.4773

[Texas Western]

Derricks free throw percentage .On what basis can playing time in the last 10 minutes of the game be justified?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Derrick was a bright spot in this game. I'm not arguing that his FT shooting is acceptable but its an odd time to call for his head

[Texas Western]

Derrick was a bright spot in this game. I'm not arguing that his FT shooting is acceptable but its an odd time to call for his head

Keep him out of the game at crunch time is what I think is required. He is too much of a liability.

[esotericmindguy]

7.7% (1-13), the three point percentage from the two SGs. And your worries about Wilson going 1-3 from the line?

Maybe if MU is ahead in the final minute Buzz will do a offense/defense sub. But Marquette wasn't ahead. Let me guess, you're a Dawson fan....how'd he do today?? There aren't better options.

[chapman]

Perhaps he could try granny style? 

[Texas Western]

7.7% (1-13), the three point percentage from the two SGs. And your worries about Wilson going 1-3 from the line?

Maybe if MU is ahead in the final minute Buzz will do a offense/defense sub. But Marquette wasn't ahead. Let me guess, you're a Dawson fan....how'd he do today?? There aren't better options.

Todd and Deonte can each run 30-35 minutes , will be more in the flow and force the defense to respect them. Jake and Derrick go back to being substitutes .

[77ncaachamps]

How about .370 vs .347?

DWil's FG% vs Jake's FG%


Abysmal! Tied for 8th and 9th on the team.

Guess who's 10th? DYLAN FLOOD!

[79Warrior]

Perhaps he could try granny style? 

It worked pretty nicely for Rick Barry!

[Marqus Howard]

How about .370 vs .347?

DWil's FG% vs Jake's FG%


Abysmal! Tied for 8th and 9th on the team.

Guess who's 10th? DYLAN FLOOD!

Dawson's FG% is .250. It's not as if we have a better option than Derrick right now.

[bilsu]

Dawson's FG% is .250. It's not as if we have a better option than Derrick right now.

When we were up 7 early in the first half Dawson came in and turned the ball over and committed a foul. He is not the answer.

[keefe]

It worked pretty nicely for Rick Barry!

Guy Rodgers

[Wojo'sMojo]

When we were up 7 early in the first half Dawson came in and turned the ball over and committed a foul. He is not the answer.

Neither is the pg who has led us to a 10-8 record this season so far.

[chapman]

It worked pretty nicely for Rick Barry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz-T30WZKo8

As Red Auerbach says in the above, "Do it the way that you can make it, that's the name of the game!"  Maybe D can try something crazy, cause he ain't making it.

[keefe]

Neither is the pg who has led us to a 10-8 record this season so far.

Does that include wins against Southern, Grambling, UNH, CSF, UIPUI, Ball State, and Samford? So, removing the cupcakes we are actually 3-8 this year. Brilliant.

A .230 Winning %. Our 1 & 2 FG% glows in comparison.

[Texas Western]

7.7% (1-13), the three point percentage from the two SGs. And your worries about Wilson going 1-3 from the line?

Maybe if MU is ahead in the final minute Buzz will do a offense/defense sub. But Marquette wasn't ahead. Let me guess, you're a Dawson fan....how'd he do today?? There aren't better options.

In a close game at the end, a point guard who can't hit free throws is a huge liability. The other team can foul him at will and not get penalized fully.  Actually this is not the kids fault, the coach should not allow him on the court in this kind of situation

[keefe]

In a close game at the end, a point guard who can't hit free throws is a huge liability. The other team can foul him at will and not get penalized fully.  Actually this is not the kids fault, the coach should not allow him on the court in this kind of situation

We really do need to try something different because this isn't working. Buck stops at Buzz.

[NersEllenson]

When we were up 7 early in the first half Dawson came in and turned the ball over and committed a foul. He is not the answer.

I ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY love how fast we are to cast Dawson aside if he makes the slightest of screw up, when we have basically 14 games of complete garbage in 30+ minutes per game of PT to assess our current starting PG, that has "led" this team to a 10-8 record.

How anyone who has ever played the game at just the high school level, cannot understand, it takes about 3-5 minutes just to get into the flow of a game - can expect a freshman to just come in and from possession 1 start raining 3's and assisting buckets, is crazy to me...when said player gets generally yanked after 2 minutes of action.  Derrick had 5 turnover today, okay??  At least he tried to force the issue a little bit for once...and the price you paid was 5 turnovers in exchange.

[wadesworld]

I ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY love how fast we are to cast Dawson aside if he makes the slightest of screw up, when we have basically 14 games of complete garbage in 30+ minutes per game of PT to assess our current starting PG, that has "led" this team to a 10-8 record.

How anyone who has ever played the game at just the high school level, cannot understand, it takes about 3-5 minutes just to get into the flow of a game - can expect a freshman to just come in and from possession 1 start raining 3's and assisting buckets, is crazy to me...when said player gets generally yanked after 2 minutes of action.  Derrick had 5 turnover today, okay??  At least he tried to force the issue a little bit for once...and the price you paid was 5 turnovers in exchange.

Considering there are TV timeouts every 4 minutes, I sure as sh!t hope it doesn't take players 4 or 5 minutes to get into the flow of the game. Nobody would ever be in the flow of the game. If that's true we'd be seeing every college game at about 4-2 at the under 16 minute timeout. These are the best basketball players in the country. They prepare their bodies to be ready to go at any moment. They know what they need to do to stay fresh and ready to contribute. The "No flow because of all the subbing" just doesn't fly.

[brandx]

Dawson's FG% is .250. It's not as if we have a better option than Derrick right now.

Just for the sake of fairness, Dawson is usually guarded. Derrick is 37% or whatever - unguarded.

[LAZER]

Derrick was a bright spot in this game. I'm not arguing that his FT shooting is acceptable but its an odd time to call for his head

I think this was one of his worst games of the season.  I like that he tried pushing the ball, but I don't think he's very strong at it.  6-13 shooting, 5to, 3ast...he's had better days.

[Nevada233]

I ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY love how fast we are to cast Dawson aside if he makes the slightest of screw up, when we have basically 14 games of complete garbage in 30+ minutes per game of PT to assess our current starting PG, that has "led" this team to a 10-8 record.

How anyone who has ever played the game at just the high school level, cannot understand, it takes about 3-5 minutes just to get into the flow of a game - can expect a freshman to just come in and from possession 1 start raining 3's and assisting buckets, is crazy to me...when said player gets generally yanked after 2 minutes of action.  Derrick had 5 turnover today, okay??  At least he tried to force the issue a little bit for once...and the price you paid was 5 turnovers in exchange.

+1.5

[NersEllenson]

Considering there are TV timeouts every 4 minutes, I sure as sh!t hope it doesn't take players 4 or 5 minutes to get into the flow of the game. Nobody would ever be in the flow of the game. If that's true we'd be seeing every college game at about 4-2 at the under 16 minute timeout. These are the best basketball players in the country. They prepare their bodies to be ready to go at any moment. They know what they need to do to stay fresh and ready to contribute. The "No flow because of all the subbing" just doesn't fly.

Clearly you have never played the game at even the high school level.  It is virtually impossible to contribute much of anything when you get 2-3 minute stints of run at a time. It's not about a players body being "ready to contribute, or "fresh," it's about getting a good opportunity to contribute - which 2-3 minutes doesn't allow.  Buzz threw Dawson in at the possession dead ball before the TV timeouts - the 2 or 3 times he got action, and Dawson was out after the TV timeout - you simply cannot impact a game on that short of run.

Dawson played quite solidly on the road at X - when Buzz HAD to leave him in the game for 8+ minutes of run due to both Derrick and Jamil being in foul trouble - the results were hardly ugly.  At this point, I can only hope Derrick picks up 3 quick fouls in the first half, along with Jamil  -and Buzz is forced to play Dawson for long stretches....and I'll guaran-GOD-tee you, it won't be ugly.  We'll look like a good basketball team again.

[wadesworld]

Clearly you have never played the game at even the high school level.  It is virtually impossible to contribute much of anything when you get 2-3 minute stints of run at a time. It's not about a players body being "ready to contribute, or "fresh," it's about getting a good opportunity to contribute - which 2-3 minutes doesn't allow.  Buzz threw Dawson in at the possession dead ball before the TV timeouts - the 2 or 3 times he got action, and Dawson was out after the TV timeout - you simply cannot impact a game on that short of run.

Dawson played quite solidly on the road at X - when Buzz HAD to leave him in the game for 8+ minutes of run due to both Derrick and Jamil being in foul trouble - the results were hardly ugly.  At this point, I can only hope Derrick picks up 3 quick fouls in the first half, along with Jamil  -and Buzz is forced to play Dawson for long stretches....and I'll guaran-GOD-tee you, it won't be ugly.  We'll look like a good basketball team again.

So if a player is given 6 straight minutes with a 2 minute TV timeout dead in the middle (aka 2 separate 3 minute stints) he can be effective in those 2 3 minute stints because it equates to 6 straight minutes of game time, but if a player comes in at 15:55 coming out of the under 16 timeout and is subbed out at 12:50 he can't be effective because Buzz only gave him a 3 minute stint? Your math just doesn't add up. These are the top 1% of the population at playing basketball, they need to be able to be effective in short stints because that's what college basketball is, a series of short stints. You have timeouts every 4 minutes plus 10 timeous between the 2 teams. That's 18 timeouts in 40 minutes of basketball. You aren't going to see 8 minutes straight with no break in the action.

Dawson had 1 good game. Buzz sees this team 40 hours a week. We see them for 80 minutes a week. Buzz would probably be playing Dawson some more if Dawson would change this team from bad to good like you suggest.

[NersEllenson]

So if a player is given 6 straight minutes with a 2 minute TV timeout dead in the middle (aka 2 separate 3 minute stints) he can be effective in those 2 3 minute stints because it equates to 6 straight minutes of game time, but if a player comes in at 15:55 coming out of the under 16 timeout and is subbed out at 12:50 he can't be effective because Buzz only gave him a 3 minute stint? Your math just doesn't add up. These are the top 1% of the population at playing basketball, they need to be able to be effective in short stints because that's what college basketball is, a series of short stints. You have timeouts every 4 minutes plus 10 timeous between the 2 teams. That's 18 timeouts in 40 minutes of basketball. You aren't going to see 8 minutes straight with no break in the action.

Dawson had 1 good game. Buzz sees this team 40 hours a week. We see them for 80 minutes a week. Buzz would probably be playing Dawson some more if Dawson would change this team from bad to good like you suggest.

You simply don't get it.  And it almost seems foolish to try to explain it to you..but I will.  When a guy gets in a game, like Dawson has lately at the last dead ball before the next TV timeout - so say at a stoppage of play around the 16:45, 12:45, 8:45, 4:45 mark...and plays till the next dead ball below 16, 12, 8 and 4 - and then gets pulled - yes, very hard to do/show much.  More difficult if you are so concerned with making a mistake, or that you HAVE to show something "great" in those 45 seconds such as making a 3, steal, great assist - in a very small window of available time - in order to earn more minutes - you play tight/not relaxed.

Now, if I'm in a game at the 15:00 minute mark, and the 12:00 minute TV timeout comes at say, 11:30, and then I get to go back out on the floor for the next 3-4 minutes of game time - yes, I will show more/play better than in the above scenario.  Lots of coaches advise not coming in cold off the bench and launching a shot right away - get in the flow, break a sweat.

I'd liken it to this - a marathon runner, probably would tell you the first mile or two are more challenging than miles 3 - 20, and then miles 20-26 are most difficult due to fatigue - but there is an optimal middle level in there when you've broken a sweat, gotten totally loose, and the body flowing.

Basketball is a huge game of rhythm.  When it is constantly interrupted you get less than optimal results.  This is usually what Buzz and other coaches shorten their rotation to 8 guys.  The whole offense/defense subbing is of limited benefit too.

My issue with the team is simply that the player getting the most minutes is your worst Net Negative performer, and you've had 18 games to see if things can improve - and they aren't.  Give Dawson a legit opportunity for at least 5 games and see what you have in the kid - what if he shows real well?  You've now perhaps made your team better this year, but you also learn going into next year that you have a good/solid PG on your roster - OR if as you and the others in the Pro-Derrick crowd would suspect - you learn Dawson doesn't have it at this level (at least not as a freshman), and you return him to the bench for your highly ineffective Junior.

[wadesworld]

You simply don't get it.  And it almost seems foolish to try to explain it to you..but I will.  When a guy gets in a game, like Dawson has lately at the last dead ball before the next TV timeout - so say at a stoppage of play around the 16:45, 12:45, 8:45, 4:45 mark...and plays till the next dead ball below 16, 12, 8 and 4 - and then gets pulled - yes, very hard to do/show much.  More difficult if you are so concerned with making a mistake, or that you HAVE to show something "great" in those 45 seconds such as making a 3, steal, great assist - in a very small window of available time - in order to earn more minutes - you play tight/not relaxed.

Now, if I'm in a game at the 15:00 minute mark, and the 12:00 minute TV timeout comes at say, 11:30, and then I get to go back out on the floor for the next 3-4 minutes of game time - yes, I will show more/play better than in the above scenario.  Lots of coaches advise not coming in cold off the bench and launching a shot right away - get in the flow, break a sweat.

I'd liken it to this - a marathon runner, probably would tell you the first mile or two are more challenging than miles 3 - 20, and then miles 20-26 are most difficult due to fatigue - but there is an optimal middle level in there when you've broken a sweat, gotten totally loose, and the body flowing.

Basketball is a huge game of rhythm.  When it is constantly interrupted you get less than optimal results.  This is usually what Buzz and other coaches shorten their rotation to 8 guys.  The whole offense/defense subbing is of limited benefit too.

My issue with the team is simply that the player getting the most minutes is your worst Net Negative performer, and you've had 18 games to see if things can improve - and they aren't.  Give Dawson a legit opportunity for at least 5 games and see what you have in the kid - what if he shows real well?  You've now perhaps made your team better this year, but you also learn going into next year that you have a good/solid PG on your roster - OR if as you and the others in the Pro-Derrick crowd would suspect - you learn Dawson doesn't have it at this level (at least not as a freshman), and you return him to the bench for your highly ineffective Junior.

Here's my problem with this. You're assuming that Buzz has no idea what Dawson can do despite seeing Dawson practice multiple hours every single day. You're assuming Buzz only sees him for the 5 minutes he plays a game. That's simply not the case. If Dawson was as good as you like to pretend he is he would be playing much more, because Derrick isn't a good division 1 point guard. I'm not pro Derrick and I'm not anti Dawson. I'm pro winning and if a guy getting paid over $2 million/year decided one guy should play over another I'm going to assume he has his reasons to do that. Buzz isn't going to play a player solely based on loyalty at this level. Risk the chance of being unemployed (eventually if these results become the norm...obviously not happening just based on 1 bad season) and giving up $2 million/year just because you like the kid who's been here longer? I doubt it.

[PGsHeroes32]

When we were up 7 early in the first half Dawson came in and turned the ball over and committed a foul. He is not the answer.

If were going to talk TO's.

Derrick had two absolutely moronic passes that lead to fast breaks for Butler yesterday.

[Nevada233]

You simply don't get it.  And it almost seems foolish to try to explain it to you..but I will.  When a guy gets in a game, like Dawson has lately at the last dead ball before the next TV timeout - so say at a stoppage of play around the 16:45, 12:45, 8:45, 4:45 mark...and plays till the next dead ball below 16, 12, 8 and 4 - and then gets pulled - yes, very hard to do/show much.  More difficult if you are so concerned with making a mistake, or that you HAVE to show something "great" in those 45 seconds such as making a 3, steal, great assist - in a very small window of available time - in order to earn more minutes - you play tight/not relaxed.

Now, if I'm in a game at the 15:00 minute mark, and the 12:00 minute TV timeout comes at say, 11:30, and then I get to go back out on the floor for the next 3-4 minutes of game time - yes, I will show more/play better than in the above scenario.  Lots of coaches advise not coming in cold off the bench and launching a shot right away - get in the flow, break a sweat.

I'd liken it to this - a marathon runner, probably would tell you the first mile or two are more challenging than miles 3 - 20, and then miles 20-26 are most difficult due to fatigue - but there is an optimal middle level in there when you've broken a sweat, gotten totally loose, and the body flowing.

Basketball is a huge game of rhythm.  When it is constantly interrupted you get less than optimal results.  This is usually what Buzz and other coaches shorten their rotation to 8 guys.  The whole offense/defense subbing is of limited benefit too.

My issue with the team is simply that the player getting the most minutes is your worst Net Negative performer, and you've had 18 games to see if things can improve - and they aren't.  Give Dawson a legit opportunity for at least 5 games and see what you have in the kid - what if he shows real well?  You've now perhaps made your team better this year, but you also learn going into next year that you have a good/solid PG on your roster - OR if as you and the others in the Pro-Derrick crowd would suspect - you learn Dawson doesn't have it at this level (at least not as a freshman), and you return him to the bench for your highly ineffective Junior.

Dawson whos playing on a one mistake benched... one late rotation benched... one bad shot benched for the game rotation.... isnt gonna do much in 45 second to 1:05 stretches and will not play any meaningful time anytime soon this or probably next year...... Derrick who's coming back as senior next year played 40 minutes last night and +32 every night and his court time isnt going down no time soon...

the concern should be deonte who played 4 minutes last night... when the offense was at a standstill.... he may have been able to help out.. id rather see him out there than scare to shoot juan

[BallBoy]

.

How anyone who has ever played the game at just the high school level, cannot understand, it takes about 3-5 minutes just to get into the flow of game

So which MU starter were you?  You keep throwing out it takes someone with your knowledge of the game to see this. Well, which MU player were you?

In MLB, do they say that a reliever needs two-three batters to get in the flow of the game?  No, you either make the most of it or you get pulled.

Dawson hasn't shown he deserves the minutes. At any level the best players play, the backups provide a breather, create a matchup problem, address foul problems or step in when there is an injury.

[Texas Western]

You simply don't get it.  And it almost seems foolish to try to explain it to you..but I will.  When a guy gets in a game, like Dawson has lately at the last dead ball before the next TV timeout - so say at a stoppage of play around the 16:45, 12:45, 8:45, 4:45 mark...and plays till the next dead ball below 16, 12, 8 and 4 - and then gets pulled - yes, very hard to do/show much.  More difficult if you are so concerned with making a mistake, or that you HAVE to show something "great" in those 45 seconds such as making a 3, steal, great assist - in a very small window of available time - in order to earn more minutes - you play tight/not relaxed.

Now, if I'm in a game at the 15:00 minute mark, and the 12:00 minute TV timeout comes at say, 11:30, and then I get to go back out on the floor for the next 3-4 minutes of game time - yes, I will show more/play better than in the above scenario.  Lots of coaches advise not coming in cold off the bench and launching a shot right away - get in the flow, break a sweat.

I'd liken it to this - a marathon runner, probably would tell you the first mile or two are more challenging than miles 3 - 20, and then miles 20-26 are most difficult due to fatigue - but there is an optimal middle level in there when you've broken a sweat, gotten totally loose, and the body flowing.

Basketball is a huge game of rhythm.  When it is constantly interrupted you get less than optimal results.  This is usually what Buzz and other coaches shorten their rotation to 8 guys.  The whole offense/defense subbing is of limited benefit too.

My issue with the team is simply that the player getting the most minutes is your worst Net Negative performer, and you've had 18 games to see if things can improve - and they aren't.  Give Dawson a legit opportunity for at least 5 games and see what you have in the kid - what if he shows real well?  You've now perhaps made your team better this year, but you also learn going into next year that you have a good/solid PG on your roster - OR if as you and the others in the Pro-Derrick crowd would suspect - you learn Dawson doesn't have it at this level (at least not as a freshman), and you return him to the bench for your highly ineffective Junior.

You are absolutely correct . Buzz has a very lousy rotation pattern and it hurts the team. I would be really like to see Dawson JJJ and Deonte together on the floor for extended minutes. let them get into the rhythm and see where it takes us.

[Superfan]

There's a bigger picture to this also.  Buzz is getting paid big bucks and look at the product that is being produced.  I understand that Duane's injury was a big setback but good teams recover.  Nortthwestern just beat Indiana on the road without their PG.  Part of coaching is also developing players and I think we will all agree that there has not been a lot of that happening this year.  Other programs are finding success without as many 4 star players as we have.  Why isn't Juan developing?  Why doesn't Derrick, or anybody else for that matter, know how to shoot a basketball? Why isn't Derrick being forced to drive to the basket more often rather than being so painfully passive?  Why are our freshmen making the types of mistakes in games that you would expect in the first week of the season?  I am a Buzz fan and will support him all the way.  At the same time, critical evaluation is often necessary and now is an opportune time.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

You are absolutely correct . Buzz has a very lousy rotation pattern and it hurts the team. I would be really like to see Dawson JJJ and Deonte together on the floor for extended minutes. let them get into the rhythm and see where it takes us.

This has happened repeatedly and it was a train wreck. Buzz has given what you all want and it doesn't work.

[forgetful]

The constant belittling of Derek is getting old.  He plays PG, hardest position on the floor and one that is never rewarded by the fans.  All fans seem to think the reason they are losing is the PG.

Going back to James even.  We lose it was his fault, because he couldn't shoot or hit FTs...can't have a PG on the court who can't shoot.

Then we switch over to Acker/Cubilan.  They are too little...they have no business playing D1 basketball.  They can't penetrate and be a threat to score so defenses don't respect their drive and just guard the perimeter.  We need a PG who can penetrate like James...

Then we had Buykes for a year at PG.  He sucks, he has no business being a D1 PG, he can't pass, can't shoot.  We need guys like Acker/Cubilan that are a threat to score from outside.

Then Junior.  He is a TO machine.  He can't shoot if his life depended on it.  We need PG's like Acker/Cubilan that value the ball and can shoot (we should play D. Wilson, at least he doesn't turn it over...Buzz is only playing Junior out of loyalty).

Now the same for Derek.  It is not possible to satisfy fans around here unless apparently you are starting Chris Paul at PG, even then people around here would find some way to fault him.  It is not unique to MU though, it is the nature of being a PG.  Right now the Badger's are claiming they can't win with Traevon Jackson...who shouldn't be allowed to play D1 basketball...all because he had a could tough games and they lost. 

Everyone always blames the PG...I'm not saying Derek doesn't have his faults, but he is doing an adequate job at the game's toughest position.  He is playing, because when we put in others they do worse.  If you are complaining each and every year that our PG is the worst ever, either you don't understand the complexities of being a PG or you don't remember you said the same things about the PG last year.

[Texas Western]

This has happened repeatedly and it was a train wreck. Buzz has given what you all want and it doesn't work.

They do well when they get the minutes , especially JJJ . That kid has huge talent and enthusiasm. They give us a better chance to win.

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

They do well when they get the minutes , especially JJJ . That kid has huge talent and enthusiasm. They give us a better chance to win.

1) JJJ is injured
2) JJJ has done nothing in conference play
3) Despite him doing nothing in confernce play, I would still like to see him get some minutes. He has the talent he just needs to learn to channel it
4) What I was specifically referring to was when Dawson, Burton, and JJJ were on the floor at the same time. That specifically was a train wreck

[Wojo'sMojo]

This has happened repeatedly and it was a train wreck. Buzz has given what you all want and it doesn't work.

This is a false statement. Happened repeatedly and was a train wreck?? When did these repeated instances occur?  

[NersEllenson]

So which MU starter were you?  You keep throwing out it takes someone with your knowledge of the game to see this. Well, which MU player were you?

In MLB, do they say that a reliever needs two-three batters to get in the flow of the game?  No, you either make the most of it or you get pulled.

Dawson hasn't shown he deserves the minutes. At any level the best players play, the backups provide a breather, create a matchup problem, address foul problems or step in when there is an injury.

There are several posters here who know how close to MU hoops I was from 1993-1997, played with lots of guys on the team in the Summer at Old Gym, at the Rec, coached at K.O.'s and Mike Deane's summer basketball camps with the guys on the team...

Comparing baseball to basketball is ludicrous.  But, if you want...does that relief pitcher you reference warm up in the bullpen??  I've been saying it since the Thanksgiving tourney and ASU game - this team wasn't going to be any good so long as Derrick and Jake are getting 25+ minutes a game....and we still look like crap at the end of January.

How some of you cannot see Dawson oozes potential when he gets good stretches of run is beyond me...as it is how quick to judge and be ready to throw Dawson - a freshman - under the bus, all the while you see Derrick for 30+ minutes a game put up horsesh$t stats, the team losing games, beating no one of consequence, and our head coach saying we play 4 on 5...and some want to point to "lack of leadership?"  Seriously?  Leadership can't prevent the opposition from sagging 5' off your leading minute getter and starting PG who has the worst Net Negative rating on the team.

[NersEllenson]

This has happened repeatedly and it was a train wreck. Buzz has given what you all want and it doesn't work.

Total and complete B.S....they may have been on the floor for all of 1 minute together during 2 games.  We've seen plenty of minutes together of Derrick, Jake, Otule, and Juan to know it is complete garbage as far as production.

[NersEllenson]

1) JJJ is injured
2) JJJ has done nothing in conference play
3) Despite him doing nothing in confernce play, I would still like to see him get some minutes. He has the talent he just needs to learn to channel it
4) What I was specifically referring to was when Dawson, Burton, and JJJ were on the floor at the same time. That specifically was a train wreck

Kind of like Derrick?

[TAMU, Knower of Ball]

Total and complete B.S....they may have been on the floor for all of 1 minute together during 2 games.  We've seen plenty of minutes together of Derrick, Jake, Otule, and Juan to know it is complete garbage as far as production.

But is lockdown on defense. The three freshman on the floor are terrible on both ends of the floor

[Texas Western]

But is lockdown on defense. The three freshman on the floor are terrible on both ends of the floor

Why so you think those four guys are lockdown on defense? If they were we would be getting more fast breaks. I would agree Burton needs to work on his defense, however I do think when JJJ gets in he goes for interceptions and gets them frequently. Dawson has not played enough minutes to show what he can do on defense.

[Wojo'sMojo]

But is lockdown on defense. The three freshman on the floor are terrible on both ends of the floor

I think lockdown defense with those players is grossly exaggerated...effort and hustle yes, lockdown no.

[keefe]

Kind of like Derrick?

Well done

[Sunbelt15]

But is lockdown on defense. The three freshman on the floor are terrible on both ends of the floor

I thought lockdown defense wins games?

[keefe]

I thought lockdown defense wins games?

It does. Having our starting 5 on the court allows opponents to fill the middle thereby locking down Gardner. Lockdown Defense wins games.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

I thought lockdown defense wins games?

deflections do, my man, deflections.

[CTWarrior]

The constant belittling of Derek is getting old.  He plays PG, hardest position on the floor and one that is never rewarded by the fans.  All fans seem to think the reason they are losing is the PG.

The belittling of Derrick IS getting old, but let's not pretend it is not valid.  He is neither a scorer nor a creator.  We desperately need those things.  Everybody needs at least one of those things from their PG.  Unfortunately neither he nor apparently anyone else on this roster can supply either of those things as a PG. 

It is terribly frustrating to watch.  I agree the criticism is unfair to Derrick.  That he is the best we have is not his fault.

[Wojo'sMojo]

The belittling of Derrick IS getting old, but let's not pretend it is not valid.  He is neither a scorer nor a creator.  We desperately need those things.  Everybody needs at least one of those things from their PG.  Unfortunately neither he nor apparently anyone else on this roster can supply either of those things as a PG. 

It is terribly frustrating to watch.  I agree the criticism is unfair to Derrick.  That he is the best we have is not his fault.

The reason he gets belittled is we are an average at best basketball team that is used to winning and he is the one hindering us the most. Maybe we don't have anyone better...I personally feel Dawson would do just as well, if not better given Derricks playing time. The bar is set extremely low and maybe mixing things up would rejuvenate this team. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Also, the Derrick fans defend him no matter how he performs on the court...I realize they are trying to support the team, but it just gives the vibe of the polishing of a turd analogy. That being said, I hope he goes for a triple double tonite and leads us to a win!!

[willie warrior]

The belittling of Derrick IS getting old, but let's not pretend it is not valid.  He is neither a scorer nor a creator.  We desperately need those things.  Everybody needs at least one of those things from their PG.  Unfortunately neither he nor apparently anyone else on this roster can supply either of those things as a PG. 

It is terribly frustrating to watch.  I agree the criticism is unfair to Derrick.  That he is the best we have is not his fault.

The criticism of Derrick is not unfair. Derrick is a capable backup PG. He is only that. He plays pretty good D and does not make many TO's. But he is not a PG playmaker, he is not a very good shooter and is poor at FT's. He seems like a good kid who plays hard but is limited. His play affects our inside play because the opponents play at least 8 feet off him when he is on the perimeter.

Some people may belittle him, but it is his skill set that is hurting the success of the team. He is not the only problem. Jamil and Todd are both talented but terribly inconsistent. Jamil plays ole defense and loses focus frequently. Mayo sometimes shots well and then stinks it up. Otule is also very inconsistent and is limited. That is not belittling him either. He has been here 6 years and most often is the tallest guy on the floor but does not dominate in the paint. Some of that is our inability to get the ball to him.
The real focus should be on Buzzo, because these are all his guys and the staff has not improved their development.

[Sunbelt15]

It does. Having our starting 5 on the court allows opponents to fill the middle thereby locking down Gardner. Lockdown Defense wins games.

Lmao.....classic!!!!   Makes sense too!

[77ncaachamps]

Everyone always blames the PG...I'm not saying Derek doesn't have his faults, but he is doing an adequate job at the game's toughest position.  He is playing, because when we put in others they do worse.  If you are complaining each and every year that our PG is the worst ever, either you don't understand the complexities of being a PG or you don't remember you said the same things about the PG last year.

Being adequate is what "Derek" does best.

Unfortunately, unlike past teams, the rest of this team stinks at scoring thus making Derrick's adequacy look that much more inadequate.

[Windyplayer]

The criticism of Derrick is not unfair... he is not a very good shooter and is poor at FT's.

I tried, but I'm unable to reconcile these two statements.

[keefe]

Being adequate is what "Derek" does best.

Bok?

[CTWarrior]

The criticism of Derrick is not unfair. Derrick is a capable backup PG.

That was sorta my point.  It's unfair to criticize a reserve for not being able to handle the starting job for 35 minutes a night.

[Windyplayer]

That was sorta my point.  It's unfair to criticize a reserve for not being able to handle the starting job for 35 minutes a night.

Don't tell me that it's unfair to criticize him for his play because he's a back-up--he became a "back-up" because of his play thus far and so in some twisted way his play exculpates him from criticism because he's been so bad as to warrant the back-up label? Weird logic.