Next game- Bradley vs. UMKC in Ft. Myers 11/24

[amckillip]

I said it last year about MS and I'll say it again about SM.......he must be playing great in practice!

Are you serious? Who would have taken MS's minutes? He was far and above our best post defender and is noticeably missed this year. MS was a headache, but we still don't have anyone that plays with anywhere near his tenacity down low. I normally agree with you shanguth, because you seem to favor statistics (like myself), unfortuneately, basketball is not like baseball where stats tell everything, both MS and now SM bring ALOT to the court that can't be seen.

[shaunguth]

Are you serious? Who would have taken MS's minutes? He was far and above our best post defender and is noticeably missed this year. MS was a headache, but we still don't have anyone that plays with anywhere near his tenacity down low. I normally agree with you shanguth, because you seem to favor statistics (like myself), unfortuneately, basketball is not like baseball where stats tell everything, both MS and now SM bring ALOT to the court that can't be seen.

I'm just saying that JL has said it and many here believe it to be true.....playing time is determined by how a player practices. Obviously, I don't feel like SM has contributed too much in the first two games this season so therefore he must be playing great in practice. That's just simple logic. It doesn't mean I don't think SM is an important part of this Bradley team or that I don't believe he was an important part of last year's team. It just means he hasn't produced much at all this season when it matters. Now, I fully expect him to go out and have at least a couple really solid games against far infereior competition and hopefully get back on track! These next two games are exactly what this entire team needs right now!

[BradleyBrave]

Are you serious? Who would have taken MS's minutes? He was far and above our best post defender and is noticeably missed this year. MS was a headache, but we still don't have anyone that plays with anywhere near his tenacity down low. I normally agree with you shanguth, because you seem to favor statistics (like myself), unfortuneately, basketball is not like baseball where stats tell everything, both MS and now SM bring ALOT to the court that can't be seen.

I don't think we've missed MS that much so far. In fact, I don't think we've missed him at all.

[Da Coach]

playing time is determined by how a player practices

It is not so simple.

Sam proved himself to be a valuable player last year, so he is not judged the same in practice as one of the new players. Sam also has value as a leader on this team, and in other ways than how many points he puts on the board.

And as I said in another thread, Sam has not been practicing as much lately, because he has had a minor injury issue. This is also likely affecting his play.

[shaunguth]

It is not so simple.

Sam proved himself to be a valuable player last year, so he is not judged the same in practice as one of the new players. Sam also has value as a leader on this team, and in other ways than how many points he puts on the board.

And as I said in another thread, Sam has not been practicing as much lately, because he has had a minor injury issue. This is also likely affecting his play.

I'm just going by what we've heard more than once, and that is playing time is earned through practice. The same was said last season as to why MS was a starter.

[Da Coach]

I am just saying that it is true that playing time for JL is based somewhat on how a kid does in practice. But that is not the sole determining factor.

If it was, the starting lineup would change every time a kid had a bad practice. But it doesn't.

Every coach has his methods and reasons for determining playing time.

[real fan]

The thing Matt Salley gave this team was toughness as he did not have as much talent as a lot of our players but he was willing to fight for a rebound and he did not get pushed around , he had some bad t"s last season because of his temper, but I liked the way he was willing to fight for our team. I don"t think he got the credit he deserved for having to guard opposing centers that were a lot bigger .

[amckillip]

The thing Matt Salley gave this team was toughness as he did not have as much talent as a lot of our players but he was willing to fight for a rebound and he did not get pushed around , he had some bad t"s last season because of his temper, but I liked the way he was willing to fight for our team. I don"t think he got the credit he deserved for having to guard opposing centers that were a lot bigger .

Agreed completely. He has not even two inches on AW and Theron, and was guarding 5's. He never got credit for what he did down-low last year. Agreed, the T were infuriating, but if DC got that fire, DC would be All-MVC or close (there's still time...). I think MS will be missed more than people realize. DC is flat out better offensively, and better at blocking shots, but as far as setting screens and help side D MS was far superior.

[Out of Bounce]

I don't think we've missed MS that much so far. In fact, I don't think we've missed him at all.

I'll agree with that.

[Bradleyguy10]

It'd be cool to have MS this year along with SS and DC. With DC at the 5 still but MS playing the 4 and then TW at the 3...interesting...

[BradleyBrave]

I am just saying that it is true that playing time for JL is based somewhat on how a kid does in practice. But that is not the sole determining factor.

If it was, the starting lineup would change every time a kid had a bad practice. But it doesn't.

Every coach has his methods and reasons for determining playing time.

I have no doubts that Jim plays the best players and the players that give us the best chance to win. Why that is being questioned two games into a 30+ game season is unfathomable.

[BUconnorD]

It'd be cool to have MS this year along with SS and DC. With DC at the 5 still but MS playing the 4 and then TW at the 3...interesting...

yea it's a shame people graduate

I really hope someone steps up in the 4 spot. Theron looks like he's been getting pushed around at that spot. Plus he just plain plays better at the 3

[thefish7]

I have no doubts that Jim plays the best players and the players that give us the best chance to win. Why that is being questioned two games into a 30+ game season is unfathomable.

Agree, totally. Well put.

[Fetz86]

yea it's a shame people graduate

I really hope someone steps up in the 4 spot. Theron looks like he's been getting pushed around at that spot. Plus he just plain plays better at the 3

Did he graduate? I swear I still see him around all the time on campus

[Bradleyguy10]

haha yeah I see him around all the time too...maybe he's a 5th year