That’s a top 10 base there and TJ would be able to fill in with freshmen or transfere
I wouldn't say a top 10 base. We will 100% miss Jefferson more than people think and miss Heise way, way more than people think. His ability to always be in the right spot defensively, rebound, both post players and guards really well is not something any other returner can fully cover today.
Being in the right spot defensively 99% of the time versus 90% of the time is a MASSIVE difference for our defense. Having Heise as a plug and play 99% of the time is huge.
Its also exactly what Robert Jones was so underrated. Go look at Kenpom defensive ratings in TJs 5 seasons.
2022: 88.5 - Both Jones (exceptional) and Conditt (great) were great at being in the right spot at the right time
2023: 91.0 - Still had Jones (exceptional) but Osunniyi was not as good at that positioning. Shot blocking skills helped a ton, but honestly, thats less important with TJ's defensive scheme.
2024: 87.5 - Still had Jones (exceptional) and Ward (great), plus Ward was a great shot blocker.
2025: 93.2 - Neither Jackson, nor Chatfield were good at being in the right place at the right time defensively.
2026: 91.3 - Buchanan is great, but not quite to Robert Jones level. Pleta is good, but not to the level of Conditt or Ward yet.
Ranking TJ C's on the ability to be in the right place at the right time consistantly, its pretty clear:
1. Robert Jones
2. Blake Buchanan
3. Hasan Ward
4. George Conditt (may have risen to higher level with another year under TJ
5. Dom Pleta
6. Osun Osunniyi
7. Brandtdon Chatfield
8. Dishon Jackson
Shot Blocker/Mistake Eraser (less important because TJ defenses don't make a lot of mistakes to erase)
1. Ward
2. Osunniyi
3. Buchanan
4. Conditt
5. Everyone else (neglible value)
Next year is exciting. Blake may move to the exceptional category and Pleta likely moves ahead of Conditt and Ward.