at Temple. From there, I’ll be heading to New York City for a day and a half before making my way across the river for Wednesday’s game at Seton Hall.

Watching Friday’s season opener against Ohio Northern I was struck by the depth of this team. There are 12 players who are or need to be in the rotation. That creates the big question … are there enough minutes available for so many players.

The 12th player added to that list was true freshman Marquiez Lawrence, who looked good in 14 minutes of a somewhat surprising debut in the Ohio Northern win. Lawrence was 3-for-5 from the field for six points and pulled down five rebounds. 

Lawrence is an energy guy, and that’s the reason Kent State decided not to redshirt the 6-foot-8 forward, who will remind some Golden Flashes fans of Haminn Quaintance. He even looked like Q prior to changing his hairstyle before the opener. 

I always think back, though, to Mike Scott, who had essentially a wasted freshman season when he probably should have redshirted. Scott would have made a big difference in 2008-09 as a fifth-year senior. In year one, Kent State didn’t know how Scott fit in. He started out as a two guard who the Flashes thought would be a long-range shooting threat. Two years later, he was a starting power forward.

So, Lawrence needs to play now that he will not redshirt. That minds carving out some minutes for him at the four, where senior Darren Goodson is going to get the bulk of the minutes and sophomore Chris Ortiz also needs time an ankle injury led to an essentially wasted first year.

I keep wondering also if we’ll see senior Mark Henniger play some minutes at the four this year. I liked the few occasions when Henniger played next to Melvin Tabb last season. Right now there are three guys at the five for Kent State in Henniger, Tabb and sophomore Khaliq Spicer. All three of those players are going to need minutes. If Tabb emerges like most junior-college transfers do in Kent in year two, he’ll need to play. Kent State doesn’t have anyone on the roster with his size. Spicer needs to play to continue his development as the future at the center position for Kent State.

Playing time in the backcourt is also going to be a puzzle for Rob Senderoff to solve. It’s a good puzzle, though. Kris Brewer and Kellon Thomas both need time at the point. Derek Jackson and K.K. Simmons both need time at the two. It’s the same on the wing with Dev Manley and Devin Carter. That’s six guys who need minutes, and I’d still like to see Kent State start the development of Tyler Scott. 

It’s a good bet that the rotations will change several times by the time we get into the Mid-American Conference season. 

I’ll be back tonight to blog live from courtside at Temple University. I will also be on the air on WHLO 640 AM, so if you post your questions or comments here on on Twitter (@CarducciKSU), we will address them on the air.