Smith's +/- had to be -25.
Maryland 92, Illinois 91 OT POSTGAME
Smith's +/- had to be -25.
I think Frazier should start soon. He's better than Tejon and since Tejon is still making "freshman" mistakes at a high rate himself, why not.
Between Smith, Alstork, Damonte, and AJ... I think AJ has earned the start (but also love him leading the second unit). Really exited that Alstork showed what we've been expecting tonight. I'd like to see Smith and Damonte off the bench. Smith can earn his spot back from AJ if he ever cools off or Alstork. I get the excitement on Damonte - but I don't see him starting this year. He plays like a freshman (and I felt this way before the inbound pass).
Between Smith, Alstork, Damonte, and AJ... I think AJ has earned the start (but also love him leading the second unit). Really exited that Alstork showed what we've been expecting tonight. I'd like to see Smith and Damonte off the bench. Smith can earn his spot back from AJ if he ever cools off or Alstork. I get the excitement on Damonte - but I don't see him starting this year. He plays like a freshman (and I felt this way before the inbound pass).
Illiini
- In the land of the Nittany Lion
Yes.
Did you watch the Northwestern game? Te'Jon was the best player on the court. If anything, AJ might need to take Smith's spot
IMO Smith is not in the doghouse. He is just not playing as hard as Frazier and Williams and defiiitelt not defending as well.
Smith will figure it out and get his tick
Yes, if BU can lead Oklahoma St to the tournament then this team is more than capable as well.
And that OSU team started 0-6 in conference. And that was in January. We are a month ahead and already looking decent. Clean up the silly mistakes, execute a little better, and freshmen grow up a little, and this team can easily dance.
Deleted member 236589
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Some people do unfortunately, which leads to unreasonable expectations. A team this young is going to mess up, they're going to be maddening....but they're also going to be exciting and fun to watch mature.
An NIT birth would be a GREAT accomplishment. If they can get better each and every game.....it's not out of the question.
He plays offense and comes out on D to prevent foul trouble.
That is one of the least confusing things.
The biggest confusing item was DeMonte as trigger man on that inbounds and no hard cuts.
Frazier needs to start
Lineup of Frazier, Mark Smith, Alstork, Black, and Finke
Deleted member 29907
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IMO Smith is trying to play a bit too much hero ball on O. He's also missing some cutters who are open during the cuts to the basket. And also, until he starts making a few 3s consistently at the 3 point line, he should refrain from shooting the 3 feet behind the line. I am a big fan of MS - but he needs to realize this is the big leagues and the things he might have done in high school or against weaker competition will need to be checked
Smith just isn't getting it done in any regard right now. His defense is lacking and he isn't really contributing offensively. Of course Underwood isn't going to play him right now and he doesn't need to because we have other guys who are stepping up. Admittedly, I wouldn't have guess Frazier, Williams, and AJ would be outplaying him, especially by this much.
Damonte likely not 100% back from ACL tear. NCST Smith looks so much more athletic 2 years post injury than year 1. But he looks like he will be a player for Illini.
Deleted member 236589
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OSU had an All American caliber PG and much more experience coming back. Apples and oranges. This roster was totally flipped with freshman.
I don’t think he gets that last shot off in time. If you slow it down, he is just picking up his dribble with 0.3. Ugh!
The important thing to note is BU is completely fine with sitting anyone who isn't playing well. It doesn't matter who starts. There will be games when each of the guys you listed is the best player, and BU will keep that guy on the court.
I like Tejon. I just think Frazier is a better talent. And because Tejon is careless, he doesn't get the "start him over the freshman because freshman make dumb mistakes" treatment.
I hope Tejon is an amazing backup point guard on a Big Ten champion team in the next two years
Agree on apples and oranges.
I am just as disappointed as everyone else by going 0-3 in this stretch, but I am still impressed by how this crazy young team is performing. Arrow is so plainly pointing up.
Yep..BU was hot because he was supposed to come in for AJ not Alstork.
FEELS SO GOOD ACTUALLY HAVING A COACH WHO CAN COACH!! Thank God!!
Smith starts. He plays where Williams & Jordan play & right now they are performing better. Alstork seems to be getting his game together. So Smith is going to have to play real well when he gets the chance to earn more minutes.
He's not nearly as quick as Tejon or Frazier & BU wants to play fast.
He'll be alright. Needs a break out game, but at this point, I understand why the other guys are getting more time.
illiniCA
- DC Area
I don’t think it matters who starts. The last two games BU has adjusted and played the PG who is playing the best. That seems like the best approach for this team
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Growing pains. First half was awful, but no hero-ball this time like against NU. Still some bad/ freshmen plays, but BU's installing a new system and this team fought back when down by 20 says a helluva lot.
If this is our starting point with just 9 games under mostly new coaches, this team can be damn good.
If this is our starting point with just 9 games under mostly new coaches, this team can be damn good.