This is the second in a series of four posts on the Griz men’s basketball team, discussing the past season and a look ahead to next season. The four post shall be as followed, Part 1 Season Wrap up, Part 2 Look ahead: Big Men, Part 3 Look Ahead: Wing players and Part 4 Look Ahead: Recruits.

Taking a look at the Big Men

The Griz will need to replace both of their starting big men in Jordan Hasquet, and Kyle Sharpe off of their 2008-09 team. Hasquet and Sharp accounted for 18 points and 11 rebounds this past year, which are not an insurmountable numbers. It is clear that part time starter 6-11 Brian Qvale is going to have to step up his game and be the man the man in the middle. In his first two years Qvale has been rather inconsistent, but I think he is ready to be a leader, and will give the Griz one of the better centers in the league next year. The power forward spot though is wide open, but is 7-0 Derek Selvig’s for the taking. I don’t think there is a big man in the league with as much natural talent as Selvig, he bring a rare combination of size, skills and athleticism, but the only question is does he want it. The rest of the Griz big men will be a mix of true and redshirt freshman, and that will present a challenge for Tinkle. Of them I have always thought redshirt freshman Mathias Ward is going to be star in the Big Sky, but the big question is; will he be ready yet? Ward is biggest asset is his offensive game, but is weaker on the defensive end, and that could open the door for true freshman Eric Hutchison, who has the potential to be a very good defense player for the Griz. The 6-9 Hutchison could also see some time at center as back up to Qvale. Other player who could be a factor as combo forwards, Nyandigisi Moikobu who I think will be a defensive stalwart at the power forward, and Thurmond Woods. Woods also has that star potential, but will have to make some big adjustment to compete at the D-1 level. There will be a lot of questions about the front line next September, but a lot of player capable of making an impact. Like I said it before it will come down to who wants it more.