This is gonna be long. This team is "broken" in many ways. There are too many factors, many have been noted. This young season has had its problems. Injuries, Lucca, defection, bad losses, etc.
Injuries to key players can break a team. If you've ever played on a competitive, organized team (HS, College, etc.); when a star player(s) or team leaders go down, it affects the team. Confidence, doubt, and environment changes - usually not positive.
Granted, I'm not in the gym and can only guess:
Jiri - experienced, veteran. Early injury slowed him and may be limiting his production. However, he's just not good. Mac improved his post play dramatically, but he's still terrible. He's been fighting himself to decide between post or perimeter player. He's neither right now, and it doesn't help the team. If he can convince himself to be an inside force, that could help.
Lucca - could be a huge difference, but nobody really knows. The turmoil surrounding him HAS to be a burden on everyone. If he's as good as it sounds he should be, his suspension could be a deflating blow to the entire team. Look at everyone on this board - we all feel for the guy. Imagine being his teammate. Even if he was playing, the effects of others' injuries may offset his presence.
Wes - We all know that at 100%, he could be a huge difference. Everyone knows he was the star player, and his injury is, IMO, the main catalyst behind this 'broken' team. He should not be on the floor, unfortunately. His abilities aren't there. His practice time probably lacks, which doesn't improve team chemistry. Seek the medical redshirt. At least the question mark will be gone.
Rashon - Love him. Team leader. He's what you want in a player. Good skills, athletic - just not enough skills to make a real difference. He could thrive if the team was healthy and as productive as they could be. But he can't overcome everything by himself.
BP - I was at the OSU game last week. He's not very good. I do give him credit - he appears to know 'what' to do. I think he "gets it". That's the #1 reason he's starting. He just can't perform at the level he needs to.
DG - Skills, athleticism are there. Gets a little too 'pretty' with the ball. Not finishing. DG's skills with BP's brain? Look out! He'll get there. May be a season away, but I think he'll get it.
Brack - Doing everything he can at this stage. He'll be a stud. Needs supporting cast to perform. Backcourt is killing him. With no backcourt threat to drive or shoot, CB can't reach his potential. A healthy Wes and Lucca on the court? That would make a difference.
SH - Hustle. Good defender. Knows the game. Much like BP, has the mind but not the ability. Poor kid can't get a shot to drop. That's gotta be SO far in his head.
AT - Just don't know. Not what he should be. Made a mysterious "appearance" at OSU. If he could play at even 1/2 of what he did in that game, he's be a great help. I see more of the same from AT. An occasional good game, but not consistent.
Booz - Not enough PT to know. Unless his defense is pitiful, get him some PT.
CJ - Love the hustle, but not tall/versatile enough to be a PF/C and not quick/agile enough to be anything else.
Rest of team - not ready yet or not D1 material.
If not for the early/lingering injuries and Lucca fiasco, I think this team would be SO much better. Happier, more confident, more comfortable, etc. The situations have broken this team. Can it be repaired? Maybe. But some damn good medicine is needed in a hurry. I hope to see steady improvement, but WJ's foot and possible Med RS may be the next big step. Lucca's reinstatement could also help.
