Just one tiny last thought; Richard’s game was in a funk but he still played hard with effort and hustle. If the UM game is indicative, he is playing much better now with confidence. I think Riley will do the same. If these two guards start scoring, look out!
If Aberdeen were to move up to backup PG, should we move Riley to sixth man playing at the two or three?
Well there’s a question before that which needs to be answered… is Golden going to keep Pullin in the starting lineup after Riley heals, and if so, who gets dropped from the starting lineup? The way Zyon is playing lately, I don’t see how he doesn’t remain a starter, but someone is going to get their feelings hurt. Sucks, but I just don’t see a way around it.
Zyon needs 30 minutes each game, whether he starts or not. He seems impervious to fatigue and could probably go for 36 minutes without a noticeable dropoff. I'm also a big believer in Walter Clayton, and I want him on the floor 30 minutes, mostly at the 2. 25 to 30 for Will Richard, and ditto for Riley Kugel. Riley could be the mojo when we get into the SEC schedule because the athleticism is so high. When he's ON, he's really on. When he's not, he can still help a lot if he doesn't try to do too much. So... Aberdeen is still the odd man out, but deserving of minutes. If he can give us 5 to 10, I'm good. And I'd sure like to get Rishwain some here and there. There's always room for shooters. Matter of fact, I'd love to see us sneak him onto the floor for an inbounds play designed for him to catch-and-shoot. Mike White was exceptionally good at designing inbounds plays for specific players.
Aberdeen might be better than the 5th man in the backcourt. I would start Pullin, Clayton and Richard, but I would have Aberdeen in the rotation. The chaos and carelessness when Clayton, Richard and Kugel are on the floor together is hurting the team. Riley is going to have to change his game, at least in the short term. No more create your own 25 foot jump shots. Catch and shoot is fine. Straight line drives are fine, but pull up and pass or shoot the short jumper if there is no opening for the layup. Play solid defense. Play within yourself on offense.
Kugel needs to get his mid-range game going. He has shown he can hit that shot. But he's too predictable with his key-or-three approach. Attack, create space, and knock down those mid-range jumpers. If he starts doing that, it'll give him better looks at the rim.
The first game (Loyola Maryland) Riley looked like men-against-boys on getting to the hoop, mid-range jumpers, etc. and I thought "he's going to blow up". Alas, it didn't stick. And alas, he went 0-3 from 3 in that game. He's 8th on the team at 26.4% from 3. But he's ahead of Aberdeen. He's also tied with Clayton for most turnovers per game.
