Who would you prefer to put on the opposing teams best player.  Which defender is better:

DEF:  M2M

Player 1:
ATH:  100
DEF:  81
SB:    3

Player 2:
ATH:  32
DEF:  52
SB:  99

IQ's?

Pretty much equal on IQ. Both in the B range.  

If it is a perimeter player that needs to be guarded I would go with 1.  If it was an interior player I would say 2, but his really low ath does not help him out, but the SB fits more for stopping LP plays.  If it was a SF, like someone who is good both Per and LP, then I would go with player 1, but the speed of your 2 players may make a difference too.

Taking a look at the roster, I don't think you can afford to give up the rebounding of #2.  I'd put player #1 at SF, depending on your opponent.

What is the speed of both players?

Here are some more details.  

I plan to start both players, just not sure what position.  I am debating about putting #1 (Mendenhall) at PF and #2 (Diebold) at C.  But I also should consider #1 at SF like pumphead suggested, then moving Olinger into the lineup at center.    

#1 (Mendenhall)
ATH:  100
SP:   49
RB:   27
DEF:  81
SB:    3
LP:    4
PE:    49

#2 (Diebold)
ATH:  32
SP:   65
RB:    86
DEF:  52
SB:    99
LP:  95
PE:    13

More thoughts?

I don't like Mendenhall @ PF at all, personally.  Not enough LP, not enough SB, not enough REB... ATH can make up for some, but still he's too low in the key PF categories.  He's much more suitable for the SF slot like pumphead advised.

I'd flip Diebold and Olinger based on the defense/matchups and give the majority of the distro to Diebold wherever he's at.

But that's just me.

Good thoughts ryrun.  I am leaning towards that as well.  I just like his incredible athleticism and defense which still has a long way to improve.   Do wish he had a little higher perimeter.  

#1 is a SF, #2 is a PF, without a doubt, and I'd start Olinger at C since you'll need the RB.

You can't start Mendenhall at pf -- I really don't think it's even a consideration.

I'd put mendy at SG before PF.  He should only see time at SF because of your lack of rebounding depth.  Diebold actually has sexy speed that I would think hard at putting at SF if you had more rebounding.  Given your roster I think Mendy would be coming off the bench for me at SF behind howard but I'd be running slowdown and he'd be looking at <15mpg.