Game 9: Michigan State thoughts

[bac2therac]

Cannot say anything negative tonight. Yes the shooting was brutal overall...just 26% and a whole lot of ugly on everyones stat line but what you just witnessed tonight was a war, and it wasnt a war against Illinois like two years ago under Jordan, this was a war against the #3 team in the country. Make no mistake about it, MSU was pushed to the brink tonight and had to respond in the last 5 minutes to put this game away. No moral victories tonight, not about that...but its about the promising future ahead. Not for this year but in next year and the year after. What this game combined with the FSU game is that Steve Pikiell firmly has this program on the right trajectory. That this team with its woeful offense and overmatched talent wise against one of the best coaches ever and going against NBA talent was able to hold its own and go toe to toe for almost a full 40 minutes is a great testament to the change that Pikiell is bringing to the program. Starts with defense, rebounding, and playing hard for 40 minutes. Its a Pike trademark the last year or so. He masks the players shortcomings by getitng them to work hard and focus on the things they can control.

Two years ago Rutgers fans were having debates with some fretting should we keep Eddie Jordan while we were setting historic program lows for amount of blowouts beyond 30 points. Two years later you can see how this program is working the gerbil wheel to start building the program. Baker is a prime example of a guy Pike indentified and brought in who has produced beyond anyones wildest imaginations thus far. With more Bakers in the next year or two coming in the fold games like this will be won not lost, I am confident of that. That Baker had a very solid night hitting some sweet shots and not being intimidated by playing the #3 team in the country really shows what a special player we have. Likewise the growth in Eugene...again maybe not the best stat line and some frusrating things at time but look at who he is going against...having success and getting his game better against the elites in the league.

The shooting woes are well documented. RU just need better shooters and as some players leave new ones come in that will fit the Pikiell mode. MSU was holding opponents to like 32% shooting coming, they have length and quickness that did a number on RU. I think we can live with that. RU gave its all tonight on offense and defense but they just are not ready to beat the #3 team in the country and that is why any criticism tonight is misguided. We can hope that the team can translate this effort tonight to other league games (which is no guarantee but thats a subject of another thread). Still as a fan and seeing how RU has performed against a three game gauntlet that might be the toughest that any team in the country faced this year, one has to be encouraged at the potential longer range here. It was never about this year but this year certainly can provide some exciting moments going forward

 

[BigEastPhil]

We need 2 types of players:

- A shooter who can hit the outside shot as well as creating his own shot (hopefully this is Montez Mathis AND
- A big guy who can penetrate inside and score as well as defend in the paint (hopefully this is Shaq Carter)

We gave MSU a scare and we are "so close".

Expect the Bid in March 2020 to the Dance...it's comin.....

 

[bac2therac]

better days ahead

 

[NewJerseyHawk]

Williams 3 at 45-43 would have rocked the building...

RU has to find a way to get Doucoure touches and shot attempts....the diving for loose balls and not getting set on high screens should eliminate half his fouls....if he can stay on the floor more, we have options on offense.

I'm reluctant to jump ahead too far into thinking freshman are going to be better than seniors, but I am ready to say that February will be better than November/early December.

 

[winfield102]

Tough to judge the players based on the last 3 games. I like that we've continued to keep TO's down. Freeman and Sanders have to eliminate the 5-10 (combined) bad shots that they take each game. If Pike can make that happen, I don't think there is anything more he can do to with this team. He will have maxed them out, which is very impressive.

If Sanders comes back next year, his shot total must go down.

 

[BigEastPhil]

We need 2 types of players:

- A shooter who can hit the outside shot as well as creating his own shot (hopefully this is Montez Mathis AND
- A big guy who can penetrate inside and score as well as defend in the paint (hopefully this is Shaq Carter)

We gave MSU a scare and we are "so close".

Expect the Bid in March 2020 to the Dance...it's comin.....

Forgot to mention that hopefully Peter Kiss can be a shooter and create his own shot as well. I know Pikiell loves him!

 

[bac2therac]

Williams 3 at 45-43 would have rocked the building...

RU has to find a way to get Doucoure touches and shot attempts....the diving for loose balls and not getting set on high screens should eliminate half his fouls....if he can stay on the floor more, we have options on offense.

I'm reluctant to jump ahead too far into thinking freshman are going to be better than seniors, but I am ready to say that February will be better than November/early December.

Doucoure just wasnt ready for a game like tonight against MSU. There are some schools he will feel more comfortable against but I really think he is trying to catch up the faster pace and mental aspect...like that 2nd foul tonight...questionable or not, cant put yourself in that situation to risk it after just getting a foul 20 seconds earlier.

But I agree, I would like a more concerted effort vs NJIT and FDU to go to him, hopefully we can get out to strong enough starts (no gimme with letdown likely) where we are not relying on Freeman/Sanders to do everything. Less reliance on them will help this tema

 

[winfield102]

Duke, thiam and Eugene each have to get 8 shots a game. The stuff that Freeman and Sanders throw up is crazy. Feed Duke on the block and see what happens. Can't be any worse than what we are seeing so far.

 

[Westcoast]

If Sanders comes back next year, his shot total must go down.

OR - he needs to take 500 jumpers every day during the off season and develop a good shot. I don't know how much time he works on his shooting but it clearly isn't enough. Frankly, Pike needs to explain to him his NBA dream is nothing more than a dream unless he commits himself to tirelessly working on his jumper.

 

[BellyFullOfWhiteDogCrap]

Geo had a few good looks down the stretch, but I think he was battling some tired legs. Kept coming up short.

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

We have pieces. My fear is they are 6 thru 10 on a 9-9 B1G basketball team.

The next 2 classes are huge.

As I said before we didn't play the lineup that makes MSU #3. Every time MSU made runs and got leads he took out Bridges. Their leading scorer sat the bench the 2nd half. Winston played less than 1/2 the game.

Either we are so inept offensively or our offense is not getting us shots. Credit MSU, yes.

I love the defense and rebounding. Can't win with our offensive talent.

 

[mikefla]

How anyone can lump Sanders pathetic 2-15 in with Freemans team high 13pts on 3-10 is beyond me. He shot 7-8 on FTs because he was MUGGED on 4 of those 7 misses.

Sanders drove into repeated muggings...he has only 2 moves & neither worked tonight. He simply could not separate himself from the guy guarding him.

Freemans 13pts/9REBs was the team HIGH against some serious shot blockers on a #3 ranked team

 

[BillyC80]

Mike, I agree with you about Freeman, but statistically, missed shots when fouled are not counted as shot attempts.

 

[RU-ROCS]

There was so much to like about the defense, intensity, effort and FT shooting tonight by everyone on this Rutgers team. Having said that, I think part of our problem on offense is that Sanders and especially Freeman are playing too selfishly. The ball needs to move more on offense. I give Corey a little less blame here because a few of his forced shots were late in the shot clock where he had to drive to make something happen. But, Freeman and Corey both take too many forced shots when they are double or triple-teamed. At times both of these guys are black holes on offense. I suspect Pike will get this ironed out, which will lead to a big improvement on offense. I agree with those who say that coach has less options with Corey, but I could definitely see more of Freeman’s minutes going to Eugene if Deshawn keeps forcing shots, blowing layups and shooting 30% from the field. In any event, the future is getting brighter.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

No need to wait until next year.There's enough evidence to believe that this team can compete with anyone in the B10. I see this team having a good shot at 20 wins and an NIT bid, especially if they win a couple of games in the B10 tourney. If they beat SHU, win 9 of the 16 B10 games left, and win a couple in the B10 tourney, even the NCAA's is possible. Ya gotta believe!

 

[Bones131]

No need to wait until next year.There's enough evidence to believe that this team can compete with anyone in the B10. I see this team having a good shot at 20 wins and an NIT bid, especially if they win a couple of games in the B10 tourney. If they beat SHU, win 9 of the 16 B10 games left, and win a couple in the B10 tourney, even the NCAA's is possible. Ya gotta believe!

Yes, RU can COMPETE against anyone now - but not necessarily win.

Next year.

 

[winfield102]

Corey has to try to make something as the shot clock is winding down. If I'm Pike, im figuring out a way to make sure the players get a good shot before there are 8 seconds left on the shot clock. Corey is the best option with an expiring shot clock, but the outcome doesn't look pretty.

I was wondering if freeman was trying to throw the game in the 1st half. Overall, I'd say 5 of his attempts were quality (that includes the ones where he was fouled that don't count as shots). He can only play offensively verse the cream puffs. He also has no business pulling the trigger on 3's.

There is NO margin for error. We must defend, rebound, not turn the ball over and not take ****** shots. We did none of those things under Jordan. We do 3.5 of those things under Pike. It's nice to be able to watch the team again.

 

[[email protected]]

Corey has to try to make something as the shot clock is winding down. If I'm Pike, im figuring out a way to make sure the players get a good shot before there are 8 seconds left on the shot clock. Corey is the best option with an expiring shot clock, but the outcome doesn't look pretty.

I was wondering if freeman was trying to throw the game in the 1st half. Overall, I'd say 5 of his attempts were quality (that includes the ones where he was fouled that don't count as shots). He can only play offensively verse the cream puffs. He also has no business pulling the trigger on 3's.

There is NO margin for error. We must defend, rebound, not turn the ball over and not take ****** shots. We did none of those things under Jordan. We do 3.5 of those things under Pike. It's nice to be able to watch the team again.

Maybe Corey should abandon the 2 point play...and just shoot 3's, play tough D / look for "normal" assists (rather than push the ball up the court to a BIG who can't dribble or shoot).

And then every once in a while, he can drive, dish off, kick it out or fake it / throw down a dunk!

MO

 

[RU MAN]

Cannot say anything negative tonight. Yes the shooting was brutal overall...just 26% and a whole lot of ugly on everyones stat line but what you just witnessed tonight was a war, and it wasnt a war against Illinois like two years ago under Jordan, this was a war against the #3 team in the country. Make no mistake about it, MSU was pushed to the brink tonight and had to respond in the last 5 minutes to put this game away. No moral victories tonight, not about that...but its about the promising future ahead. Not for this year but in next year and the year after. What this game combined with the FSU game is that Steve Pikiell firmly has this program on the right trajectory. That this team with its woeful offense and overmatched talent wise against one of the best coaches ever and going against NBA talent was able to hold its own and go toe to toe for almost a full 40 minutes is a great testament to the change that Pikiell is bringing to the program. Starts with defense, rebounding, and playing hard for 40 minutes. Its a Pike trademark the last year or so. He masks the players shortcomings by getitng them to work hard and focus on the things they can control.

Two years ago Rutgers fans were having debates with some fretting should we keep Eddie Jordan while we were setting historic program lows for amount of blowouts beyond 30 points. Two years later you can see how this program is working the gerbil wheel to start building the program. Baker is a prime example of a guy Pike indentified and brought in who has produced beyond anyones wildest imaginations thus far. With more Bakers in the next year or two coming in the fold games like this will be won not lost, I am confident of that. That Baker had a very solid night hitting some sweet shots and not being intimidated by playing the #3 team in the country really shows what a special player we have. Likewise the growth in Eugene...again maybe not the best stat line and some frusrating things at time but look at who he is going against...having success and getting his game better against the elites in the league.

The shooting woes are well documented. RU just need better shooters and as some players leave new ones come in that will fit the Pikiell mode. MSU was holding opponents to like 32% shooting coming, they have length and quickness that did a number on RU. I think we can live with that. RU gave its all tonight on offense and defense but they just are not ready to beat the #3 team in the country and that is why any criticism tonight is misguided. We can hope that the team can translate this effort tonight to other league games (which is no guarantee but thats a subject of another thread). Still as a fan and seeing how RU has performed against a three game gauntlet that might be the toughest that any team in the country faced this year, one has to be encouraged at the potential longer range here. It was never about this year but this year certainly can provide some exciting moments going forward

Hear! Hear! Great post BAC!

 

[shields]

I was in the car when Doucoure got his second foul. the ball on the floor. Boylan said it was a terrible call.

 

[kcg88]

My rundown, random thoughts:

Geo looked good but he gets exposed having to play 30+ minutes a night as a freshman. I don't know what to say about Corey anymore. His head-down drives into traffic are a killer. Freeman's statline wound up looking better than I thought it would because at least he got to the line with some of his ill-advised drives. I think Omoruyi has been a bit overconfident since the Florida State performance (8-21 last two games after the 9-11). But he has a good feel for the game, just needs to put the finishing touches on.

A much better game from Williams. The three-point attempt at 45-43 would've brought the house down, but he grabbed seven boards, scored eight, and played good defense. I hope that continues. Doucoure was limited with the foul trouble and we definitely missed his elbow jumper that he was taking against Minnesota. Issa was invisible but I still believe in his game. A ton of teams around the country have guys who can hit threes but can't create on their own. It's just a matter of him getting into position and Sanders/Freeman finding him from the lane.

Souf has at least gotten his game from being a negative to a nonfactor. He can come in and be a warm body, but having a guard with one point in 37 minutes after the CCNY game is still a disappointment. Doorson and Sa both have the same issue, which is they make terrible use of their size. They've got to go up stronger with the ball.

Refereeing was terrible but it was bad both ways. There were bad calls against us but MSU had one or two clean blocks that they whistled for along with some other weird calls.

The bottom line is that it's impossible to be a successful team when the two players taking the most shots (Sanders and Freeman) are shooting 34% on 2-pointers and under 20% on 3-pointers. They either need to start making more shots or stop taking so many.

The effort is there, the defense and rebounding are mostly there, and guys like Williams and Thiam and Baker and Doucoure and Omoruyi are, for the most part, getting good looks. But this is a historically bad (at the power-5 level) shooting team and right now it seems like we're doomed to either lose big (when the opponent has a good shooting night) or lose small (when the opponent struggles with their shot), because even other teams struggling with their shot is better than our typical shooting performance.

 

[MadRU]

Geo was great early on, he can get a shot almost anytime he wants, but you could see both mental and physical fatigue in Geo tonight. Besides playing a lot of minutes last night and having so many games in so few days he has been given the task of being the lead guard.

The fatigue led to a few bad decisions/shots later in the game. We really need more depth in the back court.

Hate losing, but another fun game to watch and get into. My voice still isn't 100% thus morning.

 

[MadRU]

Want to add even though Thiam is not adding a lot offensively right now I thought he worked hard and did a good job defensively against a future NBA player.

 

[Sweet Pea's Corner]

I like the gerbil wheel analogy.

 

[RAC’emUp]

I was in the car when Doucoure got his second foul. the ball on the floor. Boylan said it was a terrible call.

It wasn't a terrible call. It happened right in front of us. He dove across the guy's body who was on the floor with the ball and hit the MSU player pretty hard. It was a totally correct call. It was a bad play and very costly.

 

[shields]

Wasn't my opinion both Ru announcers thought it was not a foul.

 

[zebnatto]

Given all the above that we were in the game until the final few minutes = Pike is terrific.

 

[RUJMM78]

Cannot say anything negative tonight. Yes the shooting was brutal overall...just 26% and a whole lot of ugly on everyones stat line but what you just witnessed tonight was a war, and it wasnt a war against Illinois like two years ago under Jordan, this was a war against the #3 team in the country. Make no mistake about it, MSU was pushed to the brink tonight and had to respond in the last 5 minutes to put this game away. No moral victories tonight, not about that...but its about the promising future ahead. Not for this year but in next year and the year after. What this game combined with the FSU game is that Steve Pikiell firmly has this program on the right trajectory. That this team with its woeful offense and overmatched talent wise against one of the best coaches ever and going against NBA talent was able to hold its own and go toe to toe for almost a full 40 minutes is a great testament to the change that Pikiell is bringing to the program. Starts with defense, rebounding, and playing hard for 40 minutes. Its a Pike trademark the last year or so. He masks the players shortcomings by getitng them to work hard and focus on the things they can control.

Two years ago Rutgers fans were having debates with some fretting should we keep Eddie Jordan while we were setting historic program lows for amount of blowouts beyond 30 points. Two years later you can see how this program is working the gerbil wheel to start building the program. Baker is a prime example of a guy Pike indentified and brought in who has produced beyond anyones wildest imaginations thus far. With more Bakers in the next year or two coming in the fold games like this will be won not lost, I am confident of that. That Baker had a very solid night hitting some sweet shots and not being intimidated by playing the #3 team in the country really shows what a special player we have. Likewise the growth in Eugene...again maybe not the best stat line and some frusrating things at time but look at who he is going against...having success and getting his game better against the elites in the league.

The shooting woes are well documented. RU just need better shooters and as some players leave new ones come in that will fit the Pikiell mode. MSU was holding opponents to like 32% shooting coming, they have length and quickness that did a number on RU. I think we can live with that. RU gave its all tonight on offense and defense but they just are not ready to beat the #3 team in the country and that is why any criticism tonight is misguided. We can hope that the team can translate this effort tonight to other league games (which is no guarantee but thats a subject of another thread). Still as a fan and seeing how RU has performed against a three game gauntlet that might be the toughest that any team in the country faced this year, one has to be encouraged at the potential longer range here. It was never about this year but this year certainly can provide some exciting moments going forward

BAC- Once again you have done a outstanding job in summarizing the makings of a basketball program that starts with coaching defense and rebounding which will keep Rutgers in most games.The missing piece is recruiting shooters who can turn close games into wins.History has shown previous Rutgers head coaches failed in that effort.I have confidence that Pikiell and staff will attract the missing pieces,hopefully within the next two years.

 

[BoxStater]

After rewatching a lot of last night’s game, we should address the shooting woes by borrowing from Izzo: every jump shot Bridges made last night was off of a double screen.

So why do Rutger’s shooters have the onus of getting open looks own their own?

 

[Greene Rice FIG]

After rewatching a lot of last night’s game, we should address the shooting woes by borrowing from Izzo: every jump shot Bridges made last night was off of a double screen.

So why do Rutger’s shooters have the onus of getting open looks own their own?

To me, Mike Williams is the only shooter we have comfortable with a catch and shoot off the move.

 

[MORRISCOUNTY]

When I saw the schedule with 3 top 25ish teams in a row I just wanted one win to show that the players and the coaches had improved their game.

Florida State was the team I thought they were going to beat based on the first half where both teams looked evenly matched.

But Rutgers went 0-3 very disappointing. The coaches need to figure out how to win a couple of these games each year to move this team forward.

The team needs a floor general point guard to run the show.

The team needs a 3 point sniper or two like every other team in the Big 10.

The team looks improved but I was hoping for 1-2 not 0-3.

 

[LeapinLou]

Williams 3 at 45-43 would have rocked the building...

Man, I was thinking the same thing. He was wide *** open. We probably still lose but that would have been a heckuva RAC moment. Where'e Jerome Coleman when you need him, lol.

 

[Plum Street]

Man, I was thinking the same thing. He was wide *** open. We probably still lose but that would have been a heckuva RAC moment. Where'e Jerome Coleman when you need him, lol.

The Williams miss was huge . That could/may be his most memorable rutgers moment .
The progress this program making is great. We need to get a big win at some point . I believe in pike.

 

[knightfan7]

Cannot say anything negative tonight. Yes the shooting was brutal overall...just 26% and a whole lot of ugly on everyones stat line but what you just witnessed tonight was a war, and it wasnt a war against Illinois like two years ago under Jordan, this was a war against the #3 team in the country. Make no mistake about it, MSU was pushed to the brink tonight and had to respond in the last 5 minutes to put this game away. No moral victories tonight, not about that...but its about the promising future ahead. Not for this year but in next year and the year after. What this game combined with the FSU game is that Steve Pikiell firmly has this program on the right trajectory. That this team with its woeful offense and overmatched talent wise against one of the best coaches ever and going against NBA talent was able to hold its own and go toe to toe for almost a full 40 minutes is a great testament to the change that Pikiell is bringing to the program. Starts with defense, rebounding, and playing hard for 40 minutes. Its a Pike trademark the last year or so. He masks the players shortcomings by getitng them to work hard and focus on the things they can control.

Two years ago Rutgers fans were having debates with some fretting should we keep Eddie Jordan while we were setting historic program lows for amount of blowouts beyond 30 points. Two years later you can see how this program is working the gerbil wheel to start building the program. Baker is a prime example of a guy Pike indentified and brought in who has produced beyond anyones wildest imaginations thus far. With more Bakers in the next year or two coming in the fold games like this will be won not lost, I am confident of that. That Baker had a very solid night hitting some sweet shots and not being intimidated by playing the #3 team in the country really shows what a special player we have. Likewise the growth in Eugene...again maybe not the best stat line and some frusrating things at time but look at who he is going against...having success and getting his game better against the elites in the league.

The shooting woes are well documented. RU just need better shooters and as some players leave new ones come in that will fit the Pikiell mode. MSU was holding opponents to like 32% shooting coming, they have length and quickness that did a number on RU. I think we can live with that. RU gave its all tonight on offense and defense but they just are not ready to beat the #3 team in the country and that is why any criticism tonight is misguided. We can hope that the team can translate this effort tonight to other league games (which is no guarantee but thats a subject of another thread). Still as a fan and seeing how RU has performed against a three game gauntlet that might be the toughest that any team in the country faced this year, one has to be encouraged at the potential longer range here. It was never about this year but this year certainly can provide some exciting moments going forward

During the broadcast I thought they said MSU is holding teams to a shooting percentage 3% below the all time NCAA record. Did anyone else hear that?

 

[NBKnight]

OR - he needs to take 500 jumpers every day during the off season and develop a good shot. I don't know how much time he works on his shooting but it clearly isn't enough. Frankly, Pike needs to explain to him his NBA dream is nothing more than a dream unless he commits himself to tirelessly working on his jumper.

Practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent.

 

[RU-ROCS]

It wasn't a terrible call. It happened right in front of us. He dove across the guy's body who was on the floor with the ball and hit the MSU player pretty hard. It was a totally correct call. It was a bad play and very costly.

Agreed. I thought it was a bad call at the RAC, but when I later saw the replay on my DVR he definitely fouled him. The Big 10 commentators also said as much.

 

[RU-ROCS]

During the broadcast I thought they said MSU is holding teams to a shooting percentage 3% below the all time NCAA record. Did anyone else hear that?

Correct. MSU is not the team against whom we would break out of an offensive funk!

 

[jellyman_rivals307848]

The Williams miss was huge . That could/may be his most memorable rutgers moment .
The progress this program making is great. We need to get a big win at some point . I believe in pike.

Possibly the turning point of the game. There was just under 8 minutes left in the game at that point, RU down 2 (43-45). RU had missed a shot or turned the ball over, but played great defense, and I think got a steal, and had a fast break. Sanders pushed the ball and made the good pass and good decision to get the ball to Williams, wide open from 3. A make and the arena explodes, and maybe even forces a time out by MSU.

Instead, that became the 1st of 9 straight missed FG's by RU, and the start of a 4-5 minute FG drought, during which RU's defense remained impressive ... but unfortunately because RU could not make a basket, MSU had a 8-0 mini run to take a 10 point lead at 43-53. In fact, RU had a 3 (Sanders, maybe?) to make it 43-45, RU only had 5-6 FT's and 0-9 FG from the 8 minute mark until Freeman hit a follow-up shot off an offensive rebound at the 1:24 mark. Some of the shots were forced, some were contested inside, some were open ... but 9 straight were missed. I think Baker had 2 or 3 really good shots that he missed in that stretch ... maybe even 4 - almost certainly tired legs.

Sidebar: I really like Thiam's potential, and he will have some excellent games for RU THIS year. But in this game, Bridges totally outmatched him ... Thiam was just not strong enough to go through the MSU screens, and Bridges also was too strong for Thiam. Williams did a MUCH better job making Bridges work so hard for his shots, and limited Bridges much better than did Thiam. Thiam, by the way, WILL develop a pump and dribble and then pull-up move. He actually had one in the 1st half where he made the 15-16 footer off the dribble move, but Freeman was called for a moving screen.

RU just is short shooters/scorers. It will take some luck this year (in some games), and the 2018, and then the 2019, recruiting classes to add the offensive skills needed to supplement Pikiell's development of the team's defensive/rebounding skills. RU's offense actually gets a reasonable amount of open shots, generally - the players just do not have the offensive skills to consistently make those shots. MSU's defense in the 2nd half was truly exceptional, by the way - really tough, to their credit.

 

[RU-ROCS]

Sidebar: I really like Thiam's potential, and he will have some excellent games for RU THIS year. But in this game, Bridges totally outmatched him ... Thiam was just not strong enough to go through the MSU screens, and Bridges also was too strong for Thiam. Williams did a MUCH better job making Bridges work so hard for his shots, and limited Bridges much better than did Thiam. Thiam, by the way, WILL develop a pump and dribble and then pull-up move. He actually had one in the 1st half where he made the 15-16 footer off the dribble move, but Freeman was called for a moving screen.

Good points about Thiam. As you know, of course, Bridges is one of the top couple players in all of college basketball. He can make many defenders look silly. While Bridges was a bad match-up for Thiam, on other nights Thiam, as a quick 6'-9" three guard, will be a bad match-up for our opponent. He will continue to get better and stronger because of his work ethic and response to good coaching. I agree with you that Thiam will be an important piece for RU going forward.

 

[YoucancallmeRay]

Sanders at his best would elevate this team, but he has yet to show it so far this season. Coach used Geo at the point a lot this game and I think that's going to be the case until Sanders plays better. If Williams gets it together, Sanders minutes will go down, imo. The way Sanders is playing now, I'd prefer the starting 5 to be Geo, Duke, Thiam, Freeman, and Omoruyi. Play to our strength, which is rebounding and defense. Williams and Sanders split the remaining minutes when we need a second guard. Btw, Souf had some solid minutes.