Hornets Present Their Rookies
The Hornets will have three new players on the team next season, and that's without counting those who sign in free agency.
We decided to take a better look at Simisola Shittu, Kerwin Roach and Wenyen Gabriel, all of whom will wear teal and purple next year.
Simisola Shittu II C II 19 II 6'10" II 240 II Vanderbilt (#26)
Starting off is Simisola Shittu out of Vanderbilt with the #26 overall pick.
Shittu enters CSL as one of the best ball handlers among the centers. He can get up and down the floor in no time, leaving all other big men behind. But it's not only ball handling that Simi brings to the table. He was one of the best rebounders in college last year and that part of his game should translate to the CSL as well. Last but not least, he's a talented post scorer and there's no doubt the Hornets will try to use that to their advantage.
With Wood, Poltl and Delgado already under contract, Simi will have plenty of time to adjust and develop before he starts seeing regular game time. Still, if called up, he can come onto the floor and contribute off the bench right away.
Kerwin Roach II PG II 23 II 6'4" II Texas (#37)
In the second round, Charlotte had three picks and they used the first one (37th) on Kerwin Roach from Texas.
Roach is a scorer who was unstoppable in college and will get a chance to do the same here in the CSL. Best known for ball handling and his driving ability, Kerwin will look to earn his place on the Hornets bench and score both from the game and the free throw line when Young and Dunn aren't around. While coaches in Charlotte are quite confident in his scoring ability, it might take him some time to figure out where exactly he should be taking his shots from. With another combo guard in Wright joining in free agency, Roach will have to work hard to crack the rotation. If everything works out well, he could become the successor of one of Wright/Petteway in the current Hornets team.
Wenyen Gabriel II PF II 21 II 6'9" II 205 II Kentucky (#40)
While pick #44 was traded to the Clippers, the Hornets used pick #40 to select Wenyen Gabriel from Kentucky.
Gabriel, originally from Sudan, showed that he's quite a unique player during his years in college. He's a stretch four who's entering CSL at the right time as we'll witness numerous rule changes next year, some of which could help him flourish and earn a spot on the team for years to come. The staff in Charlotte expects him to adjust quickly and earn some playing time next season backing up Barnes. With perimeter-oriented players like Young and Bridges on the team, Wenyen's skill-set should help the Hornets polish their identity and score even more from the three-point line.
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