Where do the minutes come from for Gift to play? Sampson and Sanchez get 30 each, Obekpa another 20, that's all the minutes there are at pf/c.
And before you start subtracting mins from guys, remember that Jakarr is the reigning Big East rookie of the yr, and a pro prospect, he's locked in as a full time starter regardless of how many 3s he's takes. Obekpa led the country in blocks and has enormous upside if his rebounding improves. And, Sanchez is the piece we waited for all last year.
There's a similar story in the backcourt, as much as Hooper might look like a contributor, there aren't any mins left unless coach decides to bench branch or Phil.
Exhibition games are deceiving because coach emptied the benches early. If Harrison, Sampson, and Obekpa play their normal minutes yesterday we would have barely seen hooper and gift.