Does Buzz have too many options or not enough? Rotation/Transfers/Hot Hand/etc.

[harigtad]

To me it seems like Buzz is using the non-conference slate to play catch up.  His long range plan had to count on Vander back, right?  Who knew McKay would leave right as the season started?  Blending in some top frosh including one injured?  He better figure it out quick though as Marquette needs a good win - Wisco Saturday would suffice.

Each player brings something to the table both positively/negatively
Starters (min/game): DWil (30), Thomas (25), Otule (17), Anderson (16), JWil (25)
Bench logging minutes: Mayo (20), Gardner (24), Johnson (17), Taylor (13), Burton (11), Dawson (10)
You can argue all of these guys have stretches where they can be dominant with their positive strength.
We know/think that Wilson will get minutes when he is back from injury.

I would think we are the only legit D1 program where 11 guys are getting 10+ min/game.
When Wilson comes back have fun finding minutes for a 12th.
Hell our #1-6 vs #7-13 guys (you pick em) would be a pretty good/close game.

But there is no way Buzz can keep this going for the season (unless he goes to like a hockey full line shift scenario)
I think he knows it and is trying to figure out (& expose the players on the court in real games) who will get the majority of the conf. minutes.
Depth is a hard strength to showcase/dominate with unless you run a lot - uptempo - and that's not been our game so far this year
(nor probably should be with Gardner posting out best offensive option)
Gotta start building chemistry, find out who leaders are, define roles, who is end of game alpha male, what team identity will be, etc.
Too tough to come to conclusions playing so many players = Hot hand of the night crunch time offense has to end!

Play max of 9 (that's still depth in college bball) unless there are severe match up reasons to go deeper down your bench.
Who those 9 are?  That's why we pay him the big bucks!
At least we have options/talent to be a better team in march.
Buzz will need to think about the future too as people who don't make the cut will transfer...
But that's ok and a sign of a good team, can reload thought proven solid recruiting & transfers

My best guess (in order of importance recognizing no one on this list is perfect)
1. Gardner - need his scoring
2. DWil - hard to think Buzz will trust anyone else for more minutes at point this season
3. JWil - best versatility
4./5. Mayo/Thomas - can spread floor/score and match up small/big with other backcourts
6. Otule - need his low post defense option
7. Johnson - most athletic with highest heat potential on team?
8. Burton - load
9. Wilson rookie PG should be in the mix if as good as advertised
That's a pretty solid rotation that should keep getting better and lay foundation for the future too

Though I am worried about "If you have 2 quarterbacks it really means you don't have any!"
Might want to chalk this up as a rebuilding/redefining year....

[WarriorFan]

I think you make some good points.  I also think Buzz is trying out a few things and a few people during the non-conf season.  If he loses a game or two while trying things out, it's not the end of the world.  He needs 22-23 wins by end of the season and can get them in the conference.  I think he's banking on it all coming together and getting into the NCAA tournament either by winning the conference (probable) or by winning the conference tournament (less probable).  They'll get a 12 or 13 seed but if they peak at the right time can get these young kids some real NCAA experience that positions them for deep tournament runs in next couple years. 

Risky strategy?  Yes, but I believe he thinks he can find Jamil or Todd's "on" switch sometime later in the season.

[NavinRJohnson]

I think you make some good points.  I also think Buzz is trying out a few things and a few people during the non-conf season.  If he loses a game or two while trying things out, it's not the end of the world.  He needs 22-23 wins by end of the season and can get them in the conference.  I think he's banking on it all coming together and getting into the NCAA tournament either by winning the conference (probable) or by winning the conference tournament (less probable).  They'll get a 12 or 13 seed but if they peak at the right time can get these young kids some real NCAA experience that positions them for deep tournament runs in next couple years. 

Win the Big East and be a 12/13 seed? They have a better chance of being the 12/13 overall seed in that scenario than they do being a 12/13 in a region. That aside, I agree with your overall premise. Buzz isn't terribly concerned with these oases yet. He knows who they are, where they're challenged, etc., and he will settle on 8-9 guys (he sort of already has).

The good news to this point is that while there are no signature wins, there are also no bad losses. Beating Wisconsin is unlikely (but wouldn't surprise me), but that's a loss that doesn't really hurt you. Avoid bad losses, and its what they do once January rolls around that will really matter.

[MarquetteDano]

The good news to this point is that while there are no signature wins, there are also no bad losses. Beating Wisconsin is unlikely (but wouldn't surprise me), but that's a loss that doesn't really hurt you. Avoid bad losses, and its what they do once January rolls around that will really matter.

Assuming we lose at Madison and win the rest of the non-con (that includes New Mexico) we are looking solid.  We have the GW game right now as our only signature win, and that isn't too great.  We really need to win versus New Mexico if we don't win this weekend.

If we lose at Madison and New Mexico we will definitely have some work to do during conference season.  Let's hope it doesn't come to that.