(01-17-2024 10:45 AM)McG Wrote: (01-17-2024 09:42 AM)ChicagoHuskie Wrote: I am not a basketball expert at all, but it seems to be what the team is missing badly is a true point guard who is creative and distributes the ball to teammates in a spot they want to be and in rhythm. Coit is tremendous, but not one that makes everyone on the floor better. Love to see him at a shooting guard. We are even awkward when we get breakouts with a low conversion rate. We need someone who can throw some sweet dishes.
I think this is key - didn't expect the transfer of Thornton to be as significant as it was. I think he was a huge factor in why the team last year was able to win 9 conference games. Russell was probably expected to take on more of those minutes but he got the yips as soon as the season started. Seems like they wanted to redshirt Muhammed but not sure that's the case anymore.
I think this is pretty spot on. The main problem is, if Williams is healthy, they have to fit both he and Coit into the lineup with Nutter, Amos and YKN. There isn't going to be a true PG, but I agree that Russell was supposed to fill that role but he's just completely fallen off the radar.
To be fair, I'd see Thornton do similar things too but he was much better at being a PG than Russell but that doesn't mean Russell couldn't/shouldn't be able to fill that role.
And I think you're right. This is why we see Muhammad playing a lot more now. Russell has relegated himself to the bench so have to develop Muhammad, especially if Williams is going to miss the rest of this year (or most of the rest of the year). Williams, at this point, is unreliable due to health issues. I don't think what is wrong with him is unsurmountable but he's missed a lot of time. When he did get back in there, he basically looked like his old self, so that is encouraging. And I'm not certain how he actually got hurt his time but it seemed like kind of a freak thing.
But if they can get Muhammad up to speed, and I've liked what I've seen so far, then they have a guy who can run the point and free up Coit to do other things. I guess, at this point, the most ideal starting lineup would be Muhammad, Coit, Nutter, Amos and YKN, right? If Muhammad can fully get up to speed.
Gebrewhit actually looked good and motivated coming off the bench last night. Maybe he's just a 6th man who needs a chip on his shoulder because he was not good or helpful as a starter.
Also of note, Butler played down the stretch last night as the big with Ibarguen sitting on the bench. I found that interesting. And I don't completely have an issue with it but, and I actually kind of admire him for it, Butler will shoot if left open. He's not afraid to be aggressive. But...he's not our 5th best option in that scenario, let alone our best option.
Getting YKN back will be big. I'm just really surprised Butler was in and Ibarguen was on the bench. Neither are difference makers but, imo, I'd rather have Ibarguen in the game if YKN isn't available.
One other question...why does Lovings-Watts start? He barely plays and when he does, he barely shoots and is eager to pass as soon as he gets the ball. I suppose, once Gebrewhit got hot he was going to get the minutes over WLW, but 5 minutes?
If he's not ready (and I'm not sure he is), then don't start him. But I can't figure out who should be starting right now anyway. Obviously, Coit, Nutter and Amos and then YKN if healthy, if not, Ibarguen but I'm not even sure Burno prefers him over Butler anymore. As for that 2 guard spot...I'm kind of over Gebrewhit starting and feel he's better off the bench. McPherson is also a bench guy. Maybe Muhammad which would slide Coit to the 2 guard and keep Nutter as the 3. It's probably a better fit for all involved anyway.
Obviously, the starting lineup isn't the end all be all and minutes matter much more than who's on the court to start the game, but I think you all know what I'm getting at here.
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NIU Men's Basketball vs. Kent State
