Buzz shortened the bench today

[GGGG]

Seven players with double digit minutes.  DWilson with 6.  Juan with 1.  Jones DNP.

Interesting because I thought Jones played decently against Vandy. 

[Norm]

I think he'll end up treating Jones the same way he did Eric Williams in Big East play - Jones will gather a lot of splinters while racking up DNPs.

[MUMac]

Seven players with double digit minutes.  DWilson with 6.  Juan with 1.  Jones DNP.

Interesting because I thought Jones played decently against Vandy. 

Jones defense is horrendous and he is struggling offensively.  He had some rebounds against Vandy, but I did not think he played well overall.  He really struggles staying with his man on the dribble.  I suspect that is why he did not play.

[Slim]

I thought this was telling as well. DWil's fouls lost him some PT. I think Buzz still has confidence in him. JJ obviously not. Juan is confusing. Juan was off the bench early against Vandy and I thought he must have been really tough in practice, but today 1 minute.  Did you notice today how easily Juan was pushed around during DJO's free throw? He needs more bulk added in the weight room for next year.

[nyg]

It may have something to do with this:

Jones stats to date:

FG:             13 for 36  36%

Three point:   3 for 17  17%

Free Throws:  1 for 5    20%

For a recruit who was classified as a "shooter", something is wrong.

[Slim]

JJ shot 100% from the line last year (very few attempts)

[nyg]

JJ shot 100% from the line last year (very few attempts)

Jones 2010/2011 Stats:

FG:               9 for 29   31%
Threes:         4 for 16    25%
Free Throws:  5 for 5     100%

[GGGG]

I thought this was telling as well. DWil's fouls lost him some PT. I think Buzz still has confidence in him. JJ obviously not. Juan is confusing. Juan was off the bench early against Vandy and I thought he must have been really tough in practice, but today 1 minute.  Did you notice today how easily Juan was pushed around during DJO's free throw? He needs more bulk added in the weight room for next year.

I think Juan got in only because Jamil, Davante and Jae all had two fouls.  Juan needs another summer to get more bulk.

[wadesworld]

For a recruit who was classified as a "shooter", something is wrong.

Confidence.  You can see it in all the guys.  It is clear who the people who have the green light at all times and will not be taken out even if they take a bad shot or miss an open shot are and those who don't have that green light.  DJO and Crowder never lack in confidence and thus play/shoot well (typically).  Guys like Junior and Jamil Wilson, it seems like they don't have the green light to shoot any shot/time they're open.  Right now it seems like the shots Junior takes are only when we're really struggling, and he shoots a poor percentage.  But it seemed to me like towards the end of last year Buzz gave him more freedom to take the ball to the hole and finish rather than just initiate the offense and then get out of the way, and we saw Junior score and at times take over games.  He played very well against West Virginia in the BE Tournament and Syracuse in the NCAA Tournament, and I really believe a lot of it has to do with his confidence.  I think if Jamil Wilson is given more leeway to shoot when he's open we'll really see him take off.  I think we've already seen the start of this progression.  Jamail just needs some confidence, but it's hard to get when you're on the bench the whole game.

[GGGG]

I think every player has the green light to shoot when they have their shots available.  I don't think Junior or Jamil are any different than DJO and Jae in that regard.

[MUMac]

I think every player has the green light to shoot when they have their shots available.  I don't think Junior or Jamil are any different than DJO and Jae in that regard.

You saw that with Mayo's 3 late in the game.  I don't think Buzz was really happy about that decision.

I agree, Buzz doesn't have reigns on any player's shooting. 

[Norm]

Buzz definitely has a quick hook with certain players while allowing others to play through mistakes. He also usually only uses 7-8 guys during Big East play, so while MU has more depth this year than in the past, the challenge for Buzz will be to utilize it effectively and break away from his tendency to only rely on 7, sometimes 8 guys, during a game.

[Dr. Blackheart]

I think he'll end up treating Jones the same way he did Eric Williams in Big East play - Jones will gather a lot of splinters while racking up DNPs.

hmmmm.....

[Dawson Rental]

I think he'll end up treating Jones the same way he did Eric Williams in Big East play - Jones will gather a lot of splinters while racking up DNPs.

Actually, he treated Williams by starting him for the first two minutes or so of each half to keep Jae out of foul trouble.  I doubt that Jones is a good enough interior defender to handle that role.

[MattyWarrior]

I think Buzz will need all hands on deck for the next 2 games. Syracuse will be looking to pound us with there bigs!

[Dawson Rental]

I think Buzz will need all hands on deck for the next 2 games. Syracuse will be looking to pound us with there bigs!

Losing their big man coach hasn't seemed to be any problem at all for 'Cuse.

[GGGG]

You saw that with Mayo's 3 late in the game.  I don't think Buzz was really happy about that decision.

I agree, Buzz doesn't have reigns on any player's shooting. 

No but that is a game situation that didn't call for it.  If that were at some other random time of the game it would have been a fine shot.

[jtrash37]

[/color]

Losing their big man coach hasn't seemed to be any problem at all for 'Cuse.

I thought he coached the little boys???

[Norm]

Actually, he treated Williams by starting him for the first two minutes or so of each half to keep Jae out of foul trouble.  I doubt that Jones is a good enough interior defender to handle that role.

That's why I said BE play. Williams did get some playing time in the non-conference portion of the schedule, but then barely saw any action in BE games.

[avid1010]

hmmmm.....

yup

i also agree with sultan that JA needs more bulk, but i really want to see him play the 3...think that's where he ultimately ends up if/when MU gets bigger?  with durley and s. taylor coming in to compliment otule/gardner/j wilson it seems like he should be able to create match-up issues at the 3.

[MUMac]

No but that is a game situation that didn't call for it.  If that were at some other random time of the game it would have been a fine shot.

I think my comment came off different than intended.  I agree with your comment.  My first sentence about Mayo's shot was meant to be in agreement with your comment.  I think it showed that Buzz has not placed any reigns on any player (yes, I know Mayo is a scorer, but he is also a freshman). 

The second sentence was more or less commentary on the decision Mayo made.  Probably would have been best making that a different paragraph, rather than a follow up sentence.

[MUMac]

That's why I said BE play. Williams did get some playing time in the non-conference portion of the schedule, but then barely saw any action in BE games.

Little Murs was describing BE play last year.

[Dawson Rental]

Little Murs was describing BE play last year.

I was confident someone would notice.

[injuryBug]

Juan was pushed but that should have been a foul.  He is a 3/4 not a 4/5.  I really like what I see from him, he seems t get his hands on a lot of balls and is in great position on defense.  Plusr he had a nice stroke at tthe line the other night

[MUMac]

Juan was pushed but that should have been a foul.  He is a 3/4 not a 4/5.  I really like what I see from him, he seems t get his hands on a lot of balls and is in great position on defense.  Plusr he had a nice stroke at tthe line the other night

I think his game is similar to what Fulce could have been, if healthy.  Good medium range to the 3 line shot.  Very athletic.  Quick.  Good leaper.  Excellent hands.  Always around the ball.  I am hoping the winter break helps him a great deal, especially considering the time he lost with the injuries.  Unfortunately, MU is now on the road for this week.