All-MVC 2009-10

[electricmayhem]

It was all summed up in one line with SFP earlier post. EM has to learn how to shoot the 3 before he can become a starting pointguard over SM. He is not at all an offensive threat. SM will be one and he is just as good of a passer. Also I do in fact think SM has as much talent as DD and CR. You are right he doesnt have as much talent as AW but DD isn't much more "athletic" than SM and what does CR do that makes him so much more talented basketball wise than SM. I'd be very upset and frustrated if SM doesn't get the majority of minutes at point. You asked who's minutes will go down and truthfully it'll probably be EM's and SM's minutes will go down at the 2. DD will probably be splitting with CR quite a bit as well.

I respectfully disagree that EM has to learn to shoot the 3 to be the starting PG over SM. First, your point guard doesn't have to be a great shooter... you probably want him passing more anyway. SM averaged 12.3ppg in league play, but shot only 39% from the floor.

EM was the starting PG for the entire league season... SM started 15 of the 18 games, and was used as a 2 more than a 1. EM had more assists, but many more turnovers, and he couldn't throw the ball in the ocean from a boat last year. I'm sure that will improve.

CR shoots and rebounds better than SM - I'm not asking SM to crash the boards, but 4 offensive rebounds all season? He's truly a perimeter player, where CR can play all over the floor. CR was our second-leading rebounder last year.

[SFP]

CR is not a better shooter then SM IMO. CR does rebound better and plays better D but when it came to creating a game ending play we always went to SM except for that great shot against Oakland. EM was starting at point because we needed him so SM could play the 2 without AW. Yes we need a 1 that is willing to take a wide open 3 from the top of the key regardless. Other wise teams will sag off which will make our passing game and slashing into the paint that much harder. Electricitymayhem I just have a completely perspective of what we need in order to contend for the MVC next year. I guess we'll find out when the season begins and until then we'll have fun discussing it.

[dogsrus]

I think EM is a slightly better shooter then we might think he is. Confidence will go along way for him and I believe that will come as he matures.

Also, we see it alot with underclassman, he seemed to "defer" alot to others when it came to taking the shot. I bet/hope as a soph. he'll start taking and making a few more shots at a decent percentage.

He also can get to the rim and i believe he was a decent finisher that will only get better in THAT area also.

[Bradleyguy10]

I respectfully disagree that EM has to learn to shoot the 3 to be the starting PG over SM. First, your point guard doesn't have to be a great shooter... you probably want him passing more anyway. SM averaged 12.3ppg in league play, but shot only 39% from the floor.

EM was the starting PG for the entire league season... SM started 15 of the 18 games, and was used as a 2 more than a 1. EM had more assists, but many more turnovers, and he couldn't throw the ball in the ocean from a boat last year. I'm sure that will improve.

CR shoots and rebounds better than SM - I'm not asking SM to crash the boards, but 4 offensive rebounds all season? He's truly a perimeter player, where CR can play all over the floor. CR was our second-leading rebounder last year.

Yeah I understand what you are saying. I know CR is more athletic than SM but really I don't like to compare the two because they will not be fighting for time. They are two totally different basketball players...you know that. And yes SM had 4 rebounds, he is vertically challenged and he did play the 2 more like you said and in this offense JL likes the guards to get back after they shoot which no doubt led to very few rebounds for SM since he was often the one shooting. Also, you said he was no doubt a perimeter player and that he shot 39% from the floor. I'm pretty happy with a point guard (for next season) who can shoot 39% from the floor if they were often around the perimeter. The stuff you wrote about EM is exactly why I wouldn't like it if he were the starting PG next season. You have to remember SM was indeed playing out of position most of last season. And I agree with SFP...i really don't think CR is a better overall shooter than SM. If CR had the other teams #1 defender every game he probably would've been close to non-existant...and in fact in some games he was non-existant. Lastly, I understand you don't want your PG taking a lot of 3's but really in this JL offense it's almost a necessity. We don't have a lot of talent/experience in the "bigs" department..if we did yeah get a good passing pg and you don't need them to shoot. But in this 3 point parade offense you need that point guard to be a 3pt threat to spread it out for everyone else. Teams were almost literally leaving EM completely unguarded at times when he was behind the arc...it was a little ridiculous actually.

That's all I got. Agree to disagree. I'd be shocked and very upset if SM isn't the starting point guard next season. But let me ask you this....do you really think SM will indeed come off the bench next season behind EM? Just wondering if you really think that, or if you are just making a case for it.

[electricmayhem]

Yeah I understand what you are saying. I know CR is more athletic than SM but really I don't like to compare the two because they will not be fighting for time. They are two totally different basketball players...you know that. And yes SM had 4 rebounds, he is vertically challenged and he did play the 2 more like you said and in this offense JL likes the guards to get back after they shoot which no doubt led to very few rebounds for SM since he was often the one shooting. Also, you said he was no doubt a perimeter player and that he shot 39% from the floor. I'm pretty happy with a point guard (for next season) who can shoot 39% from the floor if they were often around the perimeter. The stuff you wrote about EM is exactly why I wouldn't like it if he were the starting PG next season. You have to remember SM was indeed playing out of position most of last season. And I agree with SFP...i really don't think CR is a better overall shooter than SM. If CR had the other teams #1 defender every game he probably would've been close to non-existant...and in fact in some games he was non-existant. Lastly, I understand you don't want your PG taking a lot of 3's but really in this JL offense it's almost a necessity. We don't have a lot of talent/experience in the "bigs" department..if we did yeah get a good passing pg and you don't need them to shoot. But in this 3 point parade offense you need that point guard to be a 3pt threat to spread it out for everyone else. Teams were almost literally leaving EM completely unguarded at times when he was behind the arc...it was a little ridiculous actually.

That's all I got. Agree to disagree. I'd be shocked and very upset if SM isn't the starting point guard next season. But let me ask you this....do you really think SM will indeed come off the bench next season behind EM? Just wondering if you really think that, or if you are just making a case for it.

Great post Bradleyguy. I will agree to disagree on some of those points. That's what makes this great... nobody is ever right or wrong. Just for the record, I'm not satisfied with anyone shooting 39%, especially if he is supposed to be respected as a shooter.

I don't know if I think EM will start or not... if I was guessing, I'd say SM will start a majority of the games. I still think he's best suited playing 20-22 minutes as the first reserve guard. Start EM, CR and AW, and bring SM as the first guard off the bench.

[Braves4Life]

I believe Les sees SM as "Les, Jr.". I think SM will always be a starter as long as Les is the coach.