Simple Thoughts:
I want to discuss player development. When MU signed DJ Carton I thought oh my what an outstanding pg. Ohio State. How lucky can you be? I was familiar with his ability to penetrate and score. And how much it meant to him to come back from his difficult situation after suffering from depression and the pressure on him to live up to his expectations. He was blessed to play for MU and it went both ways. He honored the university at MU and himself. And moved on.
Enter Stevie Mitchell: I saw him play in high school as a junior and a senior. Great penetrater. Great scorer. And it was obvious that he needed to compete for minutes at MU. And the best way was for him to play defense. MU didn't need him to score at the time. They needed tenacity at the guard position to confront the ball handler up the court and in the half court. He learned how to switch and post up bigger players. AND he can penetrate and score on lay ups now. Tyler makes it easier for everyone now. The cutters are able to slice in and get easy buckets. Mitchell is so important right now to what this team can accomplish.
The team is playing so well right now. Some people on scoop are disappointed that Oso and Omax aren't dominating like some of their opponents in the bigger BE. I say, don't worry your asses off. Play lay up 3 point basketball. The opponents in the tournament will get tougher but the game will get easier.
The team is deep. Joplin is a tremendous talent. Bernard Toone stuff. Shaka has a system and his players understand it and they will execute it efficiently. Energy is essential. Joplin will come in and score when they need a lift but he won't play as recklessly as he did earlier in the season. That is player development. His day will come and predict it will come in the next four weeks.
Last thought: Ben Gold will benefit from the added minutes and experience in the last three games of the season. I don't think anyone would argue with that. All things are looking up.