March Bench Rotation

[3rdbass]

He scored 15 against PC. He was a spark versus Xavier. So there is some evidence he could help a bit. Considering we get nothing from Nowell, it depends on Hurley's priority, does he want to develop AN for next year, or hope AM can help a little bit now.

Niether of those are recent and the PC game was beginning of the Big East Season. He hasn't show anything recently besides having issues handling pressure and scoring.

 

[3rdbass]

To those saying Samson should only be getting 10 minutes per game, he actually has the top offensive rating % in the big east and one of the best in the country. His defense is notably worse than Reed’s (Reed is actually one of the top defensive centers in the country according to kenpom), but the two definitely compliment each other well. The ideal distribution to me is 20 minutes apiece.

I guess it is due to strength since Samson is better shot blocker and moves his feet better. Samson's problem has been he isn't a strong guy and it makes it hard for him to play against players who are physical there.

 

[superjohn]

To those saying Samson should only be getting 10 minutes per game, he actually has the top offensive rating % in the big east and one of the best in the country. His defense is notably worse than Reed’s (Reed is actually one of the top defensive centers in the country according to kenpom), but the two definitely compliment each other well. The ideal distribution to me is 20 minutes apiece.

How does an equal distribution of 20 minutes apiece make sense when you say Samson's defense is notably worse than Reed's and Reed averages 8 more rebounds and 5 more points per 40 than Samson?

 

[DogMania]

What has Mahaney shown us recently to think he can give us much of anything? I just don't see it besides maybe spelling Diarra for 5 minutes a game. Personally I rather see us go big with Stewart. Mahaney makes him look like an All-Start defender. LOL!

If facing a team that doesn't pressure the ball, I can see Mahaney spelling Diarra, otherwise I don't know if he can handle it. He's more suited to give Ball a breather or provide some create off the dribble offense, though lately he's struggled to produce getting so little PT.

I'd rather see them give Nowell some run to spell Diarra to see if he can gain some confidence.

If either of them show more production (D, dimes, points) vs liabilities (bad D, bad misses, TOs, failure to box out & rebound), then let them earn PT in that game.

Unfortunately, backup PG minutes continues to be the team's biggest liability in addition to team D without fouling.

 

[RuffRuff]

To those saying Samson should only be getting 10 minutes per game, he actually has the top offensive rating % in the big east and one of the best in the country. His defense is notably worse than Reed’s (Reed is actually one of the top defensive centers in the country according to kenpom), but the two definitely compliment each other well. The ideal distribution to me is 20 minutes apiece.

There is a massive flaw in metrics if Samson is seen as a well rated offensive player. His single offensive move is a lob dunk, and yeah he does that at a high efficiency. That is something that you can't rely on, is not self created in any way and you cannot build an offensive around. Somehow, someway the metrics must weight that in some form that equals efficiency.

There is not a neutral spectator on the planet that looks at Samson thinking oh wow, look at that high caliber Uconn centers offensive game. We have to be real about the guy. How many times do we see him foul 30 feet from the rim, reach in, not react to a man behind him, fumble a ball, not box out. The thing about Samson is that he exponentiates the flaws on this team as being a soft, one dimensional, finesse team. Tarris counters all that and brings in an entirely new dimension and makes this team a much more complicated to defend.

 

[Tyler2Rings]

I think we need to stick with Stew as 6man. He has shown the ability to be a difference maker. Could he go on a DeAndre Daniels esqe run in March?

 

[Scrutineer]

He scored 15 against PC. He was a spark versus Xavier. So there is some evidence he could help a bit. Considering we get nothing from Nowell, it depends on Hurley's priority, does he want to develop AN for next year, or hope AM can help a little bit now.

AM has only had a few good games all year and he's on a trend to little to no time on the court as we reach the post season.

10 total minutes and 0 total points in the last 4 games.

Many have asked what the staff saw in him. It may be the staff felt they could help him become a better player or turn around the trend his career was on.

From his freshman year to his junior year his minutes went from 30 or slightly over in his first two years to 12.3 this year.

His 2 Pt % went down each year, from 42.8 as a Freshman to 38.6 as a Sophomore to this year's 36.2.

His 3 Pt% went down each year from 40.0 as a Freshman to 35.5 as a Sophomore to this year's 32.1.

Playing in a lesser league his first two years he averaged 13.9 years. This year 4.3.

As for big games this year, he's had double digit games against:
East Texas A&M--10 points in 19 minutes
UM Eastern Shore--11 points in 16 minutes
Providence--15 points in 20 minutes
Xavier--14 points in 23 minutes
DePaul--10 points in 17 minutes

Since his last double digit scoring game (1/29 DePaul) he's played a total of 43 minutes in 7 games, scoring a total of 6 points. 4 of those 6 points and 17 of those 43 minutes came against Creighton.

When I see the staff has played him a total of 10 minutes in the last 4 games I feel badly for him, but the staff is handsomely paid to evaluate, develop and play the players they recruited. They apparently don't see him being the answer for relief minutes for HD.

 

[RuffRuff]

AM has only had a few good games all year and he's on a trend to little to no time on the court as we reach the post season.

10 total minutes and 0 total points in the last 4 games.

Many have asked what the staff saw in him. It may be the staff felt they could help him become a better player or turn around the trend his career was on.

From his freshman year to his junior year his minutes went from 30 or slightly over in his first two years to 12.3 this year.

His 2 Pt % went down each year, from 42.8 as a Freshman to 38.6 as a Sophomore to this year's 36.2.

His 3 Pt% went down each year from 40.0 as a Freshman to 35.5 as a Sophomore to this year's 32.1.

Playing in a lesser league his first two years he averaged 13.9 years. This year 4.3.

As for big games this year, he's had double digit games against:
East Texas A&M--10 points in 19 minutes
UM Eastern Shore--11 points in 16 minutes
Providence--15 points in 20 minutes
Xavier--14 points in 23 minutes
DePaul--10 points in 17 minutes

Since his last double digit scoring game (1/29 DePaul) he's played a total of 43 minutes in 7 games, scoring a total of 6 points. 4 of those 6 points and 17 of those 43 minutes came against Creighton.

When I see the staff has played him a total of 10 minutes in the last 4 games I feel badly for him, but the staff is handsomely paid to evaluate, develop and play the players they recruited. They apparently don't see him being the answer for relief minutes for HD.

As a touted upperclass transfer he should have come in as an alpha not a beta. And certainly not stayed a beta through March.

 

[freescooter]

I don't see it. I still see an athletically challenged player who is just one play from getting another 10 second violation or turnover. He isn't a PG and it shows. Maybe Ball or someone else can bring it up and have Mahaney play off the ball which he needs to be effective. I'm not saying Nowell has been great but he seems to be getting better each time I see him with handling pressure.

Boy I disagree on Nowell getting better. He struggles to get the ball up against pressure. He picks up his dribble way to soon once he gets over the time line if he is pressured. Not a great handle. Can’t take his man off the dribble. Not a great defender and bigger guards are just a problem for him. He did the same things against Providence at the end of February that he did against Georgetown back in early January.

 

[Giddyup5]

There is a massive flaw in metrics if Samson is seen as a well rated offensive player. His single offensive move is a lob dunk, and yeah he does that at a high efficiency. That is something that you can't rely on, is not self created in any way and you cannot build an offensive around. Somehow, someway the metrics must weight that in some form that equals efficiency.

There is not a neutral spectator on the planet that looks at Samson thinking oh wow, look at that high caliber Uconn centers offensive game. We have to be real about the guy. How many times do we see him foul 30 feet from the rim, reach in, not react to a man behind him, fumble a ball, not box out. The thing about Samson is that he exponentiates the flaws on this team as being a soft, one dimensional, finesse team. Tarris counters all that and brings in an entirely new dimension and makes this team a much more complicated to defend.

I think you are selling Samson short on his offensive improvement.

He is significantly better finishing with both hands around the rim. His free throw shooting has improved significantly. In fact, he barely catches lob dunks anymore because our guards struggle setting him up like Tristen, Cam, and Steph did. He has made a leap offensively, and if we had better distributors on the team he would prob average 4-6 more points a game. Earlier is the year we ran a few nice 2 man pick and rolls with him and AK from the wing, I’d like to go back to that when he is the game.


He struggles rebounding, doesn’t set the best screens, and his defensive strengths (moving his feet, hedging, and shot blocking) would be better appreciated if we communicated better on D and had better/smarter/more instinctual defensive players.

Is Reed the better (more minutes) option for this team and its individual strengths and weakness? Probably, against most match ups. But Samson is a good player who has significantly improved.

 

[RuffRuff]

I think you are selling Samson short on his offensive improvement.

He is significantly better finishing with both hands around the rim. His free throw shooting has improved significantly. In fact, he barely catches lob dunks anymore because our guards struggle setting him up like Tristen, Cam, and Steph did. He has made a leap offensively, and if we had better distributors on the team he would prob average 4-6 more points a game. Earlier is the year we ran a few nice 2 man pick and rolls with him and AK from the wing, I’d like to go back to that when he is the game.


He struggles rebounding, doesn’t set the best screens, and his defensive strengths (moving his feet, hedging, and shot blocking) would be better appreciated if we communicated better on D and had better/smarter/more instinctual defensive players.

Is Reed the better (more minutes) option for this team and its individual strengths and weakness? Probably, against most match ups. But Samson is a good player who has significantly improved.

Samson is “fine”, this roster needs more than fine.

 

[3rdbass]

Boy I disagree on Nowell getting better. He struggles to get the ball up against pressure. He picks up his dribble way to soon once he gets over the time line if he is pressured. Not a great handle. Can’t take his man off the dribble. Not a great defender and bigger guards are just a problem for him. He did the same things against Providence at the end of February that he did against Georgetown back in early January.

He has played how many minutes? He was injured most of the year and at first he couldn't even handle pressure. He is handling it and giving out assists. Is it pretty not 100% but unless Diarra is bringing it up nobody stands out including McNeeley who has had trouble handing pressure too.

 

[navery12]

He has played how many minutes? He was injured most of the year and at first he couldn't even handle pressure. He is handling it and giving out assists. Is it pretty not 100% but unless Diarra is bringing it up nobody stands out including McNeeley who has had trouble handing pressure too.

I hope to love anything one day as much as you love Ahmad Nowell. I genuinely have no idea what you've been watching the last few weeks with your posts

 

[3rdbass]

I hope to love anything one day as much as you love Ahmad Nowell. I genuinely have no idea what you've been watching the last few weeks with your posts

I'm not high on him but just saying he is serviceable. That is all we can hope for now unfortunately. Next year we will have a Big Athletic PG to start and AN if still here can back him up after getting some valuable minutes.

 

[navery12]

I'm not high on him but just saying he is serviceable. That is all we can hope for now unfortunately. Next year we will have a Big Athletic PG to start and AN if still here can back him up after getting some valuable minutes.

Right now I think that is a very rose colored glasses view. Next year I agree though

 

[3rdbass]

Right now I think that is a very rose colored glasses view. Next year I agree though

No Ross is just not that good. We have seen enough to know that.

 

[AdamaNation]

I don't see it. I still see an athletically challenged player who is just one play from getting another 10 second violation or turnover. He isn't a PG and it shows. Maybe Ball or someone else can bring it up and have Mahaney play off the ball which he needs to be effective. I'm not saying Nowell has been great but he seems to be getting better each time I see him with handling pressure.

Like it or not Ball has been let’s say “not terrible “ bringing up the ball. He’s my pick for the unofficial backup point right now. Mahaney at the 2 or even play nowell as a 2 as I feel better with Solo.

 

[AllHusky]

Ball 1 Mahaney 2 maybe 10 min/game, more if they are clicking
Nowell 1 5 min per half
Keeps Hass fresher and less gimpy
Blowouts rest Hass more
Force Stewart, he can help(unless he can't)

Will be interesting to see what if any adjustments the staff makes to the Samson/Tarris paradigm. Many have recognized there is gold to be mined in unlocking the right balance and roles(no high hedge for Reed, maybe not for Sam)

 

[6Nattys4Us]

I hope to love anything one day as much as you love Ahmad Nowell. I genuinely have no idea what you've been watching the last few weeks with your posts

I will say that Nowell does not turn the ball over despite the pressure - had some nice dimes to AK and TRJ but unfortunately missed 2 FTs and a 3. If memory serves his 2 missed FTs were on a drive where he was fouled and the player got his 3rd and had to sit.

So if you see Nowell as cannot handling pressure and not a good shooter, then ok fair. I see him as handling pressure, doesn't turn the ball over, has great court vision.

Both perspectives can be true.

 

[RuffRuff]

I hope to love anything one day as much as you love Ahmad Nowell. I genuinely have no idea what you've been watching the last few weeks with your posts

If you haven’t owned a dog you will then realize what that love feels like.

 

[RuffRuff]

I will say that Nowell does not turn the ball over despite the pressure - had some nice dimes to AK and TRJ but unfortunately missed 2 FTs and a 3. If memory serves his 2 missed FTs were on a drive where he was fouled and the player got his 3rd and had to sit.

So if you see Nowell as cannot handling pressure and not a good shooter, then ok fair. I see him as handling pressure, doesn't turn the ball over, has great court vision.

Both perspectives can be true.

Jury has to remain out with AN. All we can really assess for the moment as that it’s not exactly what you’d call aesthetically pleasing.

 

[AllHusky]

Body of work and experience too limited to say anything definitively about Nowell. Everybody hopes for enough to help us now.

 

[jibsey]

I will say that Nowell does not turn the ball over despite the pressure - had some nice dimes to AK and TRJ but unfortunately missed 2 FTs and a 3. If memory serves his 2 missed FTs were on a drive where he was fouled and the player got his 3rd and had to sit.

So if you see Nowell as cannot handling pressure and not a good shooter, then ok fair. I see him as handling pressure, doesn't turn the ball over, has great court vision.

Both perspectives can be true.

Nowell is a 4 star player. When he hasn’t been injured, and unlike Hass who must play regardless and we must assume that when Hurley puts him out there he is OK, what has he shown that is 4 star level?

 

[AllHusky]

Nowell is a 4 star player. When he hasn’t been injured, and unlike Hass who must play regardless and we must assume that when Hurley puts him out there he is OK, what has he shown that is 4 star level?

Nothing. Year has been a washout for a variety of reasons, some that we’ll never know. We need him to help in a small way right now.