We need Samson back ASAP

[CardiacAndre7]

You are correct. I, for one, am not convinced that Johnson will be a contributor at this level. I know some people on this board don't want to here it (and I really hope I'm wrong)... but I worry he's going to end up on the Springs plan.

Springs has never sniffed meaningful minutes. Samson started the first game of the year. I don’t think their situations are super comparable.

 

[UCFan1513]

From the Athletic article, not sure if this is based on new or old information:

"Sophomore forward Samson Johnson has pro upside, but has spent the season dealing with a foot injury. He’s slated to return in roughly two weeks, bringing some needed defense and rebounding."

That would be Jan 25 against Xavier, a game where his presence would be particularly valuable. If we could sneak him in on Jan 22 vs. Butler first that would be nice.

 

[RichCTBB]

Nonsense. This is about Hawkins, from the new Athletic article. You think this doesn't matter? You don't see how he's coming around screens and elevating too fast for the defense to respond? He never did that last year. He learned that in the offseason.

You are saying that based on high school stats and Jordan Hawkins developmental trajectory that Samson will have an almost immediate positive impact. Jordan had almost a full season last year before getting concussed. Also you are unwilling to accept that the amount of time that he missed will have had an impact on his development. OK. I really hope you're right, but let’s agree to disagree.

 

[Coach J]

Samson is another blade in the Swiss Army knife.

He isn't a be all, end all solution but he will give Karaban much needed rest and give Hurkey some mire room to tinker with lineup.

No fault of his own, but Karaban as a 6'8" 210lbs frosh can't physically match up against best 4's in BE.

So in reality instead of using Karaban for extended minutes that dilute his effectiveness Hurley should be/have been trying Springs to spell him. He obviously has the size and from the little that we have seen he clearly can rebound and finish at the hoop. The big question would be if he can guard 4s on the perimeter which we should have found out during the LIU, Georgetown, etc portion of our schedule.

 

[UCfor3]

So in reality instead of using Karaban for extended minutes that dilute his effectiveness Hurley should be/have been trying Springs to spell him. He obviously has the size and from the little that we have seen he clearly can rebound and finish at the hoop. The big question would be if he can guard 4s on the perimeter which we should have found out during the LIU, Georgetown, etc portion of our schedule.

It's the Diggins argument all over again. We have seen that Diggins is playing like 14 minutes a game at UMass and averaging 2.7 points per game. Hurley knew he wasn't a good option last year. We should probably assume he knows what Springs would offer us better than anyone on here as well.