So, For How Long Does Buzz...

[ChicosBailBonds]

He was born with two horns, but one was underdeveloped.

I really like Otule.  It's easy to forget how few meaningful minutes he's actually played at this level.  He gets better in different ways every time he steps on the court, and he's getting confident.  I'm really excited about his future.

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Otule is turning into a poor man's Ousmane Barro, though he's not quite as awkward and therefore not as effective defensively. He's making clear progress. Development anybody? Anybody? I'd say so!

[Niv Berkowitz]

He's getting better, but at a snail's pace. And considering where he was at last year, he still has sooo far to go. I didn't think he did that well today, but what do I know. He ate up minutes. His guy scored a lot, but worse, his misreads on D led to at least six other points. Plays where he didn't see the cutter right in front of him.

He's a work in progress. My problem is that there's nobody else to take some minutes from him yet. Wilson can play next year. And Gardner I'm guessing just isn't physically there yet. I am shocked he didn't get at least five minutes today, however.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Otule size creates problems and is something opponents have to prepare for.  Look at today, Flowers fouled out and Kilicli sat out 15 minutes with foul trouble...letting MU to win the rebounding battle by 10. When he was out and MU went small, WVU made a run--just like Duke, GU, Wisky and Vandy games.  We won PIP 36-30...and PIP+FTM 50-37.  Fact is, Otule will look better on defense against a true big like at Vandy vs. a more skilled player like Kilicli.  Did he get his shots blocked today?  Yes, but Flowers is #1 BE in this category and 17th nationally for the season to date.  Yet, he is 68% at FG%.

He helps create creases for the drivers very effectively but needs to work on his body positioning and footwork.  Have to get him the ball up high if you want him to score or he will stumble or miss it.  Why Gardner isn't inserted is apparently all defense, but if we are going to allow runs playing small ball anyway, please insert him Buzz when Chris sits. 

[Norm]

I watched the replay on ESPNU and focused on Otule in the 2nd half. I honestly didn't see him do anything special besides the put-back dunk when WVU blew their defense and Otule was wide open. He missed shots, got maybe one rebound, didn't pick up guys driving to the net on D, and just seemed to be there.

[willie warrior]

I watched the replay on ESPNU and focused on Otule in the 2nd half. I honestly didn't see him do anything special besides the put-back dunk when WVU blew their defense and Otule was wide open. He missed shots, got maybe one rebound, didn't pick up guys driving to the net on D, and just seemed to be there.

Agree with you entirely, Norm. But a number on this board are enamored with him over Gardner. Both have strengths--many complain about Gardner's defense, but it is about on par with Otule's. And Gardner is much better offensively and passing.
The minutes should be split between the two, about 25/15

[avid1010]

Agree with you entirely, Norm. But a number on this board are enamored with him over Gardner. Both have strengths--many complain about Gardner's defense, but it is about on par with Otule's. And Gardner is much better offensively and passing.
The minutes should be split between the two, about 25/15

If you think Gardner's defense is on par with Otule's you're not watching the same games I am...

[ATL MU Warrior]

Agree with you entirely, Norm. But a number on this board are enamored with him over Gardner. Both have strengths--many complain about Gardner's defense, but it is about on par with Otule's. And Gardner is much better offensively and passing.
The minutes should be split between the two, about 25/15

Still wrong.  Keep saying it though.

[rugbydrummer]

I am very glad i wasn't the crass one to "break hearts" on One-Eyed Chris....

At any rate, I love this board, and no that is not in teal. I really enjoy the differences in opinion and the various perspectives/experiences/evidence/rationales; it makes for good discourse. 

CJ aside, I will say that for me, Otule still has a long way to go--which is fine, btw--however, I think Gardner deserves a chance.  As someone pointed out (Sorry for not having my ALA format & proper citations to the responsible poster), Gardner has some WICKED post moves that confound zone, and DUH we could definitely use the break.  And i 100% agree about gardner being a defensive liability, watching tape of him NOT box out makes my eyes hurt.

Unfortunately, as much as I believe Gardner ought to play (some) time, I am not Coach, so we will just have to "In Buzz We Trust". 

Hey Tower, on a sidenote, I love the comment about the ignore button, though i am having a hard time finding anything about it in the medical literature; know any randomized clinical trials that I should be referencing?? 

[tower912]

Purely anecdotal. 

[rugbydrummer]

Purely anecdotal. 

unfortunately i dont know if utilization of the ignore button will apply to a large enough audience to go to market... but i'll put it in my list of "lifestyle changes" for any scoopers i run into w/ HTN....