Boozer's playing time

**every_yard** · 05-27-2008, 03:24 PM

I'm wondering how much playing time people think Boozer will get. I think he's definitely got the work ethic to improve, and if he can play good to great defense he could see his minutes increase significantly from last year.

What do others think?

**cyismydog** · 05-27-2008, 03:25 PM

Booze will never be a great defender. That and ballhandling are what kept him off the floor this year.

**Angie** · 05-27-2008, 03:27 PM

I like Boozer, but I think Cam Lee has a lot more quickness and a lot better on-the-ball defense. I hope he sees more minutes this year.

**cloneu** · 05-27-2008, 03:30 PM

Wasn't Boozer banged up for part of the year and that limited his playing time?

**cybsball20** · 05-27-2008, 03:33 PM

Boozer is probably the strongest guy we have returning now that Cory is gone. He will definately see some time...

**snowcraig2.0** · 05-27-2008, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

Boozer is probably the strongest guy we have returning now that Cory is gone. He will definately see some time...

I agree with this. I think Boozer could develop into a 'power guard' type. He has the frame to get absolutely huge.

He is a good one on one on the ball defender. However, he struggles with the team aspect of the game on both ends of the floor.

**Cloned4Life** · 05-27-2008, 03:41 PM

The guy's got unlimited range. He's got a funky shot but it seemed like he swished about everything he threw up.

As others have mentioned though, it's his ball handling and defense that will determine his playing time. He's very athletic and strong but lacks lateral quickness and seemed to really struggle with the concept of help D.

I hope he works hard and gets some PT because I really want what's left of last year's recruiting class (him, Lucca, Craig, and Diante) to stay together for three more years and accomplish some huge things together.

**mwitt** · 05-27-2008, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Cloned4Life

The guy's got unlimited range. He's got a funky shot but it seemed like he swished about everything he threw up.

He shot 30% from the floor and 28% from the three point line. And when people talk him up, the most common thing discussed is his shot. And while I agree that it is the best part of his game right now, I don't know if that's a compliment to his shot or an indictment to the other facets.

I don't know, but I don't see it at this point. I'm rooting for him and if he earns playing time, then by all means, put him out there. I just feel that he's going to have to make tremendous progress in order for that to happen. It's happened before.

**tim_redd** · 05-27-2008, 03:47 PM

He certainly has a chance to earn more minutes at the 2 with Lucca presumably taking over at the 3 for the departed he who shall not be named.

**Cydkar** · 05-27-2008, 05:16 PM

[quote=Cloned4Life;486115]The guy's got unlimited range. He's got a funky shot but it seemed like he swished about everything he threw up.

I rarely saw him hit a shot. He was only a frosh but when he shot I expected a miss, not a make.

**Ciclone** · 05-27-2008, 05:21 PM

Originally Posted by Cloned4Life

He's got a funky shot but it seemed like he swished about everything he threw up.

Not sure about the swishing part, but he's definitely got a funky shot. I'm still just hoping he's a late, late bloomer.

**Landshark** · 05-27-2008, 05:23 PM

I think he'll get 5-10 minutes or thereabouts, hopefully his shot gets a bit more consistent, because when he's on, he's on, when he's off...ouch...but he's got a good frame so hopefully he help us out with the bigger Big XII guards.

He played defense like a freshman last year so he'll definetly be better this season...I think he'll contribute to this team from here on out.

**Cloned4Life** · 05-27-2008, 06:25 PM

Right when I posted that I thought...hmm... I bet his percentages are actually horrible though lol, and I should have rephrased - every shot he made seemed like a swish :-)

I don't know, I guess I just like having him as a 'Clone and hope he can improve a lot - because he'll need to if he wants to see meaningful minutes in his career. But again, I mostly just want to see this remaining class of 4 stay together for once.

**4VR4CY** · 05-27-2008, 06:35 PM

I want him to start so that we can chant "BOOOOOOOOOzer" when they announce him. ;)

I hope he works on his performance and and can step up to the plate to play some minutes.

**isucy86** · 05-27-2008, 08:06 PM

If Boozer works hard on his game during this off-season, I could actually see him playing 15-20 mpg next year. Lucca is a better ballhandler/passer than Boozer & would make a better off guard.

Boozer is a strong kid & could probably hold his own at small forward in a 3 guard lineup. His main competition for minutes could very well be Haluska, unless Buckley is ready to start from day 1.

A starting 5 in November of Garret(PG), Staiger(SG), Boozer (W), Brackins (PF) and Thompson (PF) doesn't seem like much of a stretch.