2025-26 ROSTER

[3star_recruit]

The bar is incredibly high for freshmen in the portal era.  Either you're good enough to play 10 minutes a game on a roster with established 22-24 year olds or you're being recruited over through the portal. 

Kerr won't be gifted a spot in the rotation for the sake of development.  He will have to earn it.  There's 80 frontcourt minutes that could easily be absorbed by Robbie, Otieno, Anya and Thames without Kerr ever seeing the floor.

[3star_recruit]

nm

[Billikenbooster]

2 hours ago, WUH said:

Interesting. Does he want to keep open the option of picking up a mid-year transfer if one comes available, I wonder...

Ha ha ha!

[Aquinas]

29 minutes ago, 3star_recruit said:

The bar is incredibly high for freshmen in the portal era.  Either you're good enough to play 10 minutes a game on a roster with established 22-24 year olds or you're being recruited over through the portal. 

Kerr won't be gifted a spot in the rotation for the sake of development.  He will have to earn it.  There's 80 frontcourt minutes that could easily be absorbed by Robbie, Otieno, Anya and Thames without Kerr ever seeing the floor.

I agree with your opening statement. 

Kerr however is 6' 11. Otieno and Anya are 6'8" and Thames is 6'6" we get really small with a 6'8" center and Anya has very limited range. 

I think we need another 6'9"+ transfer. Height alone will give Kerr a chance. I'm hoping he has put on some muscle. If our biggest man on the floor is 6'8", I think we are in trouble. 

[WUH]

15 minutes ago, Billikenbooster said:

Ha ha ha!

I mean is there a reason not to offer a scholarship to a guy with one year of eligibility left?

[TheA_Bomb]

10 minutes ago, Aquinas said:

I agree with your opening statement. 

Kerr however is 6' 11. Otieno and Anya are 6'8" and Thames is 6'6" we get really small with a 6'8" center and Anya has very limited range. 

I think we need another 6'9"+ transfer. Height alone will give Kerr a chance. I'm hoping he has put on some muscle. If our biggest man on the floor is 6'8", I think we are in trouble. 

That is a concern SLU was 229th in height last season. VCU was 59th.

[ACE]

14 minutes ago, Aquinas said:

I agree with your opening statement. 

Kerr however is 6' 11. Otieno and Anya are 6'8" and Thames is 6'6" we get really small with a 6'8" center and Anya has very limited range. 

I think we need another 6'9"+ transfer. Height alone will give Kerr a chance. I'm hoping he has put on some muscle. If our biggest man on the floor is 6'8", I think we are in trouble. 

Yep - even with 15 scholarships, you might as well use them all. Injuries happen, players don’t always live up to expectations, sh!t happens. With 3 scholarships might as well try to bring in another big. If he doesn’t work out, you just move on to the next one. This is college basketball in 2025.

BTW, I recall a few posters prior to this season concerned that we had “too much” talent. We saw how that worked out.

Robbie got dinged up last year and his conditioning is not the best, plus he had games with foul trouble. I think we’ll get a better version of him with a few less minutes per game. Create as much competition for playing time as possible.

[wgstl]

59 minutes ago, Aquinas said:

I agree with your opening statement. 

Kerr however is 6' 11. Otieno and Anya are 6'8" and Thames is 6'6" we get really small with a 6'8" center and Anya has very limited range. 

I think we need another 6'9"+ transfer. Height alone will give Kerr a chance. I'm hoping he has put on some muscle. If our biggest man on the floor is 6'8", I think we are in trouble. 

Kerr’s style is exactly what Schertz wants also. This alone gives him some sort of an advantage 

[Taj79]

Schertz' style seems to be centered on a bigman/point guard.  The so-called initiator of the action.  If this is the case, and Avila is in his last year of eligibility, then Kerr would appear to be the replacement in waiting.  I actually though it was going to be Pikaar but that ship sailed.  Here's hoping Kerr is better.

[Aquinas]

1 hour ago, Taj79 said:

Schertz' style seems to be centered on a bigman/point guard.  The so-called initiator of the action.  If this is the case, and Avila is in his last year of eligibility, then Kerr would appear to be the replacement in waiting.  I actually though it was going to be Pikaar but that ship sailed.  Here's hoping Kerr is better.

My recollection of Schertz comments about Pikaar, was more as a 3 and maybe a 4, but that he was a long way from the body mass to defend a 5. 

[3star_recruit]

7 minutes ago, Aquinas said:

My recollection of Schertz comments about Pikaar, was more as a 3 and maybe a 4, but that he was a long way from the body mass to defend a 5. 

Kerr doesn't have the body yet either.  He does have a post game.   Whether his skill is enough to overcome his slight frame this first year is the question.

[HoosierPal]

https://www.stltoday.com/sports/college/slu/article_1d8ecb41-89e0-4932-bdd6-e73d506bbf27.html

Timmermann's article in the PD, similar to what Stu reported earlier today.  Repeats Schertz is looking at 14 scholarships, including Thames.  He lists Green, Jones, Avila and McCottry as players who can handle the ball and bring it up court.

[thetorch]

Kerr will be impactful on this team.  Highly skilled and the most college ready freshman we have coming in.

[ACE]

Schertz has wasted little time. Here is the latest roster now on 4/15 after starting this thread several weeks ago...

 

In his post-game comments Schertz talked about "overhauling" the roster this offseason. More athleticism is what he kept going back to. The current roster is not good and there is a lot of uncertainty with some injured players. A lot of work needs to be done. Next year will be a 15-man roster. Here is how it stands heading into portal season...

1) Avilla

2) Anya - Good defender and rebounder, but limited offensively. Got a lot more playing time than originally planned due to Casey and Thames injuries. Hopefully he goes down to about 15-18 mpg next year. Still a valuable player

3) McCottry - Rough around the edges, but the upside is very exciting. Athletic and versatile. I think Schertz should have given playing time sooner when Thames went down, but he did get valuable experience down the stretch. A key player heading into next season, gotta keep him. With a bigger role, he should really help our defense.

4)  Thames - Who knows. I hope they figure out what the deal is. I feel bad for the kid. I really liked the potential he flashed early in the season. I will feel much better about the roster if he returns and is back at 100%.

5) Dotzler - Another injury question. Not really sure what we have since he didn't really play much. I would like to see him back. (GONE)

6) Casey - You can learn a lot of by listening to Schertz interviews. In the preseason, he would often talk about Thames and Hughes (returning players) - of course he said positive things about all the players, but he talked a lot more about Thames in glowing terms than Hughes.. that's when I figured he wasn't very high on Larry. In the same way, he would often talk about the two new transfer bigs at the same time (Anya and Casey). He was much more positive about Anya. This is a long way of saying, even before the injury, I don't think Casey was going to have a big role. Now with the injury, I'm fine if we free up the scholarship. GONE

5) Warlick - I think he's a good "glue guy" to keep in the system for a while - I think Schertz likes him, although he doesn't have the "athleticism" Schertz has talked about needing on the roster. I hope he stays, but not crushed if he leaves.

6)  Pikaar - I liked the potential he flashed in the William Woods game, but then again it was William Woods. On the season averaged just 1 ppg and 1 rbg. With the lack of depth, there were opportunities for Max to get some PT, and Schertz didn't give it to him. I'm fine seeing what he can do in year two, but Schertz is bringing in two other skinny bigs next year. I think if Schertz believed in his upside, there was an opportunity for more minutes throughout the season, especially with all the injuries on the roster.

9) Brockhoff - I just don't see anyway he's coming back. If he couldn't get playing time on this depleted roster, it's not likely to happen in the future.

6) Hutson - He had a big HS season, he could be a nice scorer off the bench. The kid seems like a winner

7) Laczkowski - Seems like a little shorter Pikaar type player. I never expect tall skinny freshmen to contribute their first year and just hope I'm wrong

8. Kerr - Same expectation for tall, skinny freshmen

9. Otieno

10. Jones

11. Green

12. Brown

13. Dunlap

14. Open

15. Open

I see a minimum of 4 available scholarships and as many as 7. (It turns out there have been 7 scholarships to fill, could we exceed my high end projections?)

One big and a couple of guards seems to make sense - a ballhandling, playing making guard, and a 3-point sniper. - It appears we got a sniper with the latest addition... still two more spots to go, although some have suggested Schertz plans to "save" a scholarship - ugh! I still would like to see a 5 who has one year of college experience as Robbie insurance, but it doesn't appear we are targeting such a player. 

[Bilzz]

Sharma and Dunlap have both been followed by the team's official IG. That's been the tell-tale sign so far this portal season.

[HoosierPal]

Here is Matt Rocchio's shuffling of the roster into Schertz terms.  He didn't include Thames or any freshmen. 

 

[WVBilliken]

11 minutes ago, HoosierPal said:

Here is Matt Rocchio's shuffling of the roster into Schertz terms.  He didn't include Thames or any freshmen. 

 

So missing is Warlick 6'5" wing, Hutson 6'6" wing, Kerr 6'11" trigger, Luke Laczkowski 6'8" hybrid, Thames 6'6" wing

[VeniceMenace]

11 minutes ago, HoosierPal said:

Here is Matt Rocchio's shuffling of the roster into Schertz terms.  He didn't include Thames or any freshmen. 

 

Eyes glaze over...meaningless jargon.

[3star_recruit]

Technically Jones has better stats as a handler (5.6 assists per 100 possessions) than any guard on the roster.

[HoosierPal]

6 minutes ago, 3star_recruit said:

Technically Jones has better stats as a handler (5.6 assists per 100 possessions) than any guard on the roster.

Matt was asked that very question. Here is his response. 
 

 

[cgeldmacher]

The Sharma signing reminds me a lot of Javon Bess.  Both are about the same size.  Both were at bigger programs that would have utilized them more had they stayed.  In 32 GP at his final season at Michigan State Bess had 31 FGs.  Sharma had 30 FGs in 29 GP in his season at Virginia.  Sharma was actually a much better 3PT and FT shooter than Bess in the final big program years.

I'm hoping Sharma does the same stuff for us that Bess did.

[Aquinas]

I count 14 current scholarships. So are we done?

Centers:
Robbie Avila 6’10” 240 Jr, Center, 33.9 Min, 17.3 Pts, 6.9 RB, 3Pt% 35.9, FT% 75
Jax Kerr 6'11' 190, 247 Fr 4 star recruit averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He shot better than 40 percent from the arc (high-school) Jax might be needed as we only have 1 player over 6’8” at this moment.

Power Forwards:
Paul Otieno 6’8” 225, Sr Forward, 31.1 Min, 10.4 Pts, 8.6 RB, 37.5 3Pt%, FT% 81.1 from Quinnipiac
Kalu Anya 6’8” 215, Sr, Forward, 27.9 Min, 6.5 Pts, 7.5 RB, 3Pt% 125, FT% 31.6
Kellen Thames 6’6” 210, Jr, Guard, 16.3 Min, 6.2 Pts, 3.4 RB, 3 Pt% 30, FT% 62 Big Health question. Can also play a small power forward.

Wings:
Amari McCottry 6’6” 215, FR, Guard Wing, 14.5 Min, 4.6 Pts, 3.1 RB, 3pt% 38.5  FT% 58.7. Can play any guard position or small power forward in a pinch.
Dylan Warlick 6’5” 210, So, Small Forward, 10.1 Min, 2.4 Pts, 1.6 RB, 3P% 38.5 FT% 75 
Brady Dunlap 6,7” 180, Jr, Small Forward, 16.5 Min, 5.7 Pts, 2.2 RB, 3Pt% 37.5, FT% 83.3 (10 games) St. Johns (Had significant injuries last season, high ceiling if healthy)

Shooting Guards:
Quentin Jones 6’5” 170, Jr, Guard, 33.6 Min, 13.1 Pts, 4.8 RB, 3 Pt% 35.5, FT% 76.6 from Northern Ill.
Ishan Sharma 6’5” 185, So Guard, 12.8 Min, 3.4 Pts, 1.3 RB, 3 Pt% 33.3, FT% 93.8 Virginia
 

Point Guards Ball Handlers:
Dion Brown 6’3” 180, Sr Guard, 25.6 Min, 7.5 Pts, 3.9 RB, 3 Pt% 35, FT% 75.7 from Boston College.
Trey Green 6’0” 168, Jr, Guard, 13 Min, .5.5 Pts, 1RB, 3 Pt% 33, FT% 96.3 from Xavier . Only played 9 games beginning of last year. Had undefined health issue. Ranked about 70 out of high school. Stats from combined first 2 years. He is a gable with very high ceiling. 

Freshman: All 3 have reputations as outside shooters. Hutson might provide help,
Cameron Hutson 6’6” 190 , 247 3*, 18.9 Pts, 7.2 RB, 45% 3pt
Luke Laczkowski 6’7” 200, 247 3*, 21.5 Pts, 8.5 RB, 2000 points for his high school. Considers himself shooting guard. Nickname Lach. Couldn’t find percentages.

 

[Cowboy]

2 hours ago, Aquinas said:

I count 14 current scholarships. So are we done?

Centers:
Robbie Avila 6’10” 240 Jr, Center, 33.9 Min, 17.3 Pts, 6.9 RB, 3Pt% 35.9, FT% 75
Jax Kerr 6'11' 190, 247 Fr 4 star recruit averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. He shot better than 40 percent from the arc (high-school) Jax might be needed as we only have 1 player over 6’8” at this moment.

Power Forwards:
Paul Otieno 6’8” 225, Sr Forward, 31.1 Min, 10.4 Pts, 8.6 RB, 37.5 3Pt%, FT% 81.1 from Quinnipiac
Kalu Anya 6’8” 215, Sr, Forward, 27.9 Min, 6.5 Pts, 7.5 RB, 3Pt% 125, FT% 31.6
Kellen Thames 6’6” 210, Jr, Guard, 16.3 Min, 6.2 Pts, 3.4 RB, 3 Pt% 30, FT% 62 Big Health question. Can also play a small power forward.

Wings:
Amari McCottry 6’6” 215, FR, Guard Wing, 14.5 Min, 4.6 Pts, 3.1 RB, 3pt% 38.5  FT% 58.7. Can play any guard position or small power forward in a pinch.
Dylan Warlick 6’5” 210, So, Small Forward, 10.1 Min, 2.4 Pts, 1.6 RB, 3P% 38.5 FT% 75 
Brady Dunlap 6,7” 180, Jr, Small Forward, 16.5 Min, 5.7 Pts, 2.2 RB, 3Pt% 37.5, FT% 83.3 (10 games) St. Johns (Had significant injuries last season, high ceiling if healthy)

Shooting Guards:
Quentin Jones 6’5” 170, Jr, Guard, 33.6 Min, 13.1 Pts, 4.8 RB, 3 Pt% 35.5, FT% 76.6 from Northern Ill.
Ishan Sharma 6’5” 185, So Guard, 12.8 Min, 3.4 Pts, 1.3 RB, 3 Pt% 33.3, FT% 93.8 Virginia
 

Point Guards Ball Handlers:
Dion Brown 6’3” 180, Sr Guard, 25.6 Min, 7.5 Pts, 3.9 RB, 3 Pt% 35, FT% 75.7 from Boston College.
Trey Green 6’0” 168, Jr, Guard, 13 Min, .5.5 Pts, 1RB, 3 Pt% 33, FT% 96.3 from Xavier . Only played 9 games beginning of last year. Had undefined health issue. Ranked about 70 out of high school. Stats from combined first 2 years. He is a gable with very high ceiling. 

Freshman: All 3 have reputations as outside shooters. Hutson might provide help,
Cameron Hutson 6’6” 190 , 247 3*, 18.9 Pts, 7.2 RB, 45% 3pt
Luke Laczkowski 6’7” 200, 247 3*, 21.5 Pts, 8.5 RB, 2000 points for his high school. Considers himself shooting guard. Nickname Lach. Couldn’t find percentages.

 

-nicely done! thank you