Why Vander Blue Is MU's Best FT Shooter!

[Tugg Speedman]

The last 12 games (back to January 21 at Providence) Vander is 40 for 52 (77%) from the charity stripe.

In the last 7 games (back to February 6 at Depaul) Vander is 30 for 35 (86%) from the charity stripe.

Is this a big enough body of work to proclaim him MU's best FT shooter?

I say yes!

Add later

For comparison purposes, VB last 8 BE games last year he was 1 for 5 (20%) from the charity stripe

[4everwarriors]

Cat has attitude and used to the big stage. Still think he'll finish as a special MU player.

[ibechillindoe]

Cat has attitude and used to the big stage. Still think he'll finish as a special MU player.

I think he will be a great player next year. He could be a stud senior year if he gains a decent shot.

Back to free throws, I think it is all confidence. Those four free throws he made to end the Villanova? game have helped him more than I could have imagined.

[chapman]

He's become an excellent free throw shooter.  If he's not our best, we may have gotten back our best free throw shooter today-Gardner knows how to knock them down, not just for a big man but for anyone.

[Mutaman]

He stopped shotputting the ball. Started putting a little arch on the shot and also has a much softer touch. I can only assume this is the result of practice.

[real chili 83]

Blue=money @ free throw line.  

[brewcity77]

It all changed with this 4 FTs he sank at the end of the Villanova game to seal the win. His confidence at the line seems to have soared since then.

[StillWarriors]

He has been money. Good for him. If he can start shooting from the field with a set shot I would think his fg % would improve dramatically. DJO and Jae do it. Jerel improved significantly when he started spotting up as well. No need to elevate every time, especially with our drive and kick game.

Also, awesome effort by Vander to break up a sure dunk by a big guy who went on to miss both free throws. Big effort play.

[MU82]

Vander was superb today. Lots of energy. Would have been my SoG if Jae had stayed home.

Blue has been mostly outstanding for weeks now and a big reason we are where we are.

His improved free throw shooting and more controlled play show that he worked hard to get better. Very encouraging going forward.

[Daniel]

Vander was superb today. Lots of energy. Would have been my SoG if Jae had stayed home.

Blue has been mostly outstanding for weeks now and a big reason we are where we are.

His improved free throw shooting and more controlled play show that he worked hard to get better. Very encouraging going forward.

+1  Vander has been a glue guy for a while now.  Great effort, great D and slashing to the hoop drawing fouls and hitting his FT.  Impressive.

[77ncaachamps]

There was a pic of him practicing/shooting FTs 2 hours prior to game time today.

[forgetful]

This may be part of a plan to rework his shot.  I know whenever my shot gets off, I step to the line and shoot for awhile.  It allows the mind to build a mental connection to a consistent shot.  Then you have to put in the work to maintain the good form on jump shots.

[downtown85]

Vander has become money on the line.  His decision-making has improved as well with fewer maddening turnovers.  I think his shot will come around and we will be having the conversation in a year or two about where all the offensive production will come from when he leaves. 

[GGGG]

Defended like a beast against G'town.  Sprinting down and blocking the guy's shot on the breakaway...and almost getting away with it...and having the guy miss two free throws was indicative of his effort.