I've said it before, and I think our obvious recent history of giving Baker the ball in crunch time or for the last shot, or in last night's case a Baker to Harper long prayer shows that Pike feels some players are "owed" the game winning opportunity due to seniority, leadership, ego, etc. This seems to be how the game is coached and played now, beginning with the 'star treatment' in NBA. Baker and Harper clearly don't give us the best chance to score in those chaotic, pressure situations. Young does, either taking it to the hoop to shoot or pass. Young needs the ball in those situations, not only because of his ability to score or create, but also because he can shoot as well as those other guys anyway. He can get himself open for good shot and they can't. Sure, they needed a three at the very end but it should have started with him.
Now, of course Pike wants to win. But I also think there's the 'feeding ego' element even college coaches feel the need to follow. One might argue that's the end-game play they ran because it's the one they practice. But why ? Feeding ego. Who has the big ego ? I'd say it's the same guys who are tweeting about NIL. Look at me, look at me, I need the ball. I deserve the attention and glory.
In the NBA, coaches don't run the show. Stars can get coaches fired, so the loyalty to the high profile guys is understandable. But those NBA guys are the best players anyway, Baker and Harper are not, at least in situations like that.
There is no doubt that Pike knows Baker first and Harper as Plan B wasn't the best options in moments like that. But he played the ego game even with so much at stake.
Now, of course Pike wants to win. But I also think there's the 'feeding ego' element even college coaches feel the need to follow. One might argue that's the end-game play they ran because it's the one they practice. But why ? Feeding ego. Who has the big ego ? I'd say it's the same guys who are tweeting about NIL. Look at me, look at me, I need the ball. I deserve the attention and glory.
In the NBA, coaches don't run the show. Stars can get coaches fired, so the loyalty to the high profile guys is understandable. But those NBA guys are the best players anyway, Baker and Harper are not, at least in situations like that.
There is no doubt that Pike knows Baker first and Harper as Plan B wasn't the best options in moments like that. But he played the ego game even with so much at stake.