Let's talk about the seniors (sans Laurent)
So much ridiculous whining about all 3 of them since the beginning of this season. Let's get into the topic ITT.
First off, all 3 of them have been here for 4 years and have been through a hell of a lot during that time. Two coaching changes. A lot of losses. The death of a teammate. Multiple teammate suspensions, defections, and dismissals from the team. No NCAA tournament games.
Throughout all of this, all 3 guys have been loyal and true. They have set excellent examples for the younger players. They have kept their noses clean.
All 3 have holes in their games, but they also have experience and understanding of where they need to be and when they need to be there (unfortunately, they can't always make it happen). Our two best players are currently Ice and Yor, and none of the 3 seniors are competing with them for minutes.
Lindy was our overall best player last season. It isn't even debatable. Dz proved, last night, that he is capable of carrying the team to a victory. Cam led the team in rebounds last season and was one of the top rebounders in the Big 12.
We have a talented group of freshmen on the roster, but they are going to be inconsistent. They will look great in 1 game and lost/overmatched in the next one. They are still learning the offense and defense, and still developing chemistry with their teammates.
Those of you calling for the 3 seniors to ride the bench are going to be disappointed. They have earned their minutes, and despite certain weaknesses, they are still going to give us the best chance to win games.
I have posted before, that MB is going to earn his money this season. Finding the right combinations/chemistry, between players, is going to be a challenge. Making the right calls on who to bench, when, is going to lead to a lot of second guessing by wannabe coaches on their couches. He's got a group of seniors who have proven themselves and know what he wants from them. He has a group of freshmen with bright futures, but who still have a lot to learn. I expect him to lean on the guys who have been through the wars for now. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out as the season progresses.
But, just remember that MB is still trying to figure out the best recipe for success, and working on determining which buttons he will be pushing as the post season is approaching. It is way too soon to be concerned about player X getting too many minutes, or continuing to play when he seems to be having a subpar game.
So much ridiculous whining about all 3 of them since the beginning of this season. Let's get into the topic ITT.
First off, all 3 of them have been here for 4 years and have been through a hell of a lot during that time. Two coaching changes. A lot of losses. The death of a teammate. Multiple teammate suspensions, defections, and dismissals from the team. No NCAA tournament games.
Throughout all of this, all 3 guys have been loyal and true. They have set excellent examples for the younger players. They have kept their noses clean.
All 3 have holes in their games, but they also have experience and understanding of where they need to be and when they need to be there (unfortunately, they can't always make it happen). Our two best players are currently Ice and Yor, and none of the 3 seniors are competing with them for minutes.
Lindy was our overall best player last season. It isn't even debatable. Dz proved, last night, that he is capable of carrying the team to a victory. Cam led the team in rebounds last season and was one of the top rebounders in the Big 12.
We have a talented group of freshmen on the roster, but they are going to be inconsistent. They will look great in 1 game and lost/overmatched in the next one. They are still learning the offense and defense, and still developing chemistry with their teammates.
Those of you calling for the 3 seniors to ride the bench are going to be disappointed. They have earned their minutes, and despite certain weaknesses, they are still going to give us the best chance to win games.
I have posted before, that MB is going to earn his money this season. Finding the right combinations/chemistry, between players, is going to be a challenge. Making the right calls on who to bench, when, is going to lead to a lot of second guessing by wannabe coaches on their couches. He's got a group of seniors who have proven themselves and know what he wants from them. He has a group of freshmen with bright futures, but who still have a lot to learn. I expect him to lean on the guys who have been through the wars for now. It will be interesting to see how it shakes out as the season progresses.
But, just remember that MB is still trying to figure out the best recipe for success, and working on determining which buttons he will be pushing as the post season is approaching. It is way too soon to be concerned about player X getting too many minutes, or continuing to play when he seems to be having a subpar game.
