New Roster Previews
Basketball Teams Preview New Rosters and Key Matchups for the Upcoming Season
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Key Points
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The Grizzlies’ projected lineup is expected to benefit from the two-way fit between Ty Jerome and Cam Boozer: they can pair in pick-and-rolls, while Boozer can also screen, handle the ball in second-side actions and serve as a short-roll option.
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Memphis’ projected frontcourt of Boozer, Zach Edey and Cedric Coward could give the team a major rebounding advantage, and Edey’s screening is expected to create open looks for the handlers. Edey’s rim protection is also important given the defensive vulnerabilities of Jerome and Boozer.
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Alex Wilkins’ case for a prominent Kentucky role includes averaging 17.8 points and 4.7 assists as a freshman at Furman, as well as scoring 21 points against eventual national champion UConn in the NCAA Tournament.
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Alabama’s three exhibitions are scheduled against Furman on Oct. 8, Ole Miss on Oct. 15 and Auburn on Oct. 22; the Ole Miss and Auburn games will be played in Birmingham.
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Nate Oats said Alabama addressed shortcomings in size, defense and rebounding, including a need for more size on the wing and at the four and five: “We’ve got some interior size at all the spots.”
College and NBA teams are fine-tuning rosters and game plans as preseason play begins. The Memphis Grizzlies are building around a new core with point guard Ty Jerome, forward Cam Boozer, and center Zach Edey, while Kentucky's analytics point to a starting five led by Zoom Diallo and Kam Williams. Yahoo Sports notes that preseason offers teams a crucial window to evaluate player fit and lineup combinations before regular season stakes arrive.
Alabama added nine newcomers to six returning players under coach Nate Oats, who stressed the need for improved size and defense. The Knicks face key questions about which young wings will produce and whether Jalen Brunson has fully recovered from wrist surgery. These preseason matchups will reveal which lineups work and which need adjustment.
Grizzlies Build Two-Guard Depth Around Jerome and Boozer
Memphis' projected starting five pairs Ty Jerome at point guard with Cam Boozer at forward, creating a complementary two-way fit. Substack analysis highlights that Jerome and Boozer can execute pick-and-rolls together, with Boozer screening, handling the ball on secondary actions, and operating as a short-roll threat. This pairing should unlock offensive efficiency for both players.
The frontcourt of Boozer, Zach Edey, and Cedric Coward should give the Grizzlies a rebounding edge. Edey's screening ability creates open looks for guards, while his rim protection addresses the defensive weaknesses of Jerome and Boozer. How coach Tuomas Iisalo deploys these newcomers will determine whether the roster reaches its potential.
Kentucky's Alex Wilkins Eyes Major Rotation Role
The Kentucky Wildcats' projected starting lineup features Zoom Diallo, Kam Williams, Milan Momcilovic, Ousmane N'Diaye, and Malachi Moreno, but Furman transfer Alex Wilkins presents an intriguing scoring option. Wilkins averaged 17.8 points and 4.7 assists as a freshman at Furman. He also scored 21 points against eventual national champion UConn in the NCAA Tournament, showing he can perform in high-pressure games.
Wilkins' scoring résumé and tournament pedigree make his exact role in the rotation a major talking point. Whether he enters the starting five or comes off the bench will shape how the Wildcats attack opponents. His ability to create shots for himself and teammates adds depth to Kentucky's offensive arsenal.
Alabama Emphasizes Size and Defense With Nine Additions
Coach Nate Oats added nine newcomers to Alabama's six returning players, specifically targeting improvements in size, defense, and rebounding. Oats said the team needed more size at the wing, four, and five positions. "We've got some interior size at all the spots," he stated, suggesting Alabama addressed its previous frontcourt limitations.
The Crimson Tide will test these additions in three exhibition games: Furman on October 8, Ole Miss on October 15, and Auburn on October 22. The Ole Miss and Auburn games will be played in Birmingham. These matchups provide early opportunities to evaluate whether the roster improvements translate to stronger defensive performance and rebounding.
Knicks Face Brunson and Wing Questions Before Season Tip
The New York Knicks enter preseason with uncertainty around guard Jalen Brunson's recovery from wrist surgery. His health and performance during these early games will signal whether the Knicks' backcourt is ready for the regular season grind. Brunson's playmaking is central to New York's offensive system.
Another key preseason storyline involves which young wings will emerge as reliable rotation pieces. The Knicks have multiple wing candidates competing for minutes and defensive assignments. The outcome of these internal battles will shape the team's perimeter depth and wing defense heading into the season.
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