How does everyone feel about having DG back into lineup

[Hoopaloop]

We are playing so well right now, so athletic on the defensive and offensive end.  How does everyone feel about integrating DG back into the lineup?  Positive effect?  Negative effect?

Does Buzz have a tough decision coming up on how to use him without taking away what the team has going right now.

[lab_warrior]

Will make us better immediately.  Can mix and match WAY better with different tempos & lineup combos.  I don't think he'll start, but will play increasing minutes each game, and will be very valuable in the upcoming games against any bigger or slower tempo teams.  He's one more low post scorer than we have now, no way that is a detriment.

[mileskishnish72]

+1, lab.

[brewcity77]

It'll make us better immediately. He'll get situational minutes and be able to both give and draw additional fouls. Yes, we're playing faster, but let's not forget that after the initial rough adjustment to losing CO -- we lost 4 of 9 after his injury and 3 of the wins were cupcakes -- we rattled off 6 straight with DG in the lineup.

He will allow Jae and Jamil to rest a bit more and make their jobs easier by getting opposing bigs in foul trouble while chipping in some points. He's also not the pure defensive liability he was in November. Can't wait for him to get back.

[Fightin 411]

even if he is rusty right away, the fact that he can give Jamil and Jae a rest (maybe 10 mpg at first) and there are a few more fouls to give down low help tremendously

[MUMac]

We are playing so well right now, so athletic on the defensive and offensive end.  How does everyone feel about integrating DG back into the lineup?  Positive effect?  Negative effect?

Does Buzz have a tough decision coming up on how to use him without taking away what the team has going right now.

I want the 5 extra fouls down low.  Ability to add a different combination to the team.  Another/different inside offensive threat.

That said, I suspect his minutes will likely be limited/situational.  I don't think he plays the number of minutes, even if he could, as he did prior to the injury.

[Nukem2]

Yep, he would be off the bench.  Buzz would probably do the offense defense thing with he and Jamil until DG would be more acclimated.

[Fightin 411]

beat me to it brewcity

[nyg]

For the first game back, MU can use all the help against Yates at Cincy.  DG can provide that, even if on a limited basis. 

[Lennys Tap]

Good poll, Hoop. I think it makes us better because the team has now proven it can play "small" effectively against all types of teams. Buzz will be able to use Gardner when he WANTS to (rest for Jae or Jamil, overpower a small center, etc) rather than when he previously might have thought he HAD to (against an opponent's "big" lineup).,

[4everwarriors]

Sure as hell wouldn't start him the remainder of the season. I like our offensive and defense intensity. No way will Gardner enhance that. I say dance with the bitch who brought you. See ya next year, DG. And, make sure you keeping workin' 'cause that's how we roll here.

[Skatastrophy]

30
20
11
5

Funny how votes are a nice little ramp.

[muwarrior69]

Yes, 10 is better than 9.

[MUMountin]

I think it makes us better because the team has now proven it can play "small" effectively against all types of teams. Buzz will be able to use Gardner when he WANTS to (rest for Jae or Jamil, overpower a small center, etc) rather than when he previously might have thought he HAD to (against an opponent's "big" lineup).,

Agreed--I think we can use Gardner like a "change-of-pace" running back in football.  After running the track meet to start the game, bring in DG and let him go to work on the interior for a few sets, giving a few guys a quick breather.  Then, after you lull the other team into more of a half-court style game for a few trips, bring Wilson back in and off to the races again. 

Over the year, there have been a few times where its looked like we've sprung the trap on the other team like this--let them settle in a little and get a little too comfortable/sloppy with the ball, and then all of a sudden amp up the intensity and drop a quick 6-10 point spurt on them.  Getting DG back will let us do this perhaps even more effectively, since they will have to keep adjusting to two very different, yet equally potent styles of play.

[JamilJaeJamailJrJuan]

I voted that he will make us better immediately, because he will. But he should be playing a bench role for the rest of the season.

[Goose]

Would not change starting lineup upon his return. Give him some minutes and go from there. These cats are playing at very high level and at high speed....let's enjoy the run.

[avid1010]

absolutely makes us better right away...buzz just has to use him correctly.  even if buzz feels all dg can offer is reserve minutes if foul trouble plagues crowder and/or wilson.  it's all in buzz' hands to ensure bringing him back makes the team better.

[PGsHeroes32]

Davante makes us far, far better. Extra fouls, draws fouls, instant offense(he can play 10 min and get 10 points if we need him to), great passing and gives us a more of a half court game if teams slow it down. We are getting better recently of shooting well from 3(mostly Jae and DJO) and it will only improve with Davantes passing from the post. He is also a beast at getting the ball on one side of the post and going over the shoulder back door to someone like Jae for a gimme bunny. Watch the beginning of the gtown game for picture perfect proof on this(jae happend to biff two of them though.

[CTWarrior]

He'll make us better when the rust wears off and the he gets in game shape, so the sooner he gets back the better.  I agree with others that he should come off the bench when he gets back to provide rest/great half court option on offense.