Starting 5

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

Heading into Christmas obviously with everything that has happened the team needs a shift in terms of roles/minutes/starters.

Who are your starting five?
Mine:
Jarvis Garret
Jared Terrell
Kuran Iverson
Hassan Martin
Earl Watson

I think we go big and athletic. Thompson and Four as sparks off the bench. Hassan has never had the luxury of playing with two guys that can take the burden off of his height. Not that Iverson or Earl are perfect but I think together they change the game for Hassan.

Fouls? we plug in one of the guards or Akele. We can outmuscle our way through the A10. Lets do it.

sf2010 · Unread post by **sf2010** » 8 years ago

Garrett, Terrell, McGlynn, Iverson, Martin for me.

I know Four hasn't shot great recently and is not a strong defender, but if you remove him from the lineup for Earl there is absolutely no spacing on the offensive end. We would severely struggle to score points out of the gate. The team needs to perform better, but I don't think that it is "obvious" that the starting 5 needs to (or should) change.

Unread post by **SGreenwell** » 8 years ago

My preference would also be to stick with McGlynn for another game or two, but evidence is accumulating that Thompson might be a better option to start by the end of the season. For the reason SF cited, I wouldn't be a fan of Watson in the starting lineup, plus I think if you start him you run a greater risk of having to play Berry for foul reasons.

ramfan85 · Unread post by **ramfan85** » 8 years ago

Seawrightspostgame wrote:Heading into Christmas obviously with everything that has happened the team needs a shift in terms of roles/minutes/starters.

Who are your starting five?
Mine:
Jarvis Garret
Jared Terrell
Kuran Iverson
Hassan Martin
Earl Watson

I think we go big and athletic. Thompson and Four as sparks off the bench. Hassan has never had the luxury of playing with two guys that can take the burden off of his height. Not that Iverson or Earl are perfect but I think together they change the game for Hassan

Fouls? we plug in one of the guards or Akele. We can outmuscle our way through the A10. Lets do it.

I like this for bigger opponents. I'd replace Earl for Thompson for smaller opponents. This would make us quicker.

Billyboy78 · Unread post by **Billyboy78** » 8 years ago

If we start big, then as soon as Earl or Hassan get into foul trouble, which will be often, we will be forced to go small anyway.

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

I don't think you need big subs for bigs. They have played small lineups each year. They prefer them. So if there is foul trouble then you just go small.

Also I think spacing on the college court is over rated. Its a much smaller court and the guys are huge. Even with Four on the floor its not like he's opening anything up.

He's shooting 36% from 3. Not sure he is much more than that. The close outs are harder, athletes are better and he's probably physically exerting himself more on the court, which all changes his effectiveness.

EC shot 34% last year with a broken finger. Nobody begged for him to launch 3's.

Interesting that Thompson is 50% on 8-16 right now.

Four isn't going to shoot his way through the A10. Our big lineup can rebound and score their way through the A10. IF there is foul trouble??? you get what you want anyway.

sf2010 · Unread post by **sf2010** » 8 years ago

Seawrightspostgame wrote: Also I think spacing on the college court is over rated. .

Jarvis for sure and arguably Jared are at their best attacking the basket. Having another offensive player who plays exclusively inside 15 feet would clog things up even further and make it more difficult for our offense to function. Spacing is not over rated, spreading out defenders is a good thing.

NYGFan_Section208 · Unread post by **NYGFan_Section208** » 8 years ago

Jared Terrell
C Thompson
Kuran Iverson
Hassan Martin
McGlynn - to 'try' short term...maybe he lucks into a favorable matchup

Watson and Garret first subs for McGlynn and anyone else that needs to come out.

And, just for fun...maybe find a quick sub for that 30 feet from the basket three man weave?

RAM67 · Unread post by **RAM67** » 8 years ago

I don't think you can leave Garrett out of the starting lineup, but you could easily leave McGlynn out in favor of Thompson or Watson.

sf2010 · Unread post by **sf2010** » 8 years ago

RAM67 wrote:I don't think you can leave Garrett out of the starting lineup, but you could easily leave McGlynn out in favor of Thompson or Watson.

Agree. The only one that is arguable IMO is removing McGlynn. And as I did above, I would argue against that for the time being.

section(105) · Unread post by **section(105)** » 8 years ago

Based on how long it took last year to get Jarvis into the starting lineup, I don't see coach going to CT anytime soon.....only if Four continues to struggle from three.....if he doesn't get warm soon then we will see CT......Earl still off bench.....

wgracie99 · Unread post by **wgracie99** » 8 years ago

I think Four would be much better coming of the bench (what he was originally brought here to do). I would start:

Terrell
Garrett
Martin
Iverson
Thompson.........Watson (only against a taller team)

Wouldn't have said Thompson a couple games ago but he has really settled down nicely and his confidence is growing. If coach thinks he needs a little more time than by league play definitely.

adam914 · Unread post by **adam914** » 8 years ago

I don't think it really matters who starts between Four and Thompson honestly. Start either one, and ride the hot hand from game to game for who gets the most minutes.

kal-65 · Unread post by **kal-65** » 8 years ago

imo it doesn't matter as much who starts the game ;matters more who FINISHES the game

I would want the best free throw shooters at games end; four ,Thompson and 3 others

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

100% need Garrett in the starting lineup. At this point it looks like Thompson is the better defender than Four. Start him and get him as much experience as possible. Four has reached his potential, we need Thompson to improve as much as possible before A10 play. He could be the difference of our ceiling this year. I wouldn't be against having Hass and Watson against big teams. We would dominate on the boards and with Garett usually getting by his man he would have two options to dish off too. All I know is our offense needs to run through Iverson! He is special

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 8 years ago

NYGFan_Section208 wrote:Jared Terrell
C Thompson
Kuran Iverson
Hassan Martin
McGlynn - to 'try' short term...maybe he lucks into a favorable matchup

Watson and Garret first subs for McGlynn and anyone else that needs to come out.

And, just for fun...maybe find a quick sub for that 30 feet from the basket three man weave?

Funny I'd been thinking something similar. Like to shake things up.

Thompson
Terrell
Iverson
Martin
Watson

Akele, Garrett, McGlynn off the bench

bressler3south · Unread post by **bressler3south** » 8 years ago

ramster wrote:
NYGFan_Section208 wrote:Jared Terrell
C Thompson
Kuran Iverson
Hassan Martin
McGlynn - to 'try' short term...maybe he lucks into a favorable matchup

Watson and Garret first subs for McGlynn and anyone else that needs to come out.

And, just for fun...maybe find a quick sub for that 30 feet from the basket three man weave? [/quot

Funny I'd been thinking something similar. Like to shake things up.

Thompson
Terrell
Iverson
Martin
Watson

Akele, Garrett, McGlynn off the bench

Yeah, it's Thursday night at URI.....What kind of fuckin' drugs are you doin'?

860_rhody · Unread post by **860_rhody** » 8 years ago

No way in hell Garrett comes off the bench. That's just crazy.

PeterRamTime · Unread post by **PeterRamTime** » 8 years ago

Bottom line is Thompson needs more time on the court.

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

sf2010 wrote:The team needs to perform better, but I don't think that it is "obvious" that the starting 5 needs to (or should) change.

I said roles/minutes too. Not just the starting five. Its pretty ordinary for a basketball team to adjust the roles/minutes of guys as the season plays out.

Outside of that. I personally wouldn't mind a little controversy in terms of switching the starting 5 and the minutes/roles. Many successful coaches benefit from switching things up. Pushing buttons. Christion Thompson has the goods and is also 8-16 from deep. Kid is something.

I love Earl. To me starting Earl has way more to do with allowing Hassan to not have the responsibility of having to be the most physical out there. Also Earl wears people out on screens and rebounding. ITs not box score and advanced analytic stuff. It works though. Not to say that I think starting Earl is everything. Just more minutes.

I would like Thompson for Four. Just before the A10 schedule starts. NOW.

DeanDome88 · Unread post by **DeanDome88** » 8 years ago

860_rhody wrote:No way in hell Garrett comes off the bench. That's just crazy.

Really? If his overall offensive game does not improve then I expect his minutes to be at risk next year.

860_rhody · Unread post by **860_rhody** » 8 years ago

DeanDome88 wrote:
860_rhody wrote:No way in hell Garrett comes off the bench. That's just crazy.
Really? If his overall offensive game does not improve then I expect his minutes to be at risk next year.

Huh? He was the leading scorer against Nebraska, has bailed us out late in the shot clock more times than I can remember, and is starting to pick it up from behind the line.

Gonebarongone · Unread post by **Gonebarongone** » 8 years ago

Seawrightspostgame wrote:Also I think spacing on the college court is over rated. Its a much smaller court and the guys are huge. Even with Four on the floor its not like he's opening anything up.
.

College and NBA court are the same size. Spacing is criminally underrated in college basketball.

DeanDome88 · Unread post by **DeanDome88** » 8 years ago

860_rhody wrote:
DeanDome88 wrote:
860_rhody wrote:No way in hell Garrett comes off the bench. That's just crazy.
Really? If his overall offensive game does not improve then I expect his minutes to be at risk next year.
Huh? He was the leading scorer against Nebraska, has bailed us out late in the shot clock more times than I can remember, and is starting to pick it up from behind the line.

Hopefully he continues to improve. He is decent but we need more scoring efficiency to beat the better teams. The 3 point shot is one of the great equalizers in college basketball as Rick Pitino and Tom Penders figured out many years ago. We also need some good free throw shooting out of our ball handlers to close out the close games. The coaching staff will have more options and a lot of depth next year. I do not envision Jarvis playing 30 plus minutes a game next year unless he continues to improve. Jarvis has a good assist to turnover ratio but he is not an assist machine and our offense tends to stall against very good teams.

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

DeanDome88 wrote:
860_rhody wrote:No way in hell Garrett comes off the bench. That's just crazy.
Really? If his overall offensive game does not improve then I expect his minutes to be at risk next year.

Regardless of his scoring who runs our offense if Garrett is out ? He is the only true point we have. He is extremely important to our success.

bigappleram · Unread post by **bigappleram** » 8 years ago

I wanted to stop reading when someone said Jarvis should be coming off the bench. If anyone from the Core 3 could even be discussed as a 6th man its Terrell. Garrett can do things no one else on our team can, were you at the PC game? PG is the most impt position in basketball and we only have 1.

The only possible shake ups that could work are:
Going big (Hass and Earl) - but i agree spacing will be an issue with that lineup
Swapping Thomspon for Four - to me that is going to happen its just a matter of when. Four isn't intended to be a 30 mpg guy, he is a specialist. Thompson has a more complete game and is an investment in the future.

BleedBlue87 · Unread post by **BleedBlue87** » 8 years ago

I'm a Thompson fan myself. Might as well get him in there now to get the experience.

UCH21377 · Unread post by **UCH21377** » 8 years ago

I think it's time for the Thompson/Four switch too. I don't think we have the depth to play the 3 bigs together for any length of time. Foul trouble.

theblueram · Unread post by **theblueram** » 8 years ago

Thompson should start in place of 4. He can play defense and has shown his offense abilities. I think 4 would really do better off bench as a specific playmaker. I really am glad CT has made the transition. I posted earlier I thought he was tepid, which he was. Since that post I've changed my mind.

brady1 · Unread post by **brady1** » 8 years ago

It doesn't matter who starts. Minutes matter. Start Four play Watson and Thompson more.

Iffy left before EC got hurt and Watson was well Iffy. I think Watson is a playa here now, way beyond what I imagined and want to see him and Hassan play a lot together. Someone sell Iffy on suiting up again 2nd semester to make this doable. Don't think it would hurt his chance to get a 5th yr grad transfer?

GO RHODY!

theblueram · Unread post by **theblueram** » 8 years ago

It matters who starts. Those are the leaders of the team. That sets the stage for the overall game. And who is going to be in with the game on the line.

brady1 · Unread post by **brady1** » 8 years ago

Totally disagree.

GO RHODY!

theblueram · Unread post by **theblueram** » 8 years ago

brady1 wrote:Totally disagree.

GO RHODY!

OK. So we start Plunkett, Temkin, Berry, Hass and Garrett. Let them go for about 5-7 minutes. Then come back and talk to me.

theblueram · Unread post by **theblueram** » 8 years ago

This team needs to turn this shit around. Oh yeah, and I hope someone is at a gym shooting effin free throws as I type this.

The Dude · Unread post by **The Dude** » 8 years ago

My starting 5 is whoever Hurley thinks should start.
I don't think the 5 people who start are necessarily always the best players on a team. Houston's Rob Gray Jr. is Houston's leading scorer, but he comes off the bench for them (or at least he did against us). Sometimes it's about having a balanced attack, or mismatches, or players being good at certain role.
You may have four good offensive threats and guy that is great on defense starting. If you leave one of your scorers on the bench, it's sometimes a good a match up because when they enter the game it's possible they may be going against a bench player on an opposing team with less experience or who isn't great at defense or some other aspect that might help to give the team to sustain it's offensive production while a starter or two is on the bench.
There's a number of ways a person can look at it.

Just FYI: Just posted links to highlight video of the new-ish walk on Rex Sunahara. http://keaneyblue.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5535

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 8 years ago

bigappleram wrote:I wanted to stop reading when someone said Jarvis should be coming off the bench. If anyone from the Core 3 could even be discussed as a 6th man its Terrell. Garrett can do things no one else on our team can, were you at the PC game? PG is the most impt position in basketball and we only have 1.

The only possible shake ups that could work are:
Going big (Hass and Earl) - but i agree spacing will be an issue with that lineup
Swapping Thomspon for Four - to me that is going to happen its just a matter of when. Four isn't intended to be a 30 mpg guy, he is a specialist. Thompson has a more complete game and is an investment in the future.

BAR,
It was NYG that had starting 5 of Martin, Terrell, Iverson, Thompson and Four with Garrett and Watson first off the bench.
I thought this was a novel approach and suggested Martin, Watson, Iverson, Thompson and Terrell with Garrett and Four off the bench.

Couple of thoughts and I know you and several others have been big supporters of Garrett since he arrived at URI.

I don't think the starting line up suggestions matter much since DH tends to make very few starting line up changes. Most likely change if any at all occur would be Thompson for Four since Four's shooting, turnovers and defense have not been as good as Thompsons.

- Garrett is playing 31.7 minutes per game so 8.3 mpg someone else is playing the PG role, usually Thompson or Four, sometimes Terrell
- Does it seem odd that we only have one PG as you say? Not sure why we didn't recruit a PG, lost Minnis of course, Dowtin next year can play PG
- Agree with Brady, Dude along the lines of let DH decide and it does not matter so much who starts - more important as to who finishes and who gets the most minutes
- Who would have ever predicted that our high scorer and high rebounder 10 games into the season would be a guy who was not on the team last year? Iverson at 11.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg leads the team in both categories and is increasing his numbers
- Very little criticism of the Remaining Core 3 on the Board through 10 games - would you agree? Fair amount of criticism of Iverson, Four, DH, some of Thompson but little on Terrell or Garrett or Martin
- Reality is that with EC going out that the lost points and rebounds for EC would have been largely made up by Garrett, Terrell and Martin (not so much Four, Iverson, Watson or Thompson)
- So looking at the remaining Core 3 a quick assessment:
Terrell - zero points vs Maryland, 62% FT, seems to disappear in games sometimes, has thrown some soft passes to be picked off. Good defense. Shooting picking up of late but we really need JT to pick up for A10 play. Many picked JT to lead the team in scoring with EC out. Talented player who needs to play 36+ minutes per game
Garrett - lowest 3 point % of all 5 starters with 8-33 (consider Thompson also has 8 but only taken 16 shots for 50%) which includes 3-5 in last game vs Nebraska so maybe he is breaking out with his 3 point shooting. 3.7 apg to 1.4 topg is a good ratio but really need more than 3.7 assists per game from our PG in 32 mpg. Some soft cross court passes similar to JT this year that have been picked off and tend to be telegraphed - need to do more ball fakes.
Martin - 5.6 rebounds per game, would have expected more especially with EC out. This could be Martin's team that he takes on his back. Nobody has really stepped up to be the team leader as yet - still adjusting possibly to live without EC? Martin was a beneficiary of some nice passes from EC especially on breakaways where Martin ran the floor very very well. Not sure what dunk stats are but he is not getting as many dunks as last year - at least so far.

But optimistically I think the Remaining Core 3 will recover and increase their production in all categories - there really is no reason whey they shouldn't. Thompson will break into starting lineup. Iverson will continue his fast and steady improvement. Four will be better coming off the bench, adding a spark and reducing to 20-24 mpg.\
Watson is strong, shooting well, blocking shots....nothing to worry about with him except getting him more PT
Akele has shown a good propensity to grap offensive rebounds, has impressed at times and will continue to improve

I expect the toughest OOC schedule we have had in a very long time will have served it's purpose and prepare us for at least a 3rd place finish in the A10.

I'll be very surprised if we don't go into A10 play 9-4 with wins over Iona, ODU and Brown giving us valuable momentum adn all important confidence.

RAM67 · Unread post by **RAM67** » 8 years ago

Ramster. I don't follow High School basketball as much as you, but I was under the impression that Dowtin was a point guard.

ramster · Unread post by **ramster** » 8 years ago

RAM67 wrote:Ramster. I don't follow High School basketball as much as you, but I was under the impression that Dowtin was a point guard.

He can play either. Shoots the 3 well. Tends to be overshadowed by Teammate Anthony Cowan who scores 25-35 ppg and is going to Maryland.

rambone 78 · Unread post by **rambone 78** » 8 years ago

ramster, we won't have trouble with Iona or Brown.

The game that worries me is ODU. It's on the road, they are dangerous if we repeat the Nebraska fiasco.

They have to show they can win under pressure against a decent team. Going to have to at some point, might as well start there......

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

Thompson was the point guard on his teams before coming here. I think he is a point guard.

Dowtin is a point guard. Same mold. They are just tall. Don't have to be short to be a point guard.

I think Jarvis and everyone will lead us to something this year. I really do.

ramfan85 · Unread post by **ramfan85** » 8 years ago

I'm really disappointed in JG's free throw shooting this year. I know he's better at that than he's showing now.
If poor free throw shooting continues, I 'd like to see Dan replace him in the closing minutes
with Thompson(assuming he continues to progress) for games where we're simply trying to hold the lead. I think Thompson will become one of our best free throw shooters. Four's lack of speed, etc., won't hurt us in those situations. He can handle the point guard job.
We've got to close out games. We can't t be concerned with hurting player's feelings.
The lack of competition at the point isn't helping Jarvis. It's natural for a player to become too comfortable when they know that there's no competition for their job. Last year Dan commented on Minnis "coasting along" after JG got hurt.
He also mentioned a few weeks back that our guards weren't putting in the necessary effort to improve their free throws.
Without saying a word, Dan will be letting players know that their playing time will be decreased if they don't improve.
Just my opinion.

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

Yea Jarvis has many good things. If you can't count on your point guard to knock down free throws? Thats like not being able to count on a front court guy rebounding.

DeanDome88 · Unread post by **DeanDome88** » 8 years ago

ramster wrote:
bigappleram wrote:I wanted to stop reading when someone said Jarvis should be coming off the bench. If anyone from the Core 3 could even be discussed as a 6th man its Terrell. Garrett can do things no one else on our team can, were you at the PC game? PG is the most impt position in basketball and we only have 1.

The only possible shake ups that could work are:
Going big (Hass and Earl) - but i agree spacing will be an issue with that lineup
Swapping Thomspon for Four - to me that is going to happen its just a matter of when. Four isn't intended to be a 30 mpg guy, he is a specialist. Thompson has a more complete game and is an investment in the future.
BAR,
It was NYG that had starting 5 of Martin, Terrell, Iverson, Thompson and Four with Garrett and Watson first off the bench.
I thought this was a novel approach and suggested Martin, Watson, Iverson, Thompson and Terrell with Garrett and Four off the bench.

Couple of thoughts and I know you and several others have been big supporters of Garrett since he arrived at URI.

I don't think the starting line up suggestions matter much since DH tends to make very few starting line up changes. Most likely change if any at all occur would be Thompson for Four since Four's shooting, turnovers and defense have not been as good as Thompsons.

- Garrett is playing 31.7 minutes per game so 8.3 mpg someone else is playing the PG role, usually Thompson or Four, sometimes Terrell
- Does it seem odd that we only have one PG as you say? Not sure why we didn't recruit a PG, lost Minnis of course, Dowtin next year can play PG
- Agree with Brady, Dude along the lines of let DH decide and it does not matter so much who starts - more important as to who finishes and who gets the most minutes
- Who would have ever predicted that our high scorer and high rebounder 10 games into the season would be a guy who was not on the team last year? Iverson at 11.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg leads the team in both categories and is increasing his numbers
- Very little criticism of the Remaining Core 3 on the Board through 10 games - would you agree? Fair amount of criticism of Iverson, Four, DH, some of Thompson but little on Terrell or Garrett or Martin
- Reality is that with EC going out that the lost points and rebounds for EC would have been largely made up by Garrett, Terrell and Martin (not so much Four, Iverson, Watson or Thompson)
- So looking at the remaining Core 3 a quick assessment:
Terrell - zero points vs Maryland, 62% FT, seems to disappear in games sometimes, has thrown some soft passes to be picked off. Good defense. Shooting picking up of late but we really need JT to pick up for A10 play. Many picked JT to lead the team in scoring with EC out. Talented player who needs to play 36+ minutes per game
Garrett - lowest 3 point % of all 5 starters with 8-33 (consider Thompson also has 8 but only taken 16 shots for 50%) which includes 3-5 in last game vs Nebraska so maybe he is breaking out with his 3 point shooting. 3.7 apg to 1.4 topg is a good ratio but really need more than 3.7 assists per game from our PG in 32 mpg. Some soft cross court passes similar to JT this year that have been picked off and tend to be telegraphed - need to do more ball fakes.
Martin - 5.6 rebounds per game, would have expected more especially with EC out. This could be Martin's team that he takes on his back. Nobody has really stepped up to be the team leader as yet - still adjusting possibly to live without EC? Martin was a beneficiary of some nice passes from EC especially on breakaways where Martin ran the floor very very well. Not sure what dunk stats are but he is not getting as many dunks as last year - at least so far.

But optimistically I think the Remaining Core 3 will recover and increase their production in all categories - there really is no reason whey they shouldn't. Thompson will break into starting lineup. Iverson will continue his fast and steady improvement. Four will be better coming off the bench, adding a spark and reducing to 20-24 mpg.\
Watson is strong, shooting well, blocking shots....nothing to worry about with him except getting him more PT
Akele has shown a good propensity to grap offensive rebounds, has impressed at times and will continue to improve

I expect the toughest OOC schedule we have had in a very long time will have served it's purpose and prepare us for at least a 3rd place finish in the A10.

I'll be very surprised if we don't go into A10 play 9-4 with wins over Iona, ODU and Brown giving us valuable momentum adn all important confidence.

I have never liked the "core player" talk and really hate to hear it out of the head coach's mouth. I watched the podcast of the coaches show and was not really impressed with Hurley. I just do not see the mind set of a very successful person. If you want better performance out of your players then coach them up rather than talking crap that if they were playing better you could easily be 9-1. Help Jared Terrell work on his offensive moves and give him a little more rest during the games rather than wish he scored more. Sit guys for a few minutes when they stop running the floor. Use the damn bench, there is eight guys with not a large drop off in skill level. I think Dan fell in love with Four after his hot start and is doing a bad job of allocating minutes. Thompson has as much skill as any of our backcourt players, hustles his ass off and still gets short minutes, I agree that Akele has a good nose for the ball and want to see him on the court more. I do not care if a player makes a "mistake" once in a while. Players improve by playing other very good players and picking up some good techniques not rotting on the bench.

I will rank our players for my expectations for their contributions for the stretch run of this season. 1. Martin 2. Iverson, Terrell, Thompson 5. Garrett, Watson 7. Akele, McGlynn. 9. Berry 10. Walk-ons. The reality is that our bigs are as talented as our guards but our guards still get the bulk of the minutes.

I prefer McGlynn in more of a specialist type role and would not pair him much on the court with Jarvis. It is too easy for the defense to shade McGlynn and help off of Jarvis.

I would like to see the team experiment with a unit of Terrell, Thompson, Martin, Iverson and Watson (because size and athleticism actually helps in the game of basketball).

Also the unit of Terrell, Garrett, Thompson, and 2 of Martin/Akele/Iverson to get out and run the floor. Tom Penders ran with a shorter bench than Dan has now.

Seawrightspostgame · Unread post by **Seawrightspostgame** » 8 years ago

Thompson has shown that jump in maturity. I expect he will grow even more before leveling out this year.

Its early but I think EC's freshman performance has spoiled us. The 2 last year were good but I think Thompson is right there with them.

Although Terrell probably was a good college defender by like his sophomore year of high school basketball.

theblueram · Unread post by **theblueram** » 8 years ago

I'm becoming more and more a CT fan each game. The first 5 games he really didn't take any shots. Understandable, but overcoming that defines a player. Especially early in their career. He's showing alot of confidence now. He can shoot FT too.

steveystuds06 · Unread post by **steveystuds06** » 8 years ago

I love Disano, but I disagree that Thompson shouldn't be starting. Four is not a starter at this level. Thompson is already a better rebounder, defender, and at this point I don't see much of a difference in regards to shooting.. Four is a liability on defense. I know he works extremely hard, but it's just his athletic ability that hurts him. I saw Thompson play great defense, box out, and grab the defensive rebound a couple times last night and it really impressed me . If we actually want to get somewhere in the A10 we need Thompson to continue to improve. Four is Four when he's hot watch out. He's great to have at the end for free throws as well. We need both to play well but why not change it up and maybe we will actually start the first 10 mins with some sort of momentum.

ramfan85 · Unread post by **ramfan85** » 8 years ago

steveystuds06 wrote:I love Disano, but I disagree that Thompson shouldn't be starting. Four is not a starter at this level. Thompson is already a better rebounder, defender, and at this point I don't see much of a difference in regards to shooting.. Four is a liability on defense. I know he works extremely hard, but it's just his athletic ability that hurts him. I saw Thompson play great defense, box out, and grab the defensive rebound a couple times last night and it really impressed me . If we actually want to get somewhere in the A10 we need Thompson to continue to improve. Four is Four when he's hot watch out. He's great to have at the end for free throws as well. We need both to play well but why not change it up and maybe we will actually start the first 10 mins with some sort of momentum.

Well said. I couldn't agree more.

section(105) · Unread post by **section(105)** » 8 years ago

After last nite's play, foot issue included, Four is deserving of fewer minutes.....coming off the bench for selected minutes maybe the way to go.....a jump start as designated shooter.....assuming he gets his eye and stroke back......still concerned about his capability against the rigors of the A10....

Login • Register