For Jerel's Bad shooting night

[SVL4]

Does anyone else think that that would have been the perfect time for him to try and play some point guard?  I think if this team wants to be successful in the tourney Jerel is going to need to take a few minuetes at pg.  What better time to pressure him into creating for his teammates when his shots aren't falling?

[CAINMUTINY]

I respectfully disagree.....Although it might help his draft stock to handle the point; it wouldn't necessarily benefit the team.  McNeal is a flat out 2 and the only way you get out of a shooting slum is to continue to shoot and not "force" shots.  The kid is a flat out talent and even the best players have bad games (i.e.- remember when wade was 3 for 18 a couple times?).  The other thing with McNeal is as a point he would not be able to move as much w/o the ball and that would hinder his ability to get good looks.

[Hards Alumni]

McNeal isn't a PG and doesn't practice the position.  Could he fill in if needed? yes.

but the truth is we need him at the 2.

CAIN hit it on the head.

[StillWarriors]

Have to disagree as well. When he's struggling like he was, why add more to his load and have him play out of position. It was an off day; I suspect do to wanting to do even more than he normally does, which is understandable under the circumstances. Hopefully the law of avgs will balance out over the next two games.

[77ncaachamps]

From DJ's absence, it's "obvious" that Jerel succeeds when someone can draw defenders and clear some space for him to make his move.

[lab_warrior]

McNeal hasn't really played PG is whole career.  Also, he's a little reckless and turns the ball over, and that would be greatly amplified with him handling the ball that much more at the point.  I think the current system of Acker handling the ball, setting Jerel or Wes up, and them making moves to the hoop and/or kicking it out to open shooters is what will work for us.  That, and running in fast break mode a bit more.
I look for Jerel and Wes to have a hopefully really good shooting games, McNeal can't be John Starks-level bad two games in a row. 

[Pardner]

Does anyone else think that that would have been the perfect time for him to try and play some point guard?  I think if this team wants to be successful in the tourney Jerel is going to need to take a few minutes at pg.  What better time to pressure him into creating for his teammates when his shots aren't falling?

I believe Jerel is MU's all time leader in TO's*...at least since 1996--by a lot.  Better for a true PG like Mo to play that role and create Jerel's space to operate or else Rel tries to force the play.  Plus, although he worked on the dribble pull up jumper this past summer, he is better on the catch and shoot.  Would like Mo to look for the shot and drive to the hoop more to create movement and spacing. 

http://statfix.com/collegebasketball/marquette/overall-turnovers-leader


* (Note:  MU doesn't release negative stats in their media guide as far as I can find, and I couldn't find this in Pudner's book either...plus I don't think they kept this stat back in time...but with the shot clock added, frosh not able to play, Rel starting all four years--I will assume all-time)