++++Basketball lineup change?

[Lover of Pearl]

Bruce said last night the starters aren’t playing well and he’s going to consider changing up the starters. What do you guys see as the solution?

I think I’d roll with:

J’von
Okoro
DP
Cambridge
Wiley

then that would allow Samir to be our version of the Saben Lee kid from Vandy who is the 6th man averaging the second most points and as many minutes as the starters. We’d have Samir and Mac who could score from the bench plus Jamal who can spot up. I think a backup grouping of

Samir at PG
Jamal
Flanny
(PF would be an issue if you start DP and Cambridge at the same time)
Mac

could be efficient when your starters need a rest.

I could also see Bruce rolling with Mac as a starter solely because we attempt to get Austin involved at the beginning of every game and start forcing in passes and that’s when we dig ourselves in a hole. Austin will never be the focal point of this offense.

 

[MomentInTheSun]

Ur way overthinking this. He’s not gonna blow up a team that’s 18-2. Mac for Austin. That’s it. Just like it was last year

 

[Denim Vest]

Ur way overthinking this. He’s not gonna blow up a team that’s 18-2. Mac for Austin. That’s it. Just like it was last year

Yeah makes the most sense. Open up the floor for Jvon and Isaac to drive and finish or find open shooters. More Isaac though ball gotta go through the young phenom.

Definitely not the Ant at 4 lineup we saw at UF woof.

I’m not in love with the small lineup against UK but I guess I rather try to boog than do the Austin on the block to nowhere thing.

 

[ShenaniganZ]

It's fracking frustrating when you know Sir Isaac is being under used in critical stretches of the game. The dude is almost unstoppable at times especially at the rim. The forcing the ball into the post thing is beyond annoying to me. We have proven we can't get entry passes into the post so we need to stop forcing it 90% of the time. 20%-30% I could see, I know you have to mix it up but come on Bruce.

I was upset last night but my loyalty to Bruce was never in doubt, I just questioned his decisions for the first time. It seemed like he was really struggling to find something that worked. You could see his frustration.

Spoiler

I just had to remind myself that if he wasn't there I wouldn't even be watching basketball.

 

[jeramye]

Yeah makes the most sense. Open up the floor for Jvon and Isaac to drive and finish or find open shooters. More Isaac though ball gotta go through the young phenom.

Definitely not the Ant at 4 lineup we saw at UF woof.

I’m not in love with the small lineup against UK but I guess I rather try to boog than do the Austin on the block to nowhere thing.

He may try the Mac at the 4 lineup to combat UKs size. That won’t be a long term change though.

The only real options we have here are for the starting guards to play better and for Sir Isaac to get more assertive EARLY.

 

[wcw3au1]

Chuma needs to call Isaac and explain to him what needs to happen. For him and the team. I understand he’s out there playing with experienced Seniors. But he needs to be a little more selfish. I hate to question anything about Bruce but I wonder if he’s pushing IO to take over? If he’s not, I think he should.

 

[jeramye]

Chuma needs to call Isaac and explain to him what needs to happen. For him and the team. I understand he’s out there playing with experienced Seniors. But he needs to be a little more selfish. I hate to question anything about Bruce but I wonder if he’s pushing IO to take over? If he’s not, I think he should.

I am very slow to be critical of young Isaac, but for the first 15 minutes of the game he didn't look like he wanted the ball. He continually played hot potato with it...maybe we were running something that required that but it seemed a lot like all of our non-guards took a very passive, tentative route early due to the OM ball pressure. Like they were scared to turn it over so they just gave it back to Samir or JVon, which didn't help either of the guards look very good since both were terrible all by themselves early.

 

[MomentInTheSun]

I am very slow to be critical of young Isaac, but for the first 15 minutes of the game he didn't look like he wanted the ball. He continually played hot potato with it...maybe we were running something that required that but it seemed a lot like all of our non-guards took a very passive, tentative route early due to the OM ball pressure. Like they were scared to turn it over so they just gave it back to Samir or JVon, which didn't help either of the guards look very good since both were terrible all by themselves early.

Everyone is passing up open looks. I think everyone besides Mac is low on confidence with their shots

 

[wcw3au1]

Everyone is passing up open looks. I think everyone besides Mac is low on confidence with their shots

This is probably a really good point. Mac never hesitates....even when I’m thinking he should.

 

[jeramye]

Everyone is passing up open looks. I think everyone besides Mac is low on confidence with their shots

A few of these rough starts lately have included WIDE ASS OPEN looks from 3 that we just miss....and it tends to be 3/4 guys that all miss wide open looks early. I think that's killing our mentality a bit. We're getting a terrible taste in our mouth right out of the gate and it's a confidence killer. Last night we couldn't create the good looks but mostly we've gotten what we want early and just missed.

 

[ALLTIGER85]

I’d like to see a lot more driving to the basket with Wiley to clean up the misses. We aren’t last years team and don’t need to live and dye (or come close to dying) by the three.
I know the Boogs are 18-2 but there is still tons to improve on. So to me Von, Samir, IO, Wiley and one of DP or Cambridge to start would be the best for that against UK.

 

[ALLTIGER85]

I’d like to see a lot more driving to the basket with Wiley to clean up the misses. We aren’t last years team and don’t need to live and dye (or come close to dying) by the three.
I know the Boogs are 18-2 but there is still tons to improve on. So to me Von, Samir, IO, Wiley and one of DP or Cambridge to start would be the best for that against UK.

To add to that, UK only has 7 with the departure of Whitney or whatever his name is. Getting some of them in foul trouble will open the lane up more.

 

[wcw3au1]

For more than obvious reasons I would’ve loved seeing DP’s last 3 go in during regulation. He made a big one late and if that near buzzer beater had gone in I think it would’ve done a world of good for his confidence. I think we really need him to be great in March.

 

[jeramye]

To add to that, UK only has 7 with the departure of Whitney or whatever his name is. Getting some of them in foul trouble will open the lane up more.

Both teams could get the other in serious foul trouble. We need to make them take jumpers. They have 2 good 3 pt shooters and everyone else I'd let them have it. We can't let them drive on us and draw a ton of fouls. I'm SERIOUSLY worried about whoever Hagans is guarding. If we thought OM ball pressure was disruptive wait till that kid is harassing someone. I wouldn't try to initiate the offense from whoever he is guarding. It's just a bad idea.

 

[ALLTIGER85]

Both teams could get the other in serious foul trouble. We need to make them take jumpers. They have 2 good 3 pt shooters and everyone else I'd let them have it. We can't let them drive on us and draw a ton of fouls. I'm SERIOUSLY worried about whoever Hagans is guarding. If we thought OM ball pressure was disruptive wait till that kid is harassing someone. I wouldn't try to initiate the offense from whoever he is guarding. It's just a bad idea.

I miss Jared and I’m ready for Rife.

 

[jeramye]

I miss Jared and I’m ready for Rife.

it's so weird to see a Pearl team that doesn't have a great playmaking, scoring guard. When I see a Pearl team I'm used to seeing Chris Lofton or Jared Harper types.

 

[MomentInTheSun]

For more than obvious reasons I would’ve loved seeing DP’s last 3 go in during regulation. He made a big one late and if that near buzzer beater had gone in I think it would’ve done a world of good for his confidence. I think we really need him to be great in March.

yeah. but that wasn't really his fault. Jvon flubbed the pass off his foot. Hard to shoot a rhythm three when you're picking the ball off the ground

 

[FormerlyKnownAsSOLLY]

Yeah makes the most sense. Open up the floor for Jvon and Isaac to drive and finish or find open shooters. More Isaac though ball gotta go through the young phenom.

Definitely not the Ant at 4 lineup we saw at UF woof.

I’m not in love with the small lineup against UK but I guess I rather try to boog than do the Austin on the block to nowhere thing.

Yeah a lot of stuff needs to start going through #23 & that needs to be made clear to him as well. Driving needs to be more & more of our offense that just kinda stands around sometimes until the shot clock tics down. Sir Isaac could be our Magic & create more movement which we desperately need going forward. And of course he’s not gonna be IT every night, but it seems like we always have someone step up every game like MAC last night & D CAM as well. JJ or someone else is gonna get hot every night & our well is deep.
Boogs ain’t close to perfect yet, but good grief how I would have been all over this magnificent start we’ve had. SI didn’t even mention this Final Four squad in their preseason college tip-off issue. All is pretty good right now IMO.

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

Bruce says he ain’t changing it

 

[wcw3au1]

yeah. but that wasn't really his fault. Jvon flubbed the pass off his foot. Hard to shoot a rhythm three when you're picking the ball off the ground

Absolutely. I’m just looking at it from a “what might have been” perspective. We have got to get him going.

 

[jeramye]

Bruce says he ain’t changing it

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I swear to gawd that man is the only man on this planet that could give me a speech and convince my 165lb wirey ass to go try and tackle Derrick Henry. I'd still fail miserably, but I'd give it my damn best because he talked me into it. Anyone else tried and I'd laugh at them.

 

[Fatz Geronimo]

you guys have covered most of it... there’s not a lineup change that will “fix” our offensive issues - it’s gotta be a mindset change - with multiple guys

I’m glad they won so this doesn’t come across as bitching, and I also don’t think it’s an impossible fix... it’s just a few things that all compound each other and snowball on us

JVon isn’t a creator... he’s not a facilitator... so anytime he tries to play a pure point guard role in the halfcourt it bogs us down... he’s gotta say “f it” and just attack to get his... anytime he’s moving towards the rim good things happen - but if it’s stationary, side to side, or away from the rim it’s bad... he just needs to get the ball on the glass and let Austin and Isaac go get it

Samir isn’t a creator... he’s crafty enough to get his own shot, but he’s not sudden - so those possessions take way too long as well... between his one on one game and JVon’s indecision and inability to initiate offense, we’re slow, slow, SLOW getting into our offense

Isaac is the only guy with the vision, suddenness, and feel, to create a good look for someone else in the halfcourt... but he’s not even close to understanding that reality - and he shouldn’t have to, he’s a freshman... it’s not his fault - he’s deferring to 2 seniors, but between their deliberateness and his deference, he’s being frozen out of the offense in our road contests

that’s it in a nutshell - that’s the issue... 3 guys who just haven’t fit into their roles well enough yet... the good thing is we’ve got the talent - and we’ve got 5 weeks before it’s nutcutting time

it’s not an issue at home because JVon and Isaac are naturally more aggressive at home, so I’m hoping that switch flips before March - because when it does everything will fall into place... after last night I’m not counting them out

 

[jeramye]

you guys have covered most of it... there’s not a lineup change that will “fix” our offensive issues - it’s gotta be a mindset change - with multiple guys

I’m glad they won so this doesn’t come across as bitching, and I also don’t think it’s an impossible fix... it’s just a few things that all compound each other and snowball on us

JVon isn’t a creator... he’s not a facilitator... so anytime he tries to play a pure point guard role in the halfcourt it bogs us down... he’s gotta say “f it” and just attack to get his... anytime he’s moving towards the rim good things happen - but if it’s stationary, side to side, or away from the rim it’s bad... he just needs to get the ball on the glass and let Austin and Isaac go get it

Samir isn’t a creator... he’s crafty enough to get his own shot, but he’s not sudden - so those possessions take way too long as well... between his one on one game and JVon’s indecision and inability to initiate offense, we’re slow, slow, SLOW getting into our offense

Isaac is the only guy with the vision, suddenness, and feel, to create a good look for someone else in the halfcourt... but he’s not even close to understanding that reality - and he shouldn’t have to, he’s a freshman... it’s not his fault - he’s deferring to 2 seniors, but between their deliberateness and his deference, he’s being frozen out of the offense in our road contests

that’s it in a nutshell - that’s the issue... 3 guys who just haven’t fit into their roles well enough yet... the good thing is we’ve got the talent - and we’ve got 5 weeks before it’s nutcutting time

it’s not an issue at home because JVon and Isaac are naturally more aggressive at home, so I’m hoping that switch flips before March - because when it does everything will fall into place... after last night I’m not counting them out

agree with all of this but we still have to get some playmaking from Samir and JVon. Just have to. It can't all come down to Isaac. They have to see what's open when they drive. Good looks are there and the lanes to make the passes are available, they just aren't seeing it or able to make the play.

 

[AshleySchaeffer]

Just for shits and giggles, what would a lineup look like with Isaac running the o

 

[jeramye]

Just for shits and giggles, what would a lineup look like with Isaac running the o

love the kid but he's not built to run the point. Handles just aren't there yet.

One of our issues is not enough shooting. Danjel needs to start making shots at a higher rate. Samir and JVon have to be a threat from 3. We're starting a C who can't shoot any jumpers and teams don't respect Okoro on the 3 already. Play him at point and they are gonna just sink back and protect against penetration even more than they already do

 

[Harvey Specter]

love the kid but he's not built to run the point. Handles just aren't there yet.

One of our issues is not enough shooting. Danjel needs to start making shots at a higher rate. Samir and JVon have to be a threat from 3. We're starting a C who can't shoot any jumpers and teams don't respect Okoro on the 3 already. Play him at point and they are gonna just sink back and protect against penetration even more than they already do

Danjel could if he would quit shooting fadeaways. When he catches it in rhythm and shoots balanced, he’s pretty accurate

 

[Slippin Jimmy]

Danjel could if he would quit shooting fadeaways. When he catches it in rhythm and shoots balanced, he’s pretty accurate

Drives me crazy. Dude is like 6’7 and he’s out there shooting uncontested fadeaways just because he thinks it looks good or something

 

[Denim Vest]

I hate to do this to myself and everyone but Danjel played pretty good last night (for him). Made a couple shots, made a couple plays at the goal, didn’t do anything incredibly stupid.

He’s such a puss though and I think he still has nightmares about that no good rotten Saiz sticking a leg out fuggin up his ankle. Tries so hard to avoid contact it even shows when he’s wide open. Every once in awhile he’ll black out and make an aggressive play but we all know it’s not gonna ever be his game.

 

[jeramye]

I hate to do this to myself and everyone but Danjel played pretty good last night (for him). Made a couple shots, made a couple plays at the goal, didn’t do anything incredibly stupid.

He’s such a puss though and I think he still has nightmares about that no good rotten Saiz sticking a leg out fuggin up his ankle. Tries so hard to avoid contact it even shows when he’s wide open. Every once in awhile he’ll black out and make an aggressive play but we all know it’s not gonna ever be his game.

If last night was his floor type of game we'd be in much better shape. Instead that's been closer to his ceiling this season. We need him to be a consistent 15ish points and to hit a couple of 3's while rebounding and playing solid D. We're gonna struggle if he's getting 6 points on 7 shots and not really appearing to be part of the action.