The one issue that needs to be addressed is our starting lineup, and how often we begin games so slowly on the offensive end in particular. For most of us, Donaldson was seen as a likely candidate for RS his Freshman year, and certainly behind our TWO stud recruits Traore and Westry. It's now become apparent that Donaldson is going to continue to push for more and more PT, while the other Freshmen will be scrambling for any meaningful minutes on the court.
Donaldson has shown glimpses of his potential at the point, and has an elite understanding of passing the rock to his teammates. I believe his football QB skills have prepared him to be able to see tight windows of delivering the pass and he excels on the fastbreak finding the open man. Our other guards are of the me first, shoot first variety (Wen, and KD), and only consider passing the ball after they have exhausted their own options to score.
It's time to start Donaldson along Wendell and by doing so we move Wendell out to the 2 and allow Donaldson to run the offense. WG is our only 3 point shooter who can excel when given the time to get his shot off on a catch and shoot or pass out from the post position. This allows our offense to remain fluid, without having to watch the shot clock wind down as WG is forever dribbling back and forth trying to find an opening for himself.
Zep needs to play less and less minutes, as Donaldson builds up his stamina to be able to handle 25+ min a game. Use Zep as a potential defensive closer/stop when necessary to cool down someone who is filling it up on the court.
SEC play will reveal very quickly if Donaldson is up to the task at hand. JWill is starting to provide us with consistent quality minutes, Broome's movement on the court is much improved, and if he can ever develop a spin move / drop step to his right hand down low - watch out!
The monkey wrench in all of this, is how well do AF, Zep, and KD handle their diminished roles - ie, less minutes on the court. Will their attitudes remain positive or will they bitch and moan? I'm not sure I have the answer to that question.
We can talk another time about how this change in starting lineup affects the substitution patterns moving forward. Let's just say that one thing that should happen is I'd like to see Westry play his remaining time on the court at the 3 - taking more and more of AF/Berman minutes. Westry doesn't have AF physical traits, but is at least the equal to AF in dribbling, passing, shooting, and most importantly, he needs the seasoning for next year.
War Eagle! I am now a little more optimistic for our SEC conference schedule and think we are on track to finish ahead of 9-9 rather than under 500.
Donaldson has shown glimpses of his potential at the point, and has an elite understanding of passing the rock to his teammates. I believe his football QB skills have prepared him to be able to see tight windows of delivering the pass and he excels on the fastbreak finding the open man. Our other guards are of the me first, shoot first variety (Wen, and KD), and only consider passing the ball after they have exhausted their own options to score.
It's time to start Donaldson along Wendell and by doing so we move Wendell out to the 2 and allow Donaldson to run the offense. WG is our only 3 point shooter who can excel when given the time to get his shot off on a catch and shoot or pass out from the post position. This allows our offense to remain fluid, without having to watch the shot clock wind down as WG is forever dribbling back and forth trying to find an opening for himself.
Zep needs to play less and less minutes, as Donaldson builds up his stamina to be able to handle 25+ min a game. Use Zep as a potential defensive closer/stop when necessary to cool down someone who is filling it up on the court.
SEC play will reveal very quickly if Donaldson is up to the task at hand. JWill is starting to provide us with consistent quality minutes, Broome's movement on the court is much improved, and if he can ever develop a spin move / drop step to his right hand down low - watch out!
The monkey wrench in all of this, is how well do AF, Zep, and KD handle their diminished roles - ie, less minutes on the court. Will their attitudes remain positive or will they bitch and moan? I'm not sure I have the answer to that question.
We can talk another time about how this change in starting lineup affects the substitution patterns moving forward. Let's just say that one thing that should happen is I'd like to see Westry play his remaining time on the court at the 3 - taking more and more of AF/Berman minutes. Westry doesn't have AF physical traits, but is at least the equal to AF in dribbling, passing, shooting, and most importantly, he needs the seasoning for next year.
War Eagle! I am now a little more optimistic for our SEC conference schedule and think we are on track to finish ahead of 9-9 rather than under 500.
