5 Observations from tonight

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

As you know I'm a huge Buzz fan, but his usage of Mayo this season is an area where I'm critical of Buzz.  A player rarely plays well when on a short leash as you describe above - miss a shot, or have a 1 mental breakdown and get yanked - no player thrives in that kind of role...which is the way its been for Todd.  Give him some good run and a little slack and his efficiency will go up.  Period.  

As for mental mistakes - Lockett has made some of the most idiotic mental mistakes of the year fouling 3 point shooters....Georgetown game...and after he got bailed out as kid missed one of the 3 free throws...when we go to the other end and miss our FT..and GTown player rebounds and flings it 85 feet...Lockett almost fouls the kid.  There have been others..those two just the most egregious.  

Also - It's looking pretty tight on our bet...Mayo and Vander are neck and neck for PPG per 40...could be trending my way.  Regardless, I'm glad the bet is this close as it bodes well for the MU team.

The problem with your theory is that Gardner and Steve Taylor are guys who HAVE excelled in sporadic minutes and short leashes.

DeDe in his frosh. and soph. year was subbed in and out all of the time. Taylor has seen really sporadic minutes, but seems to be efficient in the minutes he gets. Otule's minutes have been up and down as well this season.

You keep saying that guys don't do well on short leashes, but I just don't think that is factually accurate. There are several guys ON THIS ROSTER that seem to do well at it.

[hairy worthen]

You brought up Gardner's conditioning in relation to your own personal conditioning while playing basketball at that age. I pointed out that Big East basketball is different than pick-up basketball. You then discussed stamina in terms of your military background. I guess I just don't follow. Are we talking about a college basketball player or a soldier? Perhaps you're going Walter Sobchak on us and there's not a literal connection...

I don't think he was referring to basketball in his first post about his stamina. Maybe only horny old men like me would get that and of course 4ever and zfb

[We R Final Four]

Its funny, because I was thinking just the opposite.  It seems to me he may have actually put on a little weight since the beginning of the season.  If he can play extended minutes with energy like last night that bulk is an asset, because something tells me that even if he was 50 pounds lighter he wouldn't be that much better an athlete/jumper, etc.

I agree--we were commenting on how he stuffed himself into that jersey last night.  What a player though.

[klyrish]

No way. Thomas four point play turned the tide. Led to another turnover and we had six points in 20 seconds. We were about to go into half time down double digits. We end up down three. Huge turnaround.

This. It was the turning point for sure and showed the team that there was still a chance.

[jsglow]

'Cuse is a unique animal in the BEast.  And for the first time in memory MU is deep enough to have different line-ups that do different things.  Last night it was absolutely critical to spread the floor so Davante could have some room to operate.  The guys that were able to command some level of respect at the 3-pt line were able to do that.  That won't necessarily be the solution every night.

The single best example of that last night was Jake.  He was born to bust the Syracuse zone.  And a single play changed the game.  He may not have a meaningful assignment for the rest of the year.  But in one moment as the 11th or 12th man he earned his scholarship for '12-'13.

[frozena pizza]

As you know I'm a huge Buzz fan, but his usage of Mayo this season is an area where I'm critical of Buzz.  A player rarely plays well when on a short leash as you describe above - miss a shot, or have a 1 mental breakdown and get yanked - no player thrives in that kind of role...which is the way its been for Todd.  Give him some good run and a little slack and his efficiency will go up.  Period.  

As for mental mistakes - Lockett has made some of the most idiotic mental mistakes of the year fouling 3 point shooters....Georgetown game...and after he got bailed out as kid missed one of the 3 free throws...when we go to the other end and miss our FT..and GTown player rebounds and flings it 85 feet...Lockett almost fouls the kid.  There have been others..those two just the most egregious.  

Also - It's looking pretty tight on our bet...Mayo and Vander are neck and neck for PPG per 40...could be trending my way.  Regardless, I'm glad the bet is this close as it bodes well for the MU team.

Mayo made a series of mistakes / bad shots in the Seton Hall game and Buzz was right to take him out.  In the second half of that game we really got on a roll and Blue and Lockett played key roles so there was no need to bring Mayo back.  Last night Mayo was better than Lockett or Blue so he saw more action.  It's easy to say in general that Mayo shouldn't be on such a short leash, but when the margin for error is so thin and you have great depth, you can't afford to leave in a guy that is struggling, especially a streaky scorer like Mayo.

[Freeport Warrior]

I'm a Mayo guy. You can show me all the stats to tell me why I'm wrong, but he has "it."  I would much rather have him pulling the trigger on jumpers vs. Vander (or Lockett). I think Mayo and Vander together are a perfect combo to excel at the Kentucky dribble drive. We sat behind the bench last night and both Mayo and Vander have competitive "issues" that can work for them or against them. Mayo was none to happy to see Thomas come off the bench. And Vander was no happy camper being subbed out for at the end of the game. Both gave the obligatory high fives, but you could tell they were pissed. On the other hand, Lockett was an all-around happy guy the whole time. I think this speaks to Lockett's maturity. He seems to be a good guy and a great teammate. Not to say Mayo and Vander are not, they are just different. Suffice it to say, neither lacks confidence.

I agree with Ners on the short leash thing with Mayo. If he had the opportunity to play through mistakes like Blue does, I think you would see the solution to this team. He needs to be on the floor. Obviously, there will be nights that he doesn't have it, but to me, he is the key to this team going anywhere in the post season.  

[MerrittsMustache]

Mayo made a series of mistakes / bad shots in the Seton Hall game and Buzz was right to take him out.  In the second half of that game we really got on a roll and Blue and Lockett played key roles so there was no need to bring Mayo back.  Last night Mayo was better than Lockett or Blue so he saw more action.  It's easy to say in general that Mayo shouldn't be on such a short leash, but when the margin for error is so thin and you have great depth, you can't afford to leave in a guy that is struggling, especially a streaky scorer like Mayo.

This. Exactly.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I agree with Ners on the short leash thing with Mayo. If he had the opportunity to play through mistakes like Blue does, I think you would see the solution to this team. He needs to be on the floor. Obviously, there will be nights that he doesn't have it, but to me, he is the key to this team going anywhere in the post season.  

This is high level D1 hoops, and it's competitive. If you don't do what the coaches want (when you get in), you won't get a lot of minutes.

Vander played through some mistakes 2 years ago because there wasn't a lot of depth on that team.

With the current roster, that isn't really an option.

Todd, Juan, Taylor, Ferguson, etc. Will all have to earn their minutes in practice and with their performance in games. Buzz isn't going to hand them anything. The frosh. next year will be the same way... and people will probably bitch about that too! "Duane Wilson has "it". Play him more!"

[akmarq]

I agree with Ners on the short leash thing with Mayo. If he had the opportunity to play through mistakes like Blue does, I think you would see the solution to this team. He needs to be on the floor. Obviously, there will be nights that he doesn't have it, but to me, he is the key to this team going anywhere in the post season.  

On the other hand, Buzz's approach to Mayo has us sitting at 11-4 in the BE with a realistic shot of winning it in a year when the 'talent' level said we should finish 7th.

I don't think this team needs a "solution." It's not as if they're underperforming.

[kmwtrucks]

I Like Lockett more then most, But the ability to take a good shot and make a tough shot Mayo is clearly better.  Lockett had a (by Cuse Standards) a wide open 22 footer from top of the key and passed it up in the 1/2 court with 10-15 seconds on the shot clock.  We ended up with a much harder shot 10 seconds later.   Mayo would have turned and pulled the trigger.

[keefe]

Look, If you want to compare military fitness to elite basketball fitness, fine. I think it's not a valid comparison, but go ahead and make it. That said, don't pretend that your original response was a simple comparison of fitness, endurance, and stamina between the two. There was a fair amount of chest beating in there.

The problem I have with this is two fold. One, it takes away from the conversation because very few posters will want to disagree or counter your point because they don't want to seem disrespectful of your service. Two, telling unsolicited war stories to strangers on a message board comes across as self-promoting and exposes people to information they don't really need.

Where I come from we pride ourselves on being quiet professionals. It's called SELFLESS service. You and the SEALS should keep this in mind.

Now, in the interest of good MU BBALL discourse, I will disengage from this.

And to suggest that a kid playing Div I basketball is spent from playing just 48 hours before is rubbish. Anyone who advances that theory is someone who has welded himself to his La Z Boy, who views running to the Fridge to grab another PBR constitutes a work out, and who tells people that he wears sweats as part of his wardrobe because they are comfortable.

As for selflessness, please tell me when was the last time you did anything for others which involved true sacrifice? And by that I don't mean throwing an extra $20 in the basket at church or ladling slop once a month at the food kitchen. Fact is you likely have not and until you do you have zero credible say in that conversation. I am always amused by those who have not who insist on telling those who have how they should behave. You don't like SEALs writing books or telling war stories? How about going to McP's and saying that to their face? You may know a combat controller or read an article in Esquire about one but I doubt you yourself have ever done anything like that. I know the STS guys at McChord  AFB. We drink with them at the Ram in Lakewood. And we talk about our jobs. When you join an ASOS every guy throws $500 into the blood bar fund. When a guy doesn't come back we gather in a pub, put his picture on the bar, and drink in his honor. You may see yourself as a selfless professional but I won't tell you how to sell insurance or run the Piggly Wiggly if you won't tell me how we should behave.

Tell you what, I am heading down to Napa in a couple weeks. I plan to spend a few nights in SF - if that is where you live I will gladly buy you a beer or three. I stay at the Nikko so we can meet at the bar down stairs . I look forward to meeting you and hearing your views on selflessness, professionalism, and physical fitness.  

[Freeport Warrior]

On the other hand, Buzz's approach to Mayo has us sitting at 11-4 in the BE with a realistic shot of winning it in a year when the 'talent' level said we should finish 7th.

I don't think this team needs a "solution." It's not as if they're underperforming.

I think Buzz is a great coach and the ball really bounced our way early in the BE. To be where we are at is incredible. My bigger point is, if Mayo turns it on at the end of the season, this team could go very, very far. I'm talking FF, or beyond. A hot Mayo is exactly what this team needs to go far into the tourney. Without him, we could get to the Sweet Sixteen, but we are a zone away from losing to anyone. We just don't have the shooters. With Mayo healthy and happy, I think we could go even further.

[akmarq]

I think Buzz is a great coach and the ball really bounced our way early in the BE. To be where we are at is incredible. My bigger point is, if Mayo turns it on at the end of the season, this team could go very, very far. I'm talking FF, or beyond. A hot Mayo is exactly what this team needs to go far into the tourney. Without him, we could get to the Sweet Sixteen, but we are a zone away from losing to anyone. We just don't have the shooters. With Mayo healthy and happy, I think we could go even further.

I agree on a productive Mayo being a huge factor in our favor if we are going to make a run. I just think that responsibility needs to fall on Todd to play more consistantly rather than Buzz to run him out there more. Todd's lack of minutes (real or perceived) are a Todd problem, not a Buzz problem.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

I agree on a productive Mayo being a huge factor in our favor if we are going to make a run. I just think that responsibility needs to fall on Todd to play more consistantly rather than Buzz to run him out there more. Todd's lack of minutes (real or perceived) are a Todd problem, not a Buzz problem.

Perfectly stated.

IF Todd gets more minutes, it won't be because Buzz suddenly decides Todd should play. It will be because Todd is effective and Buzz can't take him out.

If you ever listen to Buzz's post game, that is how he describes guys: "He was really good tonight, I just couldn't take him out."

[Henry Sugar]

Todd has been pretty solid since the game @USF. He struggled from @Cincy through @UL. However, since the @USF game, he's only been net negative one time (@SHU).

[GGGG]

As you know I'm a huge Buzz fan, but his usage of Mayo this season is an area where I'm critical of Buzz.  A player rarely plays well when on a short leash as you describe above - miss a shot, or have a 1 mental breakdown and get yanked - no player thrives in that kind of role...which is the way its been for Todd.  Give him some good run and a little slack and his efficiency will go up.  Period.  

There is no evidence to suggest this is the case.  Todd is a scorer, but he has never been terribly efficient.

Be happy he contributed and got his chance...hopefully he can build from there.  But don't make stuff up.

[MUSF]

And to suggest that a kid playing Div I basketball is spent from playing just 48 hours before is rubbish. Anyone who advances that theory is someone who has welded himself to his La Z Boy, who views running to the Fridge to grab another PBR constitutes a work out, and who tells people that he wears sweats as part of his wardrobe because they are comfortable.

As for selflessness, please tell me when was the last time you did anything for others which involved true sacrifice? And by that I don't mean throwing an extra $20 in the basket at church or ladling slop once a month at the food kitchen. Fact is you likely have not and until you do you have zero credible say in that conversation. I am always amused by those who have not who insist on telling those who have how they should behave. You don't like SEALs writing books or telling war stories? How about going to McP's and saying that to their face? You may know a combat controller or read an article in Esquire about one but I doubt you yourself have ever done anything like that. I know the STS guys at McChord  AFB. We drink with them at the Ram in Lakewood. And we talk about our jobs. When you join an ASOS every guy throws $500 into the blood bar fund. When a guy doesn't come back we gather in a pub, put his picture on the bar, and drink in his honor. You may see yourself as a selfless professional but I won't tell you how to sell insurance or run the Piggly Wiggly if you won't tell me how we should behave.

Tell you what, I am heading down to Napa in a couple weeks. I plan to spend a few nights in SF - if that is where you live I will gladly buy you a beer or three. I stay at the Nikko so we can meet at the bar down stairs . I look forward to meeting you and hearing your views on selflessness, professionalism, and physical fitness.  

You know what happens when you assume right. I ain't from San Francisco and I know a few personal things about service that I don't choose to share on a bball internet board. That's all I'll say.

[keefe]

You know what happens when you assume right. I ain't from San Francisco and I know a few personal things about service that I don't choose to share on a bball internet board. That's all I'll say.

So shoot me a PM.

[NersEllenson]

There is no evidence to suggest this is the case.  Todd is a scorer, but he has never been terribly efficient.

Be happy he contributed and got his chance...hopefully he can build from there.  But don't make stuff up.

Sure missed you while you were in time out...I'm surprised you offered this rebuttal as I recall you have played some ball in your life - maybe even high school level?  Maybe you are in the minority, perhaps 2 out of 10 guys, who would say your efficiency and effectiveness wasn't impacted negatively if you knew you were a missed shot or two, or turnover away from getting benched within a couple of minutes.  Playing on eggshells isn't a great way to play.....and it is particularly hard for a highly talented player, like Todd is, to play under that dynamic.  As much slack as Vander was given his first 2 years....it would be nice to see what would happen if Todd were granted just half as much...

[akmarq]

As much slack as Vander was given his first 2 years....it would be nice to see what would happen if Todd were granted just half as much...

Totally different cases. You have to consider who is behind/ahead of Todd and who was behind/ahead of Vander at the time.

We all know that Buzz doesn't just throw the 5 best players out there, regardless of position. He is looking to use each of his players' skills in a special way. Todd may have more of talent X than Trent, but Buzz goes with Trent because he brings Y to the table.

Our offense is good this year. Let's trust the guy who built it and give him the benefit of the doubt on playing time.

[GGGG]

You have no idea what the coaching relationship is between Buzz and Todd.  And my high school basketball experience is irrelevant to that.

[NersEllenson]

You have no idea what the coaching relationship is between Buzz and Todd.  And my high school basketball experience is irrelevant to that.

The coaching relationship between Buzz and Todd is pretty much on display every time we play - and for the most part, Todd has had a very short leash this season...shorter than last year...and i'd argue the guy in front of Todd last year (DJO) was much better than Lockett. 

Now, I don't doubt Buzz has his reasons for how he is coaching Todd this year, but I'd like to see the quick hook strategy not be employed the rest of the season with regard to Todd - as "good" Todd can be the difference between this team being a Round of 32 and Elite 8/Final 4 caliber team.

[Canned Goods n Ammo]

The coaching relationship between Buzz and Todd is pretty much on display every time we play - and for the most part, Todd has had a very short leash this season...shorter than last year...and i'd argue the guy in front of Todd last year (DJO) was much better than Lockett. 

Now, I don't doubt Buzz has his reasons for how he is coaching Todd this year, but I'd like to see the quick hook strategy not be employed the rest of the season with regard to Todd - as "good" Todd can be the difference between this team being a Round of 32 and Elite 8/Final 4 caliber team.

Do you feel the same way about Gardner(last season), Taylor Jr., Otule and Juan (all this season)?

All 4 of those guys have played sporadic minutes and been subbed in and out often.

Buzz has a deep team and if (insert player) doesn't perform, Buzz will play somebody else. If Buzz doesn't like the match-up, he'll play somebody else.

I think you are twisting yourself into knots trying to explain Todd's performance (or lack there of on some occasions). This isn't that complicated. He's a soph. guard who is having some growing pains. Juan is a soph. forward who is going through the SAME THING. Some nights are good, some aren't so good. 

We have no real evidence that more minutes would mean more efficiency. In fact, several players on MU's roster have proven to be very efficient in limited roles.

[GGGG]

Mayo is getting plenty of minutes to get himself in rhythm.  15.4, which is seventh on the team.  This is down from about 21 last year.

He is shooting at about the same percentage as last year - both from 3 and overall.  Again, there is no evidence whatsoever that he is more than this when it comes to "efficiency" right now.  Considering he missed half the year, and half the summer, that is probably all we can hope for right now.  If he keeps his act together in the classroom, and works his ass off this summer, my guess is that he will grow like Blue has done this year.