Is a frontline of Ejim, Niang and Clyburn a real possibility?

**Mesaclone1** · 07-01-2012, 02:22 PM

I realize matchup situations will preclude that lineup at times...and that Gibson has great potential and Booker provides solid minutes as well...but perhaps this will be our standard starting five by mid-season. I hate to overhype Niang but it does appear he has some pretty solid inside scoring and rebounding skills...Ejim is a workhorse on the board and Clyburn has shown he has some excellent inside/outside skills. In other words, all three can shoot a bit, rebound a bit, defend fairly well and handle the ball. That makes for a very dangerous front line offensively...though potentially could be less effective defensively. Throw in Babb and Lucious and it makes for a very dynamic starting five.

This still leaves a lot of options off the bench and its pretty easy to "go big" by bringing in Booker and Gibson together....luckily Fred seems to be the master of creating good matchups.

Anyway, just wondered if anyone else thought this lineup might become prevalent as the season goes along...I DO expect Gibson or Booker to start in the middle for the first few games...but I also think things may evolve towards a Clyburn/Niang/Ejim front 3. Thoughts?

**WhatchaGonnaDo** · 07-01-2012, 02:31 PM

It's an intriguing lineup, but I don't see it happening that often. That's playing pretty small, and Niang will be young. I expect him to be in the teens as far as minutes go, at most.

**Clonefan32** · 07-01-2012, 02:35 PM

That's awful small. I know Fred likes to play some unique lineups but I can't see this lineup being more than a situational thing based on match ups or foul trouble.

**IHavNoCyCash** · 07-01-2012, 02:36 PM

no. 2013 though Ejim, Niang, and Gibson should be one of the top front courts in the conference.

**CloneState1028** · 07-01-2012, 02:37 PM

Replace Niang with Gibson/Booker and you should be set. I would imagine that Niang would be fighting for Ejim's minutes and Gibson/Booker will share the 40 at the 5.

**NATEizKING** · 07-01-2012, 02:41 PM

I think Booker will start. Gibson's defense is lacking and Niang is young and small. we really need to recruit some height. A Juco big is a must.

**Cyclonepride** · 07-01-2012, 02:42 PM

I think our lineups will be fluid based on match ups, just like last year. Freddie isn't afraid to play a player 30 in one game and 5 in the next if that's what the situation demands.

**WhatchaGonnaDo** · 07-01-2012, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by NATEizKING

I think Booker will start. Gibson's defense is lacking and Niang is young and small. we really need to recruit some height. A Juco big is a must.

Pretty much a tossup between Percy and Booker as far as starting goes. It's hard to tell at this point. I do think Booker will start at the beginning of the year at least

**heitclone** · 07-01-2012, 03:13 PM

we went really small at times last year, i wouldn't be shocked to see it this year as well. I think Booker or Percy will be the starter but Booker has shown a tendency to get in foul trouble, so IMO this front line will be on the floor plenty, and will be our most effective offensive lineup, as it gives us lots of versatility up front.

**LostinIowaCity** · 07-01-2012, 03:14 PM

I don't see Niang starting this year, but will get quite a few minutes. That's not a knock on him because I think he's an incredible talent. A year of strength and conditioning will put him in good shape to start the next three years. I can see him going down as a Cyclone favorite when everything's said and done.

At the end of the day, I think we'll need the size of Gibson or Booker in there at all times. Gibson made a ton of progress in his freshman year and I wouldn't be surprised if he's starting on day one. I imagine his defense will improve significantly and his offensive game was solid for a freshman big.