Theo John should come off the bench

[RIP Marquette Gyros]

Been a huge fan of Theo John since he entered the program. However, there's been an interesting trend with him in all of our losses this year.
 
In our 5 losses: 12.8 mins, 1.8 rebounds, and .4 blocks
In our 11 wins: 21.5 mins, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks

Yes, the stats may be a bit skewed in our wins due to lesser competition but I think the point still remains. When Theo John can stay on the court, we win. I think he's our most important player besides Markus, but his biggest strength is also his biggest weakness. He is a very high energy player to a fault leading to unnecessary fouls causing him to miss playing time.

The solution? I think Wojo should bring Theo off the bench. In our last two losses, Theo commits a foul in the first minute of each second half. I think Theo is just one of those players who gets way too hyped as a starter. Bringing him off the bench would allow him to settle into the game from a distance, with the hope that he can actually play more minutes later on in the game.
   

[WhoaJoe2020]

Been a huge fan of Theo John since he entered the program. However, there's been an interesting trend with him in all of our losses this year.
 
In our 5 losses: 12.8 mins, 1.8 rebounds, and .4 blocks
In our 11 wins: 21.5 mins, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks

Yes, the stats may be a bit skewed in our wins due to lesser competition but I think the point still remains. When Theo John can stay on the court, we win. I think he's our most important player besides Markus, but his biggest strength is also his biggest weakness. He is a very high energy player to a fault leading to unnecessary fouls causing him to miss playing time.

The solution? I think Wojo should bring Theo off the bench. In our last two losses, Theo commits a foul in the first minute of each second half. I think Theo is just one of those players who gets way too hyped as a starter. Bringing him off the bench would allow him to settle into the game from a distance, with the hope that he can actually play more minutes later on in the game.
 

Well, his wrist is hurt and he gets some of the most BS calls I've ever seen, so yeah, his numbers and minutes are down. If he could just get a little respect from the officials I think he could overcome the wrist issue and still be an effective starter. Mainly for defense and rebounding because his offense never was spectacular and the wrist isn't helping matters. Not to mention that Jayce is injured and doesn't provide much offense, just like Theo, and Ed is undersized at the 5 and has his own offensive issues so.........Yeah I still like starting Theo.

[rocky_warrior]

Actually.  Based on *only those* numbers, I'd say as long as he's grabbing 1+ rebound every 3:30 leave him in.  Otherwise, yank him and he doesn't get to play the rest of the game.

[The Hippie Satan of Hyperbole]

Bring him off the bench and start who?  The big who’s having the best game plays the most so starting doesn’t really matter.

[#UnleashSean]

That doesn't matter.... Either way he's missing the minutes. It doesn't matter if he picks up his first foul at 18 minutes or comes off the bench and picks it up at 15. With the 2nd option you're just preemptively limiting his minutes.


Now if you were to say that he should come off the bench because jayce is better, then yes.

[GoldenDieners32]

Theo looks like he doesn't know what basketball is when he is out there

[GooooMarquette]

I am a big Theo fan and believe he is our best inside player...but I think maybe OP has a point. Maybe start Jayce and bring Theo off the bench. Still give him his minutes and see how he responds. And really - what's the worst that can happen? Is our inside game gonna get worse? Kinda doubt it.

If it ain't broke don't fix it...but our inside game seems awfully broke lately.

[tower912]

All of our posts have physical issues.   Mix and match and more minutes to whoever is playing well and staying out of foul trouble.

[Stretchdeltsig]

Been a huge fan of Theo John since he entered the program. However, there's been an interesting trend with him in all of our losses this year.
 
In our 5 losses: 12.8 mins, 1.8 rebounds, and .4 blocks
In our 11 wins: 21.5 mins, 6.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocks

Yes, the stats may be a bit skewed in our wins due to lesser competition but I think the point still remains. When Theo John can stay on the court, we win. I think he's our most important player besides Markus, but his biggest strength is also his biggest weakness. He is a very high energy player to a fault leading to unnecessary fouls causing him to miss playing time.

The solution? I think Wojo should bring Theo off the bench. In our last two losses, Theo commits a foul in the first minute of each second half. I think Theo is just one of those players who gets way too hyped as a starter. Bringing him off the bench would allow him to settle into the game from a distance, with the hope that he can actually play more minutes later on in the game.

Good point however keep in mind that Theo is not a very good free throw shooter so he can be a liability at the end of close games.
 

[WarriorPride68]

the real question is will Theo make it 3 straight games fouling out with 0 points in exactly 14 minutes?

[vogue65]

Theo John should give up body building and practice shooting more.

[wiscwarrior]

Theo John should give up body building and practice shooting more.

It bears repeating, he's playing with a torn ligament in his right hand that needs surgery after the season. His body is just fine. 

[mileskishnish72]

Another thumb?

[RIP Marquette Gyros]

That doesn't matter.... Either way he's missing the minutes. It doesn't matter if he picks up his first foul at 18 minutes or comes off the bench and picks it up at 15. With the 2nd option you're just preemptively limiting his minutes.


Now if you were to say that he should come off the bench because jayce is better, then yes.

I guess my thought process is if he were to come off the bench, maybe he wouldn't be so hyperactive and avoid fouls and actually play more minutes. 

Talent-wise I think he's a starter, but there are just some players who play better off the bench. Would be interesting to see what would happen.

[WhoaJoe2020]

I guess my thought process is if he were to come off the bench, maybe he wouldn't be so hyperactive and avoid fouls and actually play more minutes. 

Talent-wise I think he's a starter, but there are just some players who play better off the bench. Would be interesting to see what would happen.

Marquette got off to a strong start against SH when Theo was starting. For the sake of continuity and to not undermine Theo's confidence I believe keeping the starting line up intact makes more sense.

[skianth16]

It bears repeating, he's playing with a torn ligament in his right hand that needs surgery after the season. His body is just fine. 

This is three years in a row with guys playing pretty hurt for a good portion of the year. Is this normal? I don't like that trend.

[MU82]

There is no reason to start anybody at 5 except Theo.

Wojo does a good job apportioning minutes for that position.