Clemson Game

[SpiderTrap]

I believe in KA's final year - his 2 point % was near 42% - the worse of his 4 year career, so again, I don't stand by 45% from 2 and 35% from 3.

But in reality - kids these days either take a 3 pointer or its a layup. There is no in between game. Its either get to the rim for a close shot, dunk, or layup, or maybe get fouled - or take a 3 pointer.

 

[SpiderGuy]

I don't think he gets back in the rotation. Nothing against DJ - but I think he was pretty close being odd man out some nights anyways, and now missing this much time - I think you will see a very heavy 7 man rotation with Roche and Bigelow off the bench, and then Randolph will be the 8th man. Assuming Randolph can just hold that 8 spot and I don't even expect significant minutes or contributions from him (thinking less than 8-10 minutes most games) - I think the rotation will be set and it might be tough for DJ to get back in the mix. Its really just a mix of bad luck as his injury will carry him through through the bulk of A10 slate. If he did this in the first game and he could be back for 2nd half of season - I would have different opinion, but the timing and fact he was already battling with Randolph for that last spot I think in the rotation, I think this unfortunately leaves him out down the stretch.

But I think with Burton and Goose moving on after this year - the door opens for him next year to play solid and consistent minutes.

And on balance over the years haven’t we mostly done 7 man rotations?

 

[SpiderTrap]

I am fine with 7 man rotations. It just leaves little room for error, that is all. But if you got a solid 4-5 guys you can count on with consistency and know what your going to get from them - it can work.

I think this year is difficult because we lack the consistency part. Nelson is up and down as expected. Roche is the same - but expected for a shooter off the bench playing up from the Citadel. Quinn was not very productive early on but is showing signs of life. Bigelow is playing hide and seek at times. Sometimes great, other times disappears. So when you don't have consistency - you rely on depth, knowing if one guy is off, you got multiple players to pick up the slack for one game. We just don't have that this year. I think next year - with a year's experience at UR for Nelson, Roche, Quinn, Bigelow - we could have that solid core. But this year - they are just too new to the process at this point.

 

[VT4700]

A whole lot of teams have 7 man rotations, and I would say a huge majority are in the 7-8 man rotation mode. Very few teams see their 9th guy getting good minutes. I actually think we have pretty good depth this year, but no question, it is the inconsistency that is the issue. Going into the season, I wouldn't expect guys 9-13 to be key rotation guys, so to me, a 7-8 man rotation with a good mix of players shows depth. The main guys have all shown they can get it done at times, but it has been an up and down ride for most of them so far. Like you said, you want depth to help out when a couple guys don't play well, and I think we can win if that is the case. We don't need everyone to have great games to win. When a majority of them play well, we look good out there, but we have had a few too many games so far where a majority have not played well. That is the issue. Too many guys have had tough games during the same game, but I do think we will see a more consistent, well oiled team as the season moves along.