Young - Until he shows he's out of control in any given game, he should be given as many minutes as possible. If he's picking up travels and throwing the ball away, have to start limiting him. And we need to find him for more open shots on the arc.
Baker - Needs to hunt for his shot more, and penetrate into the 8-10 foot range looking for pull ups. Let the defense respond, then kick it to Young or feed it to Myles.
Mathis - Don't know how to drill it into his brain, but he has to look to pass the ball on penetration and on the break. Slashing should open up Young, and also Baker/McConnell on the perimeter.
McConnell - Shoot the ball, shoot the ball, shoot the ball - especially in the midrange. He can't pass up opportunities unless there's a wide open opportunity for someone else.
Myles - Have to make a concerted effort for him to touch the ball on almost every possession. Our offense moves better when he's involved, and especially when we hunt for him down low. Let him go to work. He was 4/4 against Indiana last time, and he needs to get at least 8 shots.
Reserves:
Harper - I debated over this one, and my mind might be changed if he shows much greater energy in practice this week and the after-game players meeting lit a fire under him. If not, I think Pike needs to send a message to Harper to get his head in the game and to play with more passion. Minutes can't be guaranteed or default. Through his first 15 games, he didn't have a single game with single-digit FGA.... and he's done that in 3 of the last 5.
Mulcahy - Shoot the ball, shoot the ball, shoot the ball. If there is an opening, you have to take it immediately before it closes - he needs to put up more shots while he's in the game to keep defenses honest.
Omoruyi - Again needs more touches underneath near the rim. He can score, but largely spends all his time jockeying for position without many passes thrown his way.
Palmquist/Reiber/Mag - Have to be used at times to send messages to the primary rotation that they will ride the bench if they're dogging it. Rather have an unpolished freshman hungry for minutes than a rotational player yawning his way through sets.
Usually I agree with everything you write...not 100% here.
Young.......absolutely. Always tough with him being right on the line. He is needed for offensive punch, but often times it comes with a price of ball in his hands too much. We are never far away from good Jacob and bad Jacob. Often times it comes down to if his shots go in. Defense on the other hand..........he has to be in! Needs to play no more than 32 minutes to stay fresh.
Baker---here is where I disagree. His hunting of shots usually means a step back shot that has always been low percentage and it freezes out the other 4. I welcome the ball in his hands under 5 on the shot clock. The 1st 25 seconds I need to see him as a point guard. He can learn a lot from a player he has played with and against for many years....Eli Brooks. I'd like to see him play more like Brooks of Michigan.
Obviously he needs to defend. There were 2 outright embarassing defensive possessions that can't happen....1) complete avoidance of a help on driving player 2) in transition the driveby attempt at a steal instead of sprinting back
MAthis---like you I am sick and tired of drives with the head down, that don't go in, which leads to him being on the ground, giving a 5-4 going the other way. I do like his defensive intensity most possessions.
McConnell--agree. I have liked his energy the past 5 or 6 games with the exception of yesterday. HE was not himself. End of the game off of a Rutgers miss Ron and Caleb made zero attempt at an offensive rebound and watched as Paul went after it hard. It was one play, but that stuck in my head and I'd rather see Young in lineup over Caleb. Plus I like Caleb offense (potential offense) coming off the bench
Myles----1000% I get mad watching games where guys dont hustle and play weak D. I was about as mad as I have been in the last few years watching us not get the ball to Myles
Harper----needs to get out of slump, pre and simple. We have enough games left, I am pretty sure he will. When he does I could see a 25 point game.
Mulcahy----everyone wants him shooting more. I am not so sure. I don't think he belongs in a half court offense against the top 2/3 of B1G teams. I am sorry to say this but he flat out doesnt have the skill set. He needs to make it up by doing everything else. I feel he is getting default minutes and he is getting minutes because no one else is stepping up and claiming them. I love the way he hustles and he is great for the team.
Omoruyi---still very raw. like him playing hard for 4 three minute shifts.
Palm/Reiber/Mag---extremely disappointed that with all that was going on vs Michigan Pike felt they werent options. Picked Mathis playing hard, but making the same mistakes OVER any of those 3. VERY telling
