MBB Post-Game Comment -- Florida State (Coach Golden)

Where was Rishwain tonight?

 

^ Against FSU, Coach Golden probably shortened the bench playing about 8-guys.

 

If you watch the postgame press conference, CTG said it sucks that Rishwain, Denzel, and Kajus didn't get much time because they're deserving of it. He said he wanted to see how things worked with the other 4 guards for the first time, and it went so well it was hard to go in a different direction.
It sounded like he intends to use Rishwain and Denzel a lot.

 

They might be deserving of it, but I don’t see how he can play them a lot unless other guys stop performing, or there are injuries. Sometimes, you’re just the odd man out. We’re already facing a tough decision on which two start between Clayton, Richard, and Pullin.

 

Wow, what a difference from last year. Finally, we’ve got the Biggs to go along with the guards. Be interesting to see how this team develops chemistry with each other as the season wears on. Great game to watch though. Maybe some of that will rub off on the football team.

 

By "a lot," I meant 4 or 5 minutes a half. I would be surprised if they get more than that.
The starters decision, to me, doesn't seem that tough. Pullin said the day before the game he was fine with coming off the bench. He did, and all three of those guys still got lots of minutes.

 

While I agree, if things don't start clicking, there may be some other minutes up for grabs

 

Got to keep ‘em fresh!

 

Don't start clicking? It already started.

I don't believe minutes are up for grabs, actually. This is the first time in yeeeears where no one is playing out of position (now that ZP is back), and that guys can play (and guard) multiple positions...that is huge. Also, anyone outside of the top 8 is a big drop off. I think Denzel and Rish (I really like their game) will fill some minutes here and there, but our starters are really good...and there is a relevant drop off after our top 8.

After 4 games, I also don't see us going small ball much. I dare another team to go small and let their small guy guard Samuel...I think we hold the cards (for the most part) when it comes to lineups.

 

Our first half shooting was insane. That was one of the most enjoyable half (and eventual wins) that I have seen a quite some time. And it's especially great since it came against the noles. Score 52 in the first half and win... awesome! Score 52 in the first half and win against the noles... priceless!

 

I was referring to things clicking with a particular guard.

CTG will obviously continue to work to get him to play like we know he can and to do so within the flow of the offense.

I'm just saying, if you last nights game were all you knew of this team, you'd likely be cutting those minutes and using them elsewhere.

 

Good thing we have front court depth and had a 30 point halftime lead. Last night all of our bigs had four fouls so we couldn't defend the rim as aggressively as we would like in the second half nor be as aggressive going after rebounds as we were in the first half. FSU outscoring us in the second half was more on the refs than our players. There were a lot of easy inside shots for FSU in the second half that they didn't get in the first half.

 

Agreed. Those other 4 will be in the 25-30 minute range, which is really the sweet spot between getting into a rhythm and staying fresh. That leaves not much more than 10 minutes, maybe 15 tops. But also gives you some flexibility to go small, if necessary. My guess is Rishwain, since he brings some of the shooting and ball security we’ve lacked.

 

Assuming you didn’t care about his defensive dominance

 

I'd have to go rewatch to be honest. Nothing like we saw him do defensively last year jumped out at me last night. I do recall a few "oh crap where's my man" moments that he recovered from, but that speaks to intensity/concentration.

I'm super high on the young man. It's pretty difficult to deny that he's struggled to find his game since Loyola, and that's OK. I think he will and if he does - we're gonna be a tough out for anyone.

 

In a perfect world, Pullin gets in his ear and says "relax I got you. Let's have fun".

Fun ensues.

 

He is the highest rated defender in man situations so far. Not many guys have gotten past him off the bounce or shot over him. Just exceptionally good on the ball given his length, strength, and athleticism.

 

Ok, sure, maybe. You can't make me defend a position I don't hold. I've never said he was some type of defensive liability.

Is he playing as one of our top guards through these last few games?