Should Nate Wells start vs. Drake?

[Da Coach]

I'd like to hear other fans' opinions. Nate played his best game as a Brave Saturday against Evansville. His 8 points (2 three pointers), 2 blocks, and 2 steals in just 16 minutes of 2nd half action was the key difference that spurred Bradley's 2nd half surge leading to the win. In that game, the other 3 centers (Shaw, Morgan, and Taylor) had ZERO points, and just 2 rebounds combined! Mike Shaw, the starter, had ZERO points and ZERO rebounds. Shaw is averaging just 2.3 points per game on the season, and has scored just 2 points in the last 5 games combined, and just 10 total points the last 10 games! Jermaine Morgan (averaging 2.8 ppg) has scored a total of just 5 points in the last 7 games since returning from his injury. And Xzavier Taylor (averaging 2.8 ppg) is scoreless in his last 3 games, and has only 1 rebound in the last 3 games combined.
Nate's 8 points in the Evansville game actually is more than the combined season scoring averages of the other 3 centers!

So if Nate can give Bradley another scoring option, because he is 7'1" and may be better able to defend bigger centers, and because Drake's lineup features a 7' center who torched Bradley for 14 points (Jacob Enevold) and helped carry them to the easy win when the 2 teams played in Peoria, I believe Nate should be rewarded with a start at Drake Wednesday.
Note that I am not suggesting that Nate is Bradley's savior for the rest of the season, nor that he should play 30+ minutes. But I believe Bradley's chances at Drake are better with Nate at the "5" that any of the other guys who have under-performed this season.

[Samd2]

I agree totally, nate has earned it, it should now be his spot to lose. At this point what do we have to lose by rewarding him for his efforts

[Old Coach]

I agree too.

Give Nate the next start.

[ihatetea]

I would start Morgan. Wells did play against Enevold and had as many issues as any of the other centers. If I remember right, and I could be wrong, Morgan didn't play that game so I would give him his shot at the guy. But Nate would be my first sub among big men. I wouldn't be surprised if he has the biggest impact again though.

[tornado]

No brainer

[basketball nut]

It wouldn't bother me if NW started but isn't it more important w/ rotations the way they are that no matter when a player is in the game that he gives 100% which is what NW does and might be just the fire that BU needs when he comes into the game off the bench.
More importantly is that he plays more then what he has and I like the idea of him on the wing if JC is healthy because that should help out w/ the rebounding w/ their big guy having to guard NW on the wing instead of banging w/ JC

[AZ BU Fan]

No Question

Got to reward a player's effort and results.

Sends a great message to the rest of the team,
as well as gives kudos to Nate.

Give Nate the start, then go from there.

His play will dictate how long he stays in there after that.

[Local Brave Fan]

Local Brave Fan

Nate has earned a start and playing time. Didn't we bring a guy off the bench a few years ago when the team was flat and it started a run for us? It's that what JJ Twi did. I don't remember how to spell his name but I remember the player and he was not a great player but a great spark plug for the team. Maybe that's what this group needs.

[lefty]

Got to reward a player's effort and results.

Sends a great message to the rest of the team,
as well as gives kudos to Nate.

Give Nate the start, then go from there.

His play will dictate how long he stays in there after that.

I agree

[sparkplug]

Nate deserves the start. He also has a lot of upside. I've watched him in shooting practice and he has a nice touch. Even though they never run any plays for him he always hustles and him just being 7ft clogs up the center and makes the other team adjust. If he played a little more maybe he would improve in the areas that he needs too! Like someone already posted. We have nothing to lose!

[wily coyote]

Hell yes I would start him. Why wouldn't you? The other three stiffs give you zero. They have had plenty of chances to show what they can do and have not delivered. I would play Nate until he fouls out or his tongue drags the floor.

[bake]

Nate starts

Nate starts for sure. No brainier

[mrcoachdude]

Nate should have been starting from opening tip this year...JMHO...

[wizard1]

Should Nate W. Start vs Drake?

Nate has earned a start vs Drake. He can shoot the 3 and he gives us good inside defense against the Drake seven footer. Nate is a great person and the fans love him. Our other inside guys do nothing so let's give Nate a chance.
Wiz

[LongTimeFan]

Would Nate's participation limit Bradley to playing a zone defense?