VB in crunch time

[wildbillsb]

As far as I can tell, VB was subbed out with 6:30 left in the game.  Did he return?

[GGGG]

I think they decided to go big with Otule and Blue never got back on the floor.  That's fine...they had their starting line-up out there at the end.

[brewcity77]

As far as I can tell, VB was subbed out with 6:30 left in the game.  Did he return?

I was thinking the same thing late on, that we could have used Blue's defense. But looking at the lineup, Buycks and DJO were both playing well, Crowder was a monster on the boards, Jimmy's our go-to guy late in games, and Otule was providing huge help on defense and rebounds, even though it wasn't reflected in his personal stats.

As much as I'd have loved to see VB's defense down the stretch, I think that Buzz was having faith in the guys that got us there.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

I reviewed the tape, and you are correct, Vander went out at the 6:32 timeout and did not return.  Cadougan played briefly after that because Buycks was in foul trouble, but aside from that the starters closed out the game.......as it should be.

[GGGG]

I was thinking the same thing late on, that we could have used Blue's defense. But looking at the lineup, Buycks and DJO were both playing well, Crowder was a monster on the boards, Jimmy's our go-to guy late in games, and Otule was providing huge help on defense and rebounds, even though it wasn't reflected in his personal stats.

As much as I'd have loved to see VB's defense down the stretch, I think that Buzz was having faith in the guys that got us there.

Also, at this point, Vander's offense is limited while both DB and DJO provide something on that end of the floor.  You basically asked the correct question...who would you have substituted him for?

[OhioGoldenEagle]

Also, at this point, Vander's offense is limited while both DB and DJO provide something on that end of the floor.  You basically asked the correct question...who would you have substituted him for?

I could see Vander getting subbed in if MU has a lead and the opponent is forced to put MU on the line.  DJO seems to have issues closing games out at the line, but I don't see Buzz ever taking him out at the end.  However, Vander might be one of the teams better FT shooters, so I could see Otule going out for Vander and Buzz sliding JB and Crowder to the 4-5 positions.

[GGGG]

VB is only shooting 69% from the line...which is lower than DJO's.

[OhioGoldenEagle]

VB is only shooting 69% from the line...which is lower than DJO's.

What was he in high school?  Thought he was in the 80's, No?

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Late in the game against Vandy, Buzz was subbing Vander in on offensive possessions and taking him out of the game when Vandy had the ball. I thought that was interesting.

By the way, I think Vandy's stadium is kind of a dump. For all this talk about how "historic" it is, I think whoever designed it butchered it. The acoustics are great (I could hear Stallings yelling at his players), but the sitelines are not good. It reminds me of a larger McGaw Hall (Northwestern) before the redid it. I understand it was constructed for more than just basketball, but I don't see how it's a good design for anything.

[warriors1991]

What was he in high school?  Thought he was in the 80's, No?

I don't have an exact number but I actually remember looking this up last spring because I was curious, and he was around 69-70% from the line in HS.

Anybody else here notice Vander's odd shooting form? I've asked here before but no responses. His release point is off to the right of his face and almost under his chin from the FT line and when he shoots from the field, his release point is way too low. I hope somebody can work with him in the offseason and get his hand and elbow in better position, it just seems pretty unreliable.

[brewcity77]

VB is only shooting 69% from the line...which is lower than DJO's.

To his credit, Blue's free throw shooting has improved dramatically already this year. In the first five games, he was shooting 38% from the charity stripe. Since then, he's shooting free throws at an 82.7% clip, highlighted by his 9/11 performance against Mississippi Valley State. And since the Gonzaga game, that 9/11 performance is the only time he's missed more than one free throw in a game.

If those first five games were an aberration, and he averages 20 mpg for the rest of the season, his average should finish around 75.3%. And if that's the case, his defense and free throw shooting ability should earn him some time in late game situations, as it's comparable to the free throwing put up by DJO and Buycks thus far.

[MerrittsMustache]

Vander was on the floor in the final seconds of the Vandy game. His crunch time PT will depend on match-ups. DJO, Butler and Buycks will likely be out there down the stretch with Crowder, Otule and Blue taking the other 2 spots. Given how well Crowder was playing on Saturday and the solid job that Otule was doing, it made sense to have those two on the floor when it mattered most.

Otule had what came to be the game-winning hoop and Crowder made the biggest play of the game with the steal so I think that having those two in the game worked out pretty well for Marquette 

[APieperFan3]

If those first five games were an aberration, and he averages 20 mpg for the rest of the season, his average should finish around 75.3%. And if that's the case, his defense and free throw shooting ability should earn him some time in late game situations, as it's comparable to the free throwing put up by DJO and Buycks thus far.

Would you agree Butler is the #1 guy we want at the line at the end of the game?

Who would you have 2nd? 3rd option?

I do like going with the hot hand, but right now I'll take Butler, Buycks and DJO. In that order.

[brewcity77]

Would you agree Butler is the #1 guy we want at the line at the end of the game?

Who would you have 2nd? 3rd option?

I do like going with the hot hand, but right now I'll take Butler, Buycks and DJO. In that order.

Butler is definitely #1, I agree with you there. I also like Buycks, but this year, I'm a bit hesitant on DJO. His confidence clearly hasn't been on this year, and while it seems to be returning, I'm not convinced he's back to form. When a game is on the line, I feel confidence matters a great deal. Right now, I'd taker Blue over him on the line at the end. My hope is that I won't feel that way in about a week after hot performances by DJO have led us to a 4-0 Big East record, but right now, I would just as happily have Blue on the line late as I would DJO.

[PGsHeroes32]

Jimmy is hands down our top option to go to the line this year. He was one of the main options last year even. He will get it late in the game every time possible when trying to seal the game.

Id also put Buycks second right now ahead of DJO who seems to miss late 1 and 1's.

After that, Im not real confident with anyone but Vander hasnt had his shot, Crowder shows the desire to win at all times so he could improve late in games. Fulce would probably be the best bet but idk if he will really be on the floor at those times.

[APieperFan3]

After that, Im not real confident with anyone but Vander hasnt had his shot, Crowder shows the desire to win at all times so he could improve late in games. Fulce would probably be the best bet but idk if he will really be on the floor at those times.

I think if Fulce is the one at the FT stripe with the game on the line, the opposition defense found their guy.

I do agree with Crowder tho. He or DJO would be my 3rd option.