(Poll) Starting PG

[Son of Robert]

Gaffney is not coming out of the starting lineup and neither is Cole. I rewatched the Hartford game (the first half so far), and Jalen is our best defender of the opposing team's lead guard. His defense in the first half is excellent; I don't know where all the Gaffney shade comes from. He has quick feet, he's athletic, he is fairly relentless. On offense he's got guard glue. He makes very few mistakes, he is our man at the top of the arc directing traffic, making passes, penetrating (which he is getting better at) and holding the offense together. His assist numbers will rise.

I haven't seen enough of Cole on offense to really comment too much, but I can see that he can shoot it, and I think he will be quite the scorer for us as he gets going here after his long lay off of not playing actual games. I have a feeling he has a lot up tricks up his sleeve when it comes to scoring, that he finds a way to get his twos up, and that he may well prove to be a gifted facilitator. I am not seeing that he is as good on defense as Jalen, he is shorter, and not as quick and springy as Jalen, nor as athletic.

All this being said these are our two guards this year that will be running the point for us, spending probably what, 60%-70% of the minutes playing together. Hurley, as a coach and former point guard relishes ball movement and floor generalship, and these are the two who will be bringing it, mostly together.

So give it a minute and watch what happens. To state the obvious, how our backcourt functions will be one of the main keys to our success this season. Hurley knows what's up, that's why these two are out there.

 

[87Xfer]

Gaffney is not coming out of the starting lineup and neither is Cole. I rewatched the Hartford game (the first half so far), and Jalen is our best defender of the opposing team's lead guard. His defense in the first half is excellent; I don't know where all the Gaffney shade comes from. He has quick feet, he's athletic, he is fairly relentless. On offense he's got guard glue. He makes very few mistakes, he is our man at the top of the arc directing traffic, making passes, penetrating (which he is getting better at) and holding the offense together. His assist numbers will rise.

I haven't seen enough of Cole on offense to really comment too much, but I can see that he can shoot it, and I think he will be quite the scorer for us as he gets going here after his long lay off of not playing actual games. I have a feeling he has a lot up tricks up his sleeve when it comes to scoring, that he finds a way to get his twos up, and that he may well prove to be a gifted facilitator. I am not seeing that he is as good on defense as Jalen, he is shorter, and not as quick and springy as Jalen, nor as athletic.

All this being said these are our two guards this year that will be running the point for us, spending probably what, 60%-70% of the minutes playing together. Hurley, as a coach and former point guard relishes ball movement and floor generalship, and these are the two who will be bringing it, mostly together.

So give it a minute and watch what happens. To state the obvious, how our backcourt functions will be one of the main keys to our success this season. Hurley knows what's up, that's why these two are out there.

Pretty well-reasoned take. Do you see the 60-70% of minutes played together sticking through the season, or until one of the two stands out as our PG? I just can't get over the feeling that having them both on the floor is taking minutes from somone else who can potentially deliver more impact per minute. And who that other player is will depend on who we're playing.

 

[Son of Robert]

Pretty well-reasoned take. Do you see the 60-70% of minutes played together sticking through the season, or until one of the two stands out as our PG? I just can't get over the feeling that having them both on the floor is taking minutes from somone else who can potentially deliver more impact per minute. And who that other player is will depend on who we're playing.

I hear you, what you say is true also, there is so much talent on this team. For example, I am still watching the Hartford game, near the end of the first half, and Hurley has Jackson bringing the ball down, and initially playing at the top of the arc facilitating passes.

 

[David 76]

It is a tough choice. I'm going counter to all the quick takes on the yard. Let them both keep showing what they can do. Too early to make a decision between the two of them.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Itll be fun to revisit this thread after USC.

 

[gtcam]

I'd start RJ and keep him on short leash based on his D
Gaff was better last year coming off the bench
The one guy I would not start is Polley - cant start the game in a 4 vs 5 situation

 

[coachn]

Gafney all the way. POG VS UHart.. No reason why they can't both play at the same time.
They play too well together. Gafney and Bouk have a bond unlike any on the team.
Why is no one talking about the pass from Martin to Whaley full court for Pork Chop dunk? Play of the game at critical point. Two great players.

 

[DMIL]

Jalen Gaffney with RJ coming off of the bench. RJ would balance off the second Unit with experience, scoring, defense (ability to steal) and leadership

 

[UCTitleTown]

Where's are center to step out and knock down 3's. Isn't that today's game?