barsad said:

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4thGenCal can you say more about your opinion on Larson filling the Aimaq hole next year. You said a while back that he knows what he's doing defensively but needs 15 lbs more to stick with ACC big men. It's not unheard of for a freshman to gain that in the gym (sometimes we forget that these kids aren't fully grown), but do you think he has the commitment to make that happen? And does he have the skills to start scoring and rebounding, contributing to the offense? I've said elsewhere in the Forums that depending only on the portal for a good 5 seems too risky, we need a backup plan.

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Shocky1 comments/observations are correct - Very impressive student athlete! Will be in a financial Mgmt/wealth advisor role post basketball. Gut says Larson will improve and be a solid back up - to expect him to become a starter and or fill the shoes of Daws? No in my opinion. Remember when Love of AZ skied over Him? Larson is smart, gives great effort and can shoot out to 18 ft. But is not blessed with above average- very good athleticism. He is planning this off season on putting in the needed hours, to really train locally and work on his weight and strength deficiency's (which he did not do last summer as he was completing a summer intern job back home and did not arrive on campus till August). Certainly pulling for him as He is a great locker room teammate - super supportive of his teammates and respected by the guys as well. So yes to the commitment and improvement in body type and skills and maturity- but to the level of a starter? Likely no. The reverse situation with ND - athleticism and body/strength very good, but skills are limited and needs to commit completely on and off the court - So bottom line, the staff needs to pick up a solid 5 in the portal.