Sunday, April 12, 2015

The next spot for Mark Tollefsen

So 6-foot-9 Mark Tollefsen is looking for a new program in which to complete his NCAA basketball eligibility. He can do this because of (1) redshirting his initial season (2011-12) and (2) soon graduating with a degree in advertising from USF. Congratulations to him for his athletic and academic achievements.

At just above 31 minutes an outing and at a team-leading 14.0 points per game this season, he shot 53%, 38% and 65% respectively. Add 5.4 rebounds a night.

Tollefsen's a springy leaper, not a banger and good on the catch-and-shoot so who could most use such a skills set? Arizona, San Diego State, UCLA, Washington and California have all been mentioned as next address possibilities.

Rosters continue to be fluid and will be even more so as the signing period soon approaches but here's the current frontcourt situation of each of those teams:

The Wildcats have 6-foot-9 230 transfer Ryan Anderson coming off a redshirt year plus heralded prep newcomer 6-8 190 Ray Smith. Anderson is best in the paint while Smith possesses excellent potential -- but neither are currently plus three-point shooters.

San Diego State will feature 6-foot-10 Malik Pope the most in 2015-16, probably leading scorer (11.1) 6-foot-8 Winston Shepherd (if he doesn't declare), plus 6-foot-7 Zylan Cheatham. Pope will be the Aztec offensive centerpiece both inside and outside while Shepherd is not only inconsistent (not a distance shooter (30%) and only 41% overall. Cheatham will be a redshirt freshman due to sitting out because of a broken foot but he is expected to be in the running for a starting spot at either wing or two guard. Steve Fisher and Company also signed a 6-foot-9, 190 prospect out of Los Angeles back in November but he won't be ready to contribute.

UCLA looks to have the most need for Tollefsen's skills set. There is no current roster member who looks set at the wing or even power forward with the talent to draw opponents out of the paint. Two power players (Kevin Looney and Thomas Walsh) reside on the Bruin roster and Steve Alford has a 6-foot-10 200 prep forward coming in but he will need time.

Washington will certainly he happy to accommodate the addition of Tollefsen but it's a stumbling program at the moment and certainly won't be nationally competitive next season. Lorenzo Romar has 6-foot-8 Marquese Chriss coming in plus a 6-foot-8 prep academy power forward and a 6-7 high school wing. 6-foot-7 Donovan Dorsey, out of the Evergreen State, just finished his freshman Husky season with 89 of his 100 shot attempts being three-pointers.

California would certainly be convenient but does Cuonzo Martin need a frontcourter whose best skill is face-the-basket shooting? Maybe but how many shots will there be to go around? He does need size but more of someone effective in the paint (even besides supposed 'get' Ivan Rabb).

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Consider these factors:

* Who needs Tollefsen's skills set the most?

* Where will Tollefsen have the best chance of competing for a national championship?

* At which location can he match or come close to 31 minutes a game?

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