Starting 5

[clone4life82]

Right now, IMO, the main issue is Fred trying to figure out the right rotation. It's sort of the 2013-2014 Hawk issue (calm down) where we have 8 guys who are capable (albeit more talented than Iowa).

As long as it's an experiment, our offensive flow will struggle a bit. At least our defense has been there.

Unfortunately when it gets sorted out, a few of our talented guys will be shorted minutes. That's just how it goes, we've seen it before. Hopefully when it happens, those guys stay "all in."

The big thing about that is, it's always going to be an experiment. Fred's going to play who's hot and who gives him the best matchup (they may not start the game that way but we've seen this time and time again with him). Some nights he could throw MM, Naz, MT, BDJ, and Niang out there a lot, others maybe it's MM, BDJ, Hogue, Niang, MCkay. Depends on the matchup and who's hot. The key is for the guys all to gel with the other players. That will take time and we'll take our lumps for it but hopefully by tournament time, any of the lineups that get thrown out there are rolling like a cohesive unit.

 

[TedKumsher]

I will agree. There are many worse in this conference, and there have been worse who played for Fred. However, you can't deny that there is a drop off from Naz to Thomas, or even BDJ to Thomas.

I'm not basketball smart. I didn't think there was any drop off when Thomas was guarding Forte III. No stats or anything to support my claim. And of course, one game does not equal overall ability.

Doesn't it seem like McKay has helped Thomas's defense? It feels like there's a lot less double teaming the post, which I always thought was Matt's biggest weakness last year (doubling and then recovering). Or perhaps it's been Niang/Hogue coming over to double instead of Morris/Thomas/Long.

 

[allfourcy]

Teams have learned how to play physical defense against us.....if we knock down shots early, I think the whole game changes. It's a long season, I'd rather be in a slump now than March.

good point.

 

[allfourcy]

Who do you think he's trying to keep happy? Nader? Who didn't play the second half. George? Who got sat down late in the second half during a crucial stretch.

When your usual guys can't get it going, then you try to find someone who can. Would you rather see Fred keep playing Naz and Niang who couldn't buy a bucket, or try Thomas, who made a few shots and gave them a spark in the first half (even if his defense is lacking).

There isn't going to be any flow when 3 of your starting 5 are in a funk. He tried to stick with them to begin the second half. I think the played together the first 5 minutes, it just wasn't working.

Agree and I like that about Fred. He sat Georges and BDJ more than usual and it certainly wasn't because he was trying to keep other players "happy". Mismatches, who's getting it done(or not), his feel for the game, etc. varies from game to game. Sure everyone wants to see Niang and BDJ return to averaging 19 pts. each a game again and the offense score 85 pts., but apparently the real tough teams and especially the Big12 opponents aren't going to allow it. To suggest McKay is hurting our flow or affecting GN's game is probably a misconception. The first 8 minutes of several games, McKay hadn't even got in yet, and Georges was struggling. Maryland, SCar, last night, and the Iowa game was another. Btw,...I love Georges. Can't wait to see him back to form. Just think the opponents are focusing on stopping him alot, and that's a tough gig.

 

[singsing]

What I've noticed McKay needs to be starting and wouldn't care if Hogue or Niang started the 4....yeah I said it. If Niang isn't hitting his shot and is turning it over bring him off the bench til he figures it out. Like what JM does for our interior D!!

 

[Cyclonepride]

So because he is better than last year, his defensive criticism doesn't apply?
I am not a bashed of Matt, the guy hits some big shots for us, just stating what I see.

And you're entitled to your opinion, of course. I think Matt is probably up to an "average" defender at this level. Not great, but much improved from where he was. And he does work very hard at it.

 

[Bestaluckcy]

I also think Matt has improved his defense. Early season Matt was dropping to double team the big man and then did not always get back to his man in time, when it was kicked out. Since McKay has started playing we are playing more straight up defense which has helped Matt. It's hard to guard more than one player, even in zone.

 

[501Clone]

Matt Thomas has improved as a defender this year.

He's still not a good defender tho.

 

[GlenEllynClone]

What I've noticed McKay needs to be starting and wouldn't care if Hogue or Niang started the 4....yeah I said it. If Niang isn't hitting his shot and is turning it over bring him off the bench til he figures it out. Like what JM does for our interior D!!

I like everything about McKay's game except for his free throw shooting. I looked at his stats at Indian Hills and he was a 55.8% shooter from the line at IH. It is tough to have McKay and Hogue finish close games, because teams are better off fouling them (eg Hack a Shaq) than letting them shoot.

 

[singsing]

I like everything about McKay's game except for his free throw shooting. I looked at his stats at Indian Hills and he was a 55.8% shooter from the line at IH. It is tough to have McKay and Hogue finish close games, because teams are better off fouling them (eg Hack a Shaq) than letting them shoot.

More reason to start them. Let the non shooting fouls build up and throw Niang in there to close it out. Also, Niang can sub about 4 different positions and he'd be using his insane inside skills against tired legs. Hope this doesn't sound like the sky is falling because we are loaded with talent and am glad Fred has the job of putting it all together. Georges will probably go for 30 against WV now...

 

[cmjh10]

Starting 5 should be

Morris
BDJ
Hogue
Niang
McKay

 

[singsing]

Starting 5 should be

Morris
BDJ
Hogue
Niang
McKay

I agree if Hogue, Niang, and BDJ can hit the outside shots. Otherwise we have 5 guys plugging up the middle killing spacing.

 

[cyclones12321]

I love hogue, and want him in for most of the game and imo is the only reason we won last night, but i think he should sit in the last 2 minutes because of his poor ft shooting

 

[cmjh10]

I agree if Hogue, Niang, and BDJ can hit the outside shots. Otherwise we have 5 guys plugging up the middle killing spacing.

True, but, moving Hogue to the wing will help him dominate the boards again. Moving Niang to the "4" would put him on smaller guys, meaning he could stay out of foul trouble and correct things on the offensive end.

Bring Naz off the bench during the first tv timeout for whoever is struggling, boom, back to "normal" Hoiball.

 

[HoibergIsMyHero]

Starting 5 should be

Morris
BDJ
Hogue
Niang
McKay

I like having one of our bigger guys (Hogue or McKay) come off the bench in case someone gets in foul trouble and to provide a breather and spark. Really think Long needs to be in there for shooting.

 

[inCyteful]

Thomas may not be the most physically gifted defender, but people here love to make him out to be horrible. In reality, his fundamentals are decent and he knows where he is supposed to be.

I thought his Def against OSU was stellar. Not coincidentally his shooting comes around too. I think he is ahead of the curve for development as a sophomore.