Appears the 3 guard lineup is here to stay. Have to think Luke will be getting starts once eligible, or if not starting getting 20-25 minutes.
That said, I'm assuming it will affect Juan and/or Steve's playing time. At this point, who do we think should go to the bench (have their minutes reduced)?
I'd have to say Steve. Seems Juan is much more of a stat sheet stuffer. Steals, Rebounds, more versatile offensive game. Steve has some nice qualities for sure, yet just think Juan is the more well-rounded player at this time.
What becomes of Burton? Deonte seems a bit out of shape - or not quite as explosive off the first step this season. Anyone else sensing that?
I think Deonte will benefit more than anyone from Luke. He's been smothered this year with height. Having shorter players guard him will be nice.
Quote from: The Sultan of Sunshine on December 01, 2014, 10:12:39 AM
I think Deonte will benefit more than anyone from Luke. He's been smothered this year with height. Having shorter players guard him will be nice.
Yes, DB is height challenged on the interior. Much better working outside in.
When Luke comes back I can see Steve coming off the bench. There are two lineups I can see happen.
Duane
Derrick
Carlino
Juan
Luke
Similar to our current lineup, just a minor tweak probably still run the zone with this lineup. Or...
Duane
Carlino
Juan
Teve
Luke
If we need more height for a game. I can see Wojo going man with this lineup because I cant imagine Teve getting out quick enough to the wing to close out a shooter.
I don't think it'll be so simple. It'll allow guys to all reduce their minutes slightly and slide to more natural positions. So instead of Steve playing 35 at the #5, he'll play 20 at the #4 and 10 at the #5 or something like that. Those combinations will be worked out during the holiday buy games, I'm betting.
If both steve and luke get in foul trouble, MU is screwed. You have to limit that risk. Can't automatically schedule 20MPG with them on the floor at the same time.
I would guess that Wojo will mix and match them, with some limited minutes with them playing together.
Maybe Steve starts with Luke being the first guy off the bench, and then mix and match Steve, Luke, Juan and a little DB at the 4&5 spots for the remainder of the game.
I think Steve is better as a 4 and DB as a 3, so we might see that in spurts, depending upon fouls.
Three man rotation at the 4-5 splitting the time roughly equally.
While both Juan and Steve's minutes will be impacted somewhat, I suspect Juan keeps more minutes than Steve. Far more productive thus far.
You tell wojo "FU" in his 7th game of his first season. Your a Man in my book.
Juan 30 minutes Steve 15-20 max. He does nothing well anyway.
I wonder if we might work a little High/Low into the offense? I think Steve is a terrific passer from the high post. I was actually somewhat surprised to see that he had only about 25 minutes yesterday. So I'll guess Steve in the low 20s, same for Luke with Juan consistently in the 30s. Juan, Matt and Derrick are max minute guys this year. Duane is going to get a bunch too as he's too good not to play. So a guess update on my math:
G - Carlino 34
G - Derrick 32
G - Duane 24
F - Juan 33
C - Luke 22
Subs: Steve 20, Bane 18, JJJ 15, Sandy 2
(Frankly, I'll expect Sandy to either DNP-CD or play more than 2 minutes in a particular game. Same with John.)
My guess is the coaches will give Luke max minutes the 4 games prior to the Big East and will try out a number of different combinations. Once the conference season kicks in they will have a more settled pattern.
My sense is Luke will add value in the sense a center conventionally adds value. He has a history of being a winner in high school and will adapt to whatever role the coaches want from him. Having the false start at Indiana probably made him mature quickly. He will want to make the most of it this time. My expectations are low at this point because we haven't seen him play. On paper he should be bigger stronger and a better player with the last year to improve. Time will tell.