the true extent of fitz's injury and estimated return date?
Quote from: mudimitri on December 12, 2007, 06:20:04 PM
the true extent of fitz's injury and estimated return date?
I think I like our lineups w/o Fitz quite honestly.
I totally disagree. Fitz is an extremely efficient offensive player, and he rebounds at a nice clip as well.
My only problem with Fitz is that he doesn't shoot the ball enough.
I agree with Henry. There are games where he tends to disappear, but so does Matthews. Fitzgerald definitely adds a needed dimension. I like him out there.
I agree with Sug and PRN. I hope we get Fitz a little before Big East season, so he is ready. We NEED Fitz. He is a bit of a defensively liability, but what he brings to our offense is huge. Even when he doesn't score, teams have to respect his shooting, which opens up passing lines, and keeps gaps open in all defenses (zones or man-to-man).
Another thing is that without him in the game, there's around 70-80 total minutes in the game (when we are in a two forward set) that are played by only 3 players (Burke, Barro, Lazar). While I think our bigs are conditioned better than most, I can see a situation where someone gets gassed because only one player could come off the bench instead of two.
Truthfully, I really don't care. I'd rather him sit even if healthy for the next 3 weeks and come back for Providence. They certainly don't need him in these next 5 games and it would add more fuel to the fire if they rushed him back and he got re-injured playing against Coppin State.
Quote from: Wareagle on December 12, 2007, 08:55:10 PM
Another thing is that without him in the game, there's around 70-80 total minutes in the game (when we are in a two forward set) that are played by only 3 players (Burke, Barro, Lazar). While I think our bigs are conditioned better than most, I can see a situation where someone gets gassed because only one player could come off the bench instead of two.
Except we have utilized a 4 guard set multiple times this year and against UW, Matthews was the second biggest guy on the floor for us at a couple points. So they will get their rest, we have the depth in the backcourt to wear out the other team with 4 guards in the game at once.
Fitz gives us a unique match-up advantage against most teams due to his versatility and size on the perimeter. He can give opposing D's different looks that open up lanes for our quick guard line-ups via spacing. He is a great shooter obviously, but he also is an excellent passer (and inbounder which is a underrated). One of his strengths is how well he can redistribute the ball around the perimeter with snap passes. I think he is unsung in what he can open up for Mo and/or dCube, in particular, as D's key on his trey ability. He will be needed in the BE when we'll see more zone. To me, he needs to look more for his shot first vs. pass, though. Although limited, it would be nice to see an occasional dribble drive or post up from him to provide different looks in man sets. I have noticed that he has worked on a quicker release on his shot. He is our zone breaker.
Except we have utilized a 4 guard set multiple times this year and against UW, Matthews was the second biggest guy on the floor for us at a couple points. So they will get their rest, we have the depth in the backcourt to wear out the other team with 4 guards in the game at once.
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I noted that we don't always use a 3 guard set, and agree that it worked fine against UW. That said, I doubt it will be as effective against a team who has a more traditional role for their bigs (e.g. Georgetown, ND).
I know for a fact, from a very reliable source who has talked to Fitz recently, that Fitz will NOT being having surgery at all. So I would expect him back within the next few weeks. He's just takin it day by day right now.
I agree with Pardner... he contibutes a lot of intangibles, you have to watch for it. What are our base expectations of him? To hit 3s, especially open 3s, like a mini-Novak. Beyond that, because he is tall, to rebound, occasional jumper in the lane. He contributes bigtime intangibles (passing, etc.) and I would rather have him on the floor than not. And per the discussion of Matthews stats thusfar this season: there are only so many shots to go around. I would LOVE to see Fitz get more confident and agressive in looking for his 3 ball. He is gifted from beyond the arc and it just takes confidence in that gift and recognizing and aggresively actualizing opportunities. I want him back soon!!
regardless of need in the next 5 games, I want him available asap. His ball handling and quickness, plus rebs, treys make him a valuable asset to this team. Just having him in the 'rotation' has to be a plus.
So does anyone know the extent of his injury and what the scoop is? It's been pretty hush hush