A Possible Explanation

[RU677381]

How many times over the first three games have we all thrown up our hands and asked, while watching Caleb and Paul screw up, ”why is he playing him.?”

Unless both of them regain their confidence and get out of their funks now, it is going to be a long conference season. We will be lucky to win six games if two of our projected starters play as they are playing now. What better time than now to let them play their way out? It is akin to the .280 hitter who is 1 for his last 30 at bats who is told by the manager to ”keep swinging and the hits will come.” Hopefully the shots will fall for Paul and Caleb.

 

[RUKnights86]

How many times over the first three games have we all thrown up our hands and asked, while watching Caleb and Paul screw up, ”why is he playing him.?”

Unless both of them regain their confidence and get out of their funks now, it is going to be a long conference season. We will be lucky to win six games if two of our projected starters play as they are playing now. What better time than now to let them play their way out? It is akin to the .280 hitter who is 1 for his last 30 at bats who is told by the manager to ”keep swinging and the hits will come.” Hopefully the shots will fall for Paul and Caleb.

This plus the fact that both of them do things that do not wow or show up in the box score but are important. Caleb despite his shooting funk (more concerned about his FTs as he was strong but still a long season to go) is that he is probably one of our best defenders so what he lacks right now offensively he is still contributing defensively. As for Paul similar he gets rebounds and plays with a gritty approach which helps. He seems to be inbetween on decision making as he pushes to the lane and when he is shooting they are high percentage that I attribute to more of bad luck than anything. Id be more concerned if he was chucking up shots that were low probability.

 

[RUChoppin]

McConnell and Mulcahy are doing what coaches always say to do - if your shot isn't falling, contribute in other ways. Boards, defense, steals, assists, loose balls, boxing out, getting your hands dirty and your knees/elbows scuffed.

Neither are as bad around the hoop as they've shown the last 3 games - we have plenty of tape on them. I think the shots within 15 feet are something that has to be played through, and probably better to play through them against these teams.

 

[RUBubba]

I said it last night, both guys were "off" but really stayed involved in the game. Paul hustled his butt off, diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds, etc.
Both guys continued to play defense as well.

Paul just can't buy a bucket right now. Hopefully the couple he got last night will get him going.

Caleb though... his misses are REALLY bad. Airballs, off the side of the backboard... and Free throws! Been RU's best foul shooter the last couple of years, so for him to miss 2 shows something is off. Don't think its just form.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

I'd like to see Paul JAM THE BALL early in the next game.. he is big enough.. just to show he doesn't have to throw up that short junk.. that he can jam or use the backboard instead of that soft crap..

BTW.. I mentioned seeing tape on his right hand.. ring and pinky.. here's a video from last February where he shows a dislocated pinky in postgame..

 

[RUPete]

How many times over the first three games have we all thrown up our hands and asked, while watching Caleb and Paul screw up, ”why is he playing him.?”

Unless both of them regain their confidence and get out of their funks now, it is going to be a long conference season. We will be lucky to win six games if two of our projected starters play as they are playing now. What better time than now to let them play their way out? It is akin to the .280 hitter who is 1 for his last 30 at bats who is told by the manager to ”keep swinging and the hits will come.” Hopefully the shots will fall for Paul and Caleb.

I agree with this. We will need everyone to contribute at some point in order to be successful. Can't lose anyone mentally this early in the season.

 

[Degaz-RU]

I'd like to see Paul JAM THE BALL early in the next game.. he is big enough.. just to show he doesn't have to throw up that short junk.. that he can jam or use the backboard instead of that soft crap..

BTW.. I mentioned seeing tape on his right hand.. ring and pinky.. here's a video from last February where he shows a dislocated pinky in postgame..

Yeah, Paul had a better shooting percentage with his pinky bent at a 90 degree angle, LOL. Maybe he should just wear tape on the pinky for old time's sake.

I agree with the OP and said as much the other day -- Pike can't panic and remove TWO upperclass starters just because they're struggling with their shot in the early going. He NEEDS them, and this is the time for them to work out the kinks. But if they're really hurting us during a game, Hyatt and Jones should absolutely get more of their minutes.