I've never seen more uncertainty in an offseason before (granted a lot of teams are in this position now, times we live in). Both leave I see us struggling to even make the tournament. Kofi stays, Ayo leaves I see us still as a top 5 B1G team and comfortably a tourney team. Ayo stays, Kofi leaves (most unlikely scenario in my mind) relatively similar, a top 8 seed. Both return and whoa nelly, off to the races we'll be.
Not that long ago, the off-season used to be pretty quiet. Now, there's plenty to talk about and maybe more recruiting than in the fall. Giorgi was very good at center, and he should be better if he's there again. Still, you can't say enough about Kofi:
Physically way ahead of most bigs. Elite size. Still amazes me how he worked on his body before the season started.
Exceptionally good at timing and sensing when drivers would shoot.
No stupid fouls --just incredible how he defended with his body and position --I don't recall seeing a freshman center so disciplined. A lot of guards wouldn't even attempt hi-lo plays over him --seemed to keep his awareness in the paint.
Huge luxury knowing we had Giorgi available to play center whenever needed. Kofi wasn't injured either.
164 FT attempts and made nearly 70%
Rebounding and double-double machine.
Fantastic attitude and team guy.
Coachable player that got noticeably better during the season. I think he'll keep getting better too.
Efficient - 8th in the league in PER as a freshman
Ayo isn't replaceable, but with the guards we have coming in, I feel like we have a chance at have a very good back court. I don't see us having the same identity without Kofi. Maybe we make some of that production up at the 4, but how far back do you have to go for us to have a center as good as him?