What to expect from Sanjay Lumpkin

Height: 6-6
Weight: 220
Position: G/F
Year: RS Sophomore
Star rating: 3
247 Profile

Who is he?

Lumpkin is a lanky yet strong forward who can also play the wing. He played just four games in his first season at Northwestern, 2012-13, and received a redshirt. Last season he took a much more prominent role on the team, starting all but one of the team's 33 games and averaging nearly 30 minutes per contest.

The redshirt sophomore became one of the conference's best pound-for-pound rebounders last season and was vital to Northwestern's defensive scheme. Lumpkin is quick enough to guard many wing players and still has the size and length to man up on most posts. His defensive value makes up for his undeveloped offensive game. Lumpkin averaged just 3.8 points per game in 2013-14. He rarely made open jumpers and didn't show much ability to score off the dribble.

What are his expectations heading into this year?

Northwestern needs Lumpkin on the defensive end again this season. Gavin Skelly and Nathan Taphorn are the only other options at the four spot, so Lumpkin should start on a consistent basis and play 20+ minutes per game. NU's leading rebounder from last season, Drew Crawford, is gone, so Lumpkin will be expected to contribute even more on the boards too.

The biggest question facing Lumpkin is if he can produce on offense. He was a bit of a liability last season. Opponents could double team frequently because Lumpkin wasn't a threat from outside. If he can develop a solid mid-range jump shot, the Northwestern offense will be a lot more lethal. Lumpkin's main expectation though is to hold down the power forward position and be the versatile defender that he was last season.