Thomas should not have been starting over Morris

[Cyinthenorth]

Thomas hasn't been bad, but there have been times when I wonder if he really is our best option to start. He does the little things really well, which to me is the only reason he has stayed in the lineup. He is really lacking that killer instinct so far that is vital at this stage. Passes up too many open shots. Meanwhile, you have DeAndre and Naz serving up 45 foot contested 3's. If Thomas could just somehow get even a small scrap of their confidence he would be dangerous.

 

[State43]

Though I agree, do we really need another thread?

 

[Rhoadhoused]

Lets not act like Thomas is bad from 3. Still 10th in the Big 12 in 3 point percentage coming into today. I just wish he would shoot more sometimes.

He has been extremely picky with his shot selection. With what I know of his talent I think he should be shooting a better % when most of his 3s are spot up and uncontested.

That makes Long's % even better, because a ton of his shots are pull up jumpers when a defender is just a little too far back and he fires.

 

[awd4cy]

He has been extremely picky with his shot selection. With what I know of his talent I think he should be shooting a better % when most of his 3s are spot up and uncontested.

That makes Long's % even better, because a ton of his shots are pull up jumpers when a defender is just a little too far back and he fires.

Very true.

 

[Luth4Cy]

Thomas has under produced but so have Morris, Naz, and even SDW, IMO. Matt just happens to be the one who starts so he's the Cyclone Fanatic whipping boy I guess.

 

[kingcy]

Thomas has under produced but so have Morris, Naz, and even SDW, IMO. Matt just happens to be the one who starts so he's the Cyclone Fanatic whipping boy I guess.

The game flows better when he is not in the game on both ends of the court.

 

[acgclone]

I guess it doesn't matter who starts but Fred is doing the right thing by decreasing his minutes.

Thomas is struggling right now. I'm sure he'll be light years better next year but for now he's a role player at best.

 

[Cyclonesince78]

Thomas has under produced but so have Morris, Naz, and even SDW, IMO. Matt just happens to be the one who starts so he's the Cyclone Fanatic whipping boy I guess.

I don't think Morris and Naz have underproduced at all.

 

[Aclone]

Without reading through the thread, I'll simply comment that it's always interesting to see who knows more about basketball than Fred Hoiberg.

 

[Cincyclone]

When will people learn that it doesn't matter who starts the game? If Thomas were seeing more minutes than Morris than there would be something to complain about but the starting lineup is not always your 5 best or most consistent players.

 

[Cincyclone]

(I think) that fast break today was the final straw. You know, the 3-on-2 one where MT was the right wing and had the pass bounce off his shoulder because he wasn't even looking for the ******* ball. That **** was embarrassing.

Watch the replay. The Oklahoma player who was near Thomas bumped him and the pass came as Thomas was trying to regain his balance.

 

[chuckd4735]

This issue is not tied to the loss. Thomas has not been playing to his ability for a few weeks now. However, I like to stick to the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality. Nothing is broke yet, so no reason to change things. Thomas will be a stud, let him work through this.

 

[fsanford]

So start the guy who backs up the point guard. Make a short bench even shorter. Brilliant

 

[Cyclonesince78]

Watch the replay. The Oklahoma player who was near Thomas bumped him and the pass game as Thomas was trying to regain his balance.

You're reaching...

 

[klamath632]

So start the guy who backs up the point guard. Make a short bench even shorter. Brilliant

Huh? Naz should be starting instead of MT. Duh.

 

[Cincyclone]

You're reaching...

Did you watch the replay? That's what I saw.

 

[Cincyclone]

So start the guy who backs up the point guard. Make a short bench even shorter. Brilliant

It's not like Kane or Morris couldn't come out when Thomas/Long come in the game. Kane and Morris play together all the time, so it doesn't matter when in the game they're doing. And the rotation would remain 7 so the bench wouldn't be shorter.

 

[jabalke]

Yeah, one loss and rip on the true freshman. I bet Fred knows way more than any of you trolls that want to sit behind your computer and play expert coach.

Nobody is ripping on him. You can't get 12 minutes and 0 points from a starter.

 

[cycfan1]

For those that undoubtedly trust Fred - remember Niang did not start until Big 12 play.

Think Naz or Morris has earned the spot. Make Thomas earn it back.

 

[dexterhawk]

Things are much more fluid when Monte is out there. Ever notice the slow starts and then Monte comes in and things pick up. I get frustrated with Thomas doesn't put up open 3 looks before the defense closes on him. Catch and shoot dude. He gets a little lost on defense at times also. Matt will be a great player for us some day. Right now he is playing like a tentative freshman and Monte is playing a step above.

I think the Mayor can figure out who to start. I hate the clones....but Hoiberg's one of the best.