I think he could be pretty damn good… this year. But he is very inexperienced, and we now enter conference play. Has earned the trust to warrant minutes?
I'd say get him in more situationally. Strive to get him towards 15mpg and see how it goes vs quality opponents
And who gets less minutes? I do think he’ll be solid next season, but I just don’t think we’re better with him on the floor this season.
I thought those first 3 games without Pullin were gonna be big for him, but he never got into the flow. Had a few other spots here or there, but the offense was pretty rough. Defense was always relatively solid, though. Not sure about this year, but if he hangs on and keeps developing, his athleticism, defense, and pick and roll creation would keep us from having to depend on a portal guy at the one next year.
that's the issue for him, it's a crowded backcourt. It was nice to see him play well tonight though, hope he can show flashes against much tougher SEC competition in what will likely be limited minutes.
Did he make a case to take some of Riley's minutes today? Was a weak opponent, but that was a strong effort
It was a step of progress. He needs to now show he can play well against better players. Quinnipiac will be a little tougher than Grambling State, and Kentucky will be a whole 'nother reality. Golden was pleased with what our depth did to Michigan, so I think he'll want to give minutes to all the backups that can play at a high level. Know what? This reminds a little of our 2000 National Runner-up. Lots of talent, lots of depth, lots of transition, fast pace of play. They could really wear a team down. I fondly recall 1-seed Duke clutching at their britches and sucking wind late in the Sweet 16 game, while the Gators looked like they could have just as easily been lounging in hammocks and sipping mai-tais on the beach. That group probably had more top-drawer shooters though. Mike Miller, Teddy Dupay, Matt Bonner, Kenyan Weaks, Brett Nelson.
It seems Clayton, pullin or kugel can go off or disappear for a night. Maybe he earns a few earlier minutes if one is struggling. That is a good thing.
Looks solid enough in terms of being a D1 athlete and is coming along as a ball handler. But that 11% career 3 point percentage…. a tough deal when you come in cold and only play 10 minutes. I get that. But also hard to get more minutes without knocking in shots at a better %. He should get some run in spurts, so hopefully he makes the most of those minutes in terms of playing solid D and making good plays with the ball.
I believe CTG and staff saw enough tonight to keep feeding him time behind Pullen, who is rock hard and doesn’t seem to tire. How many minutes will go as he plays smart basketball and doesn’t hurt the team.
The last two games he let the game come to him instead of feeling the need to score whenever he was in the game. "a solid floor game of 11 points (on 5-for-8 shooting), five assists and just one turnover in a career-high 24 minutes.
Yeah he played great today. But we have had guys over the years who play great against teams they can our athlete, and then fade when they face better players. He deserves a few minutes though, right now I’d say it should be at Clayton’s expense if it happens. He’s just a step slow right now, which is understandable with his home life. Good news is that DA made better decisions tonight. He’s learning his role it seems. At a minimum it’s good to know he’s there if we need him.
Sorry if this isn't the best thread to ask, but I was en route today. What happened to Riley? Was he sick?
