Patience With EM

[doug shank's crossover]

Two games into the season and we're already growing impatient with a couple of players...notably, EM. Lets not forget that this young man is just a Soph. and is still developing as a player. He may or may not be the best point guard on the team, but at this point I'm going to trust the coaches who are intimately aware of each player's strengths and weaknesses. They've deemed EM the starter for a reason. Lets be patient and see if the same confident, athletic kid who at times was the best guard on the court last year (at least in flashes)can work through this early season slump. Before it's all over, EM will be a huge part of this team's success.

[Braves4Life]

You make a great point here doug shank. This is really just the preseason to Valley play and I DO think EM as a starting PG gives us our best chance of success. If JL sees it the same way he will continue to give EM minutes and play different combinations to find what works best come January through March..... when the games really count.

[Beninator]

B4life I agree that EM as a starting PG gives us the best chance to win, but if during the game, EM continues to struggle, I would not hesitate to allocate some of EM's minutes to DSE providing that DSE continues to play at the level he has demonstrated.

[SaintLouBrave22]

B4life I agree that EM as a starting PG gives us the best chance to win, but if during the game, EM continues to struggle, I would not hesitate to allocate some of EM's minutes to DSE providing that DSE continues to play at the level he has demonstrated.

IF this were the case, then how come he wasn't in w/ 4 minutes to go and the game on the line?

[BradleyBrave]

I'm fine with EM. In 22 mpg, he is averaging .5 turnovers. That's pretty darn good. He WILL shoot better than he has, I guarantee it.

[bu fan 9]

It has been over a year now how much longer does he need?

[Beninator]

IF this were the case, then how come he wasn't in w/ 4 minutes to go and the game on the line?

--trying to remember here STL...are you talking about EM or DSE?
Basically I am advocating playing the player who is having the better night...

[Braves4Life]

It has been over a year now how much longer does he need?

I hope you're being funny here bu fan 9.

[houstontxbrave]

It has been over a year now how much longer does he need?

With the way you think I guess if a guy isnt at his maximum peak by his sophmore season, just give up and get someone else?

Then I guess I would have never gotten to see Funches, Bayo, JC etc play because they all were pretty poor freshman and even sophomore years.

Yes EM can and should play better defense, and he has to shoot but he also handles it very well, makes good decisions, and he does board. So, to answer your question he gets all of this season. Live with it he plays and plays alot.

[doug shank's crossover]

It has been over a year now how much longer does he need?

Are you kidding? Are you implying that he should be done improving since it's been "a year now"? Some player's developmental curve is longer than others. He's a SOPHOMORE! He'll be here for 3 more years and will continue to improve (likely) throughout. These aren't professional athletes...they arrive on campus as kids and need time to grow physically, emotionally and athletically.

[SaintLouBrave22]

--trying to remember here STL...are you talking about EM or DSE?
Basically I am advocating playing the player who is having the better night...

I'll agree with you there, but as most of us know, Jim plans way too far in advance to go with the hot hand.

(IE the I always go to Sam Singh at the 15 min mark no matter how well Will could be doing rule)

OR the I take Andrew out when he's starting to take over rule just because my notes say to do so.


BTW...the lineup at 4 min in the 2nd half was in fact:

Egolf
Roberts
Warren
Maniscalco
Simms-Edwards

[Beninator]

I'll agree with you there, but as most of us know, Jim plans way too far in advance to go with the hot hand.

(IE the I always go to Sam Singh at the 15 min mark no matter how well Will could be doing rule)

OR the I take Andrew out when he's starting to take over rule just because my notes say to do so.


BTW...the lineup at 4 min in the 2nd half was in fact:

Egolf
Roberts
Warren
Maniscalco
Simms-Edwards

Taking Andrew out of the game when he seemed to be on a bit of a roll puzzled me a little last night as well

[SFP]

We have to believe that JL is babying AW a bit to start the year. He did sit out all of last year and he wants to make sure he is fresh for league play.

[kds]

I remember a player not to long ago with the intials of JC that had bad Soph season. He ended up being a d$$n good player for Bradley. All I'm saying is we are 2 games in. Let's give the kid a chance. Also let the coaches make the decisions.

[Beninator]

We have to believe that JL is babying AW a bit to start the year. He did sit out all of last year and he wants to make sure he is fresh for league play.

I can see your point, but I was wanting AW to play a little more he seemed to be on a bit of a roll.