Starting 5 and rotation

[Frak]

Yeah, and that's fine. My post was more targeted at those who think that Otz plays all of the starters too much during non-con with the goal of running up scores, when the numbers really tell a pretty different story.

On Lipsey, the issue is whether playing less would actually help him stay healthy, and where is the right line for him. The only way to guarantee his health is to not play him in games where he's not needed. But I don't think anyone would suggest that, since then he might not be ready for other games and might not have the conditioning to stay healthy when he is needed for 35+ minutes in a really tight Big 12 game.

I am probably in that camp. Not sure if it’s running up scores to manipulate the NET or it’s just wanting your main rotation players to get time on the court together. I agree it’s a fine line. But my opinion is that if you are up 30 in the 2nd half, the starters need to be on the bench. Not only do you get the backups some experience, you give the starters more rest. Just my opinion, but TJ has those guys playing so hard that they look sluggish and tired once February hits. And when someone gets hurt, we look like a deer in the headlights. This year, it sure seems like we have more quality depth, but we gotta actually use it.

 

[FinalFourCy]

Color me surprised the MAC is such a weak basketball conference.

View attachment 153696

I would hope Wiggins having a large role is less "lack of better options" and more like what happened with freshman Momcilovic and what we hope happens with freshman Batemon.

They're just that good that early it's hard not to play 'em or even start 'em.

And yeah, Gilbert and Jones might mess with our expectations for guard transfers for a while. It's not often you're going to find two all-Big 12 level guys like those two on the scrap heap.

TJ and the staff are alchemists but even that ability has its limits.

Yeah, me as well

To your original point, the Big Sky being equally as low major as the MAC doesn’t exactly make one feel great about Williams being ready for the Big 12…even if Jones was.

But from the little we know about Williams recruitment, I’m optimistic

 

[cayin]

Starter/Sub

Lipsey/Toure
Batemon/Nelson
Momciliovic/Heise
Jefferson/Mulder
Buchanon/Pleta

looks good, but I doubt Otz will go 10 deep. My guess is Pleta won't quit be ready this year. I do worry about having 2 freshmen guards. I mean, I think they are talented enough but I think at some point during the season they may hit a wall. That is why it is nice to have Nelson. So I really do think the 4 guards play and no one is left out there. I think Heise will be a utility player. He has to be on the floor for us, will probably play a couple of positions.

 

[MJ271]

I am probably in that camp. Not sure if it’s running up scores to manipulate the NET or it’s just wanting your main rotation players to get time on the court together. I agree it’s a fine line. But my opinion is that if you are up 30 in the 2nd half, the starters need to be on the bench. Not only do you get the backups some experience, you give the starters more rest. Just my opinion, but TJ has those guys playing so hard that they look sluggish and tired once February hits. And when someone gets hurt, we look like a deer in the headlights. This year, it sure seems like we have more quality depth, but we gotta actually use it.

I guess my question is then: What's the logical end? I showed that Iowa State's top guys played fewer minutes than a lot of other teams' top guys last year, so how many fewer minutes are necessary?

It seems pretty hard to me to draw a line between playing 22 vs. 27 minutes in a November game and Tamin breaking his thumb in a Big 12 game. I'm more open to the fatigue argument around the in-season practice/workout intensity, if you want to make it.

I think one thing that misleads people is how much Otz rotates in games. Yeah, Tamin might still be in when ISU is up 30 points with 5 minutes left in the game. But many may not realize that he only played 13 minutes in the first half. So then should he sit if that means he only plays 20 minutes in that game? Last season, Otz still found time for Nojus to play 10+ minutes in four of the first six games, so I'm not sure some of the criticism holds.

 

[Sigmapolis]

To your original point, the Big Sky being equally as low major as the MAC doesn’t exactly make one feel great about Williams being ready for the Big 12…even if Jones was.

There was a contingent on here calling Jones a bust his first month or two here.

"Slow on his feet on defense. Seems nervous. Below-the-rim guard in a conference full of more explosive athletes. Shooter who doesn't make shots. TJ really missed on this one."

...and they weren't entirely wrong. We all know how that one worked out.

It is rare there isn't at least some adjustment period.

 

[FinalFourCy]

There was a contingent on here calling Jones a bust his first month or two here.

"Slow on his feet on defense. Seems nervous. Below-the-rim guard in a conference full of more explosive athletes. Shooter who doesn't make shots. TJ really missed on this one."

...and they weren't entirely wrong. We all know how that one worked out.

It is rare there isn't at least some adjustment period.

Meh. Jones was ready to be a starter level player on a very good Big 12 team his first year despite coming from the MAC. We can find negative reactions over small sample of games regardless of whether it being a transfer from the MAC, a freshman, a returning player, mid-season etc

I am not expecting either Williams or Wiggins to be as good as Jones in Year 1, although it’s plausible. I’d bet on Williams, if healthy, having less of a transition though