Ponds

I expect an average of 9-11ppg

I won't even attempt to predict his average but I like him as much or more than I liked Harrison as a scorer and that was pretty over the top.

Remember, Mussini scored 10.7 ppg...

He had the ball in his hands at end of games and hit a lot of foul shots.

If he doesn't start, it really will be only a formality.  He likely won't start at first.  Start the guys who did the grind last season.  Get Ponds with a taste off the bench.  It's better for his transition.  He will earn his starting spot I expect before Big East play.  Very talented kid and will be quite a tandem with Lovett because of both of their speed and scoring ability.    It's a beautiful thing that we also have Ellison and Mussini as well. Last season it's all we had.  Now we can double up, and with a huge guard in Ellison and good shooter in Mussini.

I'm liking Lovett and Ellison to start in November, no need to start Ponds right away.
Let the kid ease into the college game.

I think if he does start, it would be mid December. If Mullin thinks the kid is ready, he'll give Ponds a few weeks starting before B.E. play.
If Mussini or Ellison is tearing it up, then Ponds will be the sixth man, he'll be a great first option off the bench.

Let them earn it in the season. You a new guy and then have to have to change up early in the season and you have 2 PO ed kids.  Those young fellows waited a long time for this; they can wait a little bit more, and, with time, perhaps earn the job.  You will have 2 players that are better than on day one going forward. Our guys from last year should get the starts until they prove they can't handle  themselves. Athletes understand that.