Whaley vs Akok in the starting line-up.

[Huskyforlife]

You keep starting Whaley and bringing in Akok for him or Sanogo whenever necessary. It is undeniable Akok is a better fit with both however.

 

[Stinger92860]

As long as he’s not in foul trouble, he will be. Hurley said yesterday that he expects Sanogo and Cole to be playing 33 to 35 minutes a game by Atlantis, and Martin also playing 30+.

My concern is that Sanogo will pickup 1-2 fouls cheap fouls out top each game when he is used as a hedge against the other teams guards. I’m not a fan of this defense, but the guy in charge is making the big bucks and has us going in the right direction.

 

[Stinger92860]

it doesn’t matter, they can both be productive. polley needs to get his shot going if this team is doing anything

If Gaffney, Akok, Hawkins, and Tyrese can stretch the D, we will be fine. Add in a hot Polley and we are humming. Sanogo will see a lot of single coverage and our ability to grab offensive boards will be even better.

 

[8893]

My concern is that Sanogo will pickup 1-2 fouls cheap fouls out top each game when he is used as a hedge against the other teams guards. I’m not a fan of this defense, but the guy in charge is making the big bucks and has us going in the right direction.

I hear you, but I don’t think we’ve ever been deeper in the front court, which should help mitigate your concern.

Think of Emeka going crazy having to sit in the first half of the 2004 semis vs. Duke, and then sealing the win against Duke’s third string centers. And Calhoun’s “I learned a long time ago that games are 40 minutes long,” after K whined about being robbed.

tl;dr: it’s always a concern, but we have that luxury again.

 

[HuskyHawk]

I expect that our best starting 5 has Akok replacing Whaley. I don’t think there is much of a drop off on D. Whaley is better disrupting ball screens but Akok is a better rim protector. Akok is better on the offensive end and is faster when our transition game is working.

That said, opponents will drive optimal matchups. We haven’t played a good team yet. Let’s see how things play out. There is no hurry to change anything now. I would like to see IW standing outside less often. Sanogo is going to get doubled and he needs a cutter who can attack the rim from the other side to make them pay for it.

 

[Bonk]

Whaley at the 4 and catching the ball beyond the arc isn't the most effective strategy, teams will sag off. Akok or Polley should start at the 4, Whaley off the bench. Will create more interior space for Sanogo

 

[coachn]

This team is just creating so many 3s that is a dream for a good 3 pt sniper. Let's go Hawkins . Let's see what you have.

 

[CL82]

My concern is that Sanogo will pickup 1-2 fouls cheap fouls out top each game when he is used as a hedge against the other teams guards. I’m not a fan of this defense, but the guy in charge is making the big bucks and has us going in the right direction.

Whaley does make it look easy though.

 

[bmayuc]

When I read Hurley's comments about why he's riding with this starting lineup, it makes sense to me - He wants this group to come in and dominate physically and on defense - absolutely punch the other team in the mouth and play with "force" and bully them to start the game.

I have to say I really like that concept and could see how its demoralizing for the opponent - I mean with this defensive group on the floor the other team will just not see clean shots. then you come in with the offensive punch off the bench(akok, gaff, polley, etc). It makes a lot of sense.

Wear out the other team with the brutes, let them know its going to be a brutal game to play, soften them up for the skill guys to clean up.

 

[TheChamps990411]

If Akok can continue to shoot well from 3, I start him and live with the dropoff in D. Whaley is more comfortable at the 5, maybe come in for either Sanogo or Akok, whoever gets in foul trouble first. Keeping the floor properly spaced will be a premium versus higher level competition and will only help Sanogo even more.

Its not going to be much of a drop off. Akok is still working the rust off and at some point he will be better than Whaley defensively. He will lead the team in blocked shots. Whaley coming off the bench is a nice problem to have because that means Akok is playing at a high level. Yes please!

 

[Chin Diesel]

When I read Hurley's comments about why he's riding with this starting lineup, it makes sense to me - He wants this group to come in and dominate physically and on defense - absolutely punch the other team in the mouth and play with "force" and bully them to start the game.

I have to say I really like that concept and could see how its demoralizing for the opponent - I mean with this defensive group on the floor the other team will just not see clean shots. then you come in with the offensive punch off the bench(akok, gaff, polley, etc). It makes a lot of sense.

Wear out the other team with the brutes, let them know its going to be a brutal game to play, soften them up for the skill guys to clean up.

Thunder and lightning.

Or Shake and Bake.

 

[Cagey_Tee]

Fair enough. Of the 80 mins at PF/C that’s 30 for sanogo 25 for Akok 20 for Whaley 5 for Martin (who’s also getting 25 at SF)

Cole (30) Gaff (10)
Hawk (20) Gaff (10) Jackson (10)
Martin (25) Polley (10) Jackson (5)
Whaley (10) Akok (25) Martin (5)
Sanogo (30) Whaley (10)

While we have yet to see Hawkins, I would assume that he and Gaffney will get a bit more than 20, and Jackson - unless and until he can find at least some offense - will get less than 15. Right now, Jackson looks lost, and the defenses just collapse when he dribbles around the top of the key.

 

[husky429]

While we have yet to see Hawkins, I would assume that he and Gaffney will get a bit more than 20, and Jackson - unless and until he can find at least some offense - will get less than 15. Right now, Jackson looks lost, and the defenses just collapse when he dribbles around the top of the key.

Jackson is getting much more than <15 minutes a game, and should. He + Whaley + Sanogo can't see the floor together much without totally screwing up the offense IMO. Sanogo is going to get 30+ a game if he isn't in foul trouble. Between Andre and Whaley it's just going to come down to who is playing better on any given day. And if it's neither like yesterday, they'll split the minutes and we hope Gaffney and Rese are having good nights.