A couple of points:
First, a "gap" does not necessarily mean "starter" IMO. We are losing Thorne and Mav at C, we do need at least one more big, there are good minutes, and we do have at least 2 scholarships left (2 even assumes assumes no additional player leaves for any reason).
Second, there is an argument people often make that "it is very hard to find a quality HS recruit because of player A or B... let's find a quality 5th year player." If you have a problem selling to a HS recruit who has 4 years in front of him, why is easier to sell to to a quality 5th year who has just one year ahead of him? IMO, the quality 5th year players would be looking for immediate PT more so than the HS recruit. Or, you are reaching lower in the pool of talent of 5th year players.
First, a "gap" does not necessarily mean "starter" IMO. We are losing Thorne and Mav at C, we do need at least one more big, there are good minutes, and we do have at least 2 scholarships left (2 even assumes assumes no additional player leaves for any reason).
Second, there is an argument people often make that "it is very hard to find a quality HS recruit because of player A or B... let's find a quality 5th year player." If you have a problem selling to a HS recruit who has 4 years in front of him, why is easier to sell to to a quality 5th year who has just one year ahead of him? IMO, the quality 5th year players would be looking for immediate PT more so than the HS recruit. Or, you are reaching lower in the pool of talent of 5th year players.