Of All People Fred Should Understand What Booker is Going Through

[MissouriCyclone]

So, we're starting the Booker thread before the game again. Good to see that.

It's a rare sighting around here.

[Wesley]

Booker. Booker. Booker.

We need to get him pumped and ready for the B12 tournament. We have not won a game in years.

[westlbcyclone]

No, to play your best team.

Agreed. I wish people would get that through their heads. I was especially disappointed in Percy last game, but if Book doesn't help the team then he shouldn't play.

[Rabbuk]

I trust Fred.

[Wesley]

Agreed. I wish people would get that through their heads. I was especially disappointed in Percy last game, but if Book doesn't help the team then he shouldn't play.

Here is the problem. GN cannot play a full game and be the center without fouling out. We need him to finish the game. The same can be said for ME. We need someone in the first or second half to play defense at center area for some minutes to help out GN. Since Percy has missed most of his shots lately, it is Booker time to help save GN for the finish. Being a freshman, GN has not learned the art of fouling. Hands straight up is getting him called for fouls by the outstanding and knowledgeable B12 refs. Not.

We need help in the middle.

[Bluffers]

Seems to me, what This young man is "going through" is life. Choices embedded in expectations in the midst of high pressure cultural settings which change quickly can throw us off our game. Nothing is guarenteed in life and we make it what it is by our outlook and attitude. The gift of the education and degree in return for some hard work feels fair. The months of being a bmoc will be a fleeting memory while life moves on. My questions are a bit different. Why do so many athletes get stuck at one point of life and are helpless to move along with the flow, keeping new oppertunities possible and active? What touchstone disciplines can be helpful for our athletes to maintain balance. What can we, even those of us on this board, do to help our athletes (and in a larger sence all of our students) continue growing and being productive? I wish all of our athletes the very best as life, with all the twists and turns, unfolds for them.

[ajk4st8]

People are forgetting Booker has only played one good game this year. I realize Percy has not been good but Booker usually comes in and gets 2 quick aggression fouls.

Which actually seems less harmful than Percy turning it over ...I mean 'taking shots'

[andymhallman]

I think the real story here is that we wouldn't need to rely so much on Gibson or Booker if Niang didn't foul so much to take himself out of the game.

I know we all loved how Booker played against Oklahoma but if you look at his body of work this year it has been pretty bad. When he got playing time in November and December he spent it all committing stupid fouls which promptly got him sent back to the bench. However, in light of Gibson's obvious struggles, especially on defense, I think Booker should remain an option.

[cyclone87]

Obviously, Booker changing his attitude around and playing good post defense would help the team tremendously. However, that is up to Booker and I haven't seen any signs of him coming around. Maybe he does today, we can hope I guess.

[tee1up]

Here is the problem. GN cannot play a full game and be the center without fouling out. We need him to finish the game. The same can be said for ME. We need someone in the first or second half to play defense at center area for some minutes to help out GN. Since Percy has missed most of his shots lately, it is Booker time to help save GN for the finish. Being a freshman, GN has not learned the art of fouling. Hands straight up is getting him called for fouls by the outstanding and knowledgeable B12 refs. Not.

We need help in the middle.

Perfectly said.

[andybernard]

I don't think everyone's problem is Booker NOT getting playing time. The problem is that Gibson IS getting playing time. At least that's my issue. I honestly feel like without Texas's first half run during Gibson's minutes, that game would have gone in a completely different direction from the outset.