Avery Smith

[teddyp00]

I think its time Smith gets some appreciation here. I have to admit last year and into the start of this year I was one of his biggest critics. Even after he dropped 36 on Central Mich I was still not a big fan thinking he was just not a team player and almost was doing the team more harm than good.

However, since that time I see a much different game from him and yet he continues to score in bunches. But he seems to be so much more of a team leader now than he was just a month ago.

Beside leading the team in scoring, he also leads the team in steals per game, is second on the team in assists/game, third in rebounding/game. It is almost scary to think how bad this teams offense would be right now without him. If he continues to develope at the pace he has been over the past year its very well possible to think he could be a player of the year canidate next year.

Not sure why Jeter does not start him, but he sure does bring a big spark off the bench. If he got another 5 to 7 minutes a game it would seem he could give this team another 2 to 4 points a game over the course of the year.

I hope next year he gets the chance to be the star of this team and really be the player a few people thought he could be last year already (props to you fan for calling that one).

[brewtownbrian]

I think Avo coming off the bench is a good move. Whether he starts or not isn't really a big deal b/c he plays just as many minutes, and usually more than the other guards. And you said it, "he sure does bring a big spark off the bench".

Remember it's not who starts the game...it's who finishes it.

[dylanrocks]

Here's hoping that have multiple stars rather than a singular star. Avo's doing what he's doing in part because nobody else can do what he does — score consistently and in the clutch. BTW, my early guess for next season's top scorer is Torre Johnson. That guy is freakishly good.

[jhart05]

I'm pretty sure he comes off the bench to provide some instant offense. The "spark off the bench" as was said.

With Avo in the starting five, who can you bring in to provide that spark when you need it?

[uwm97]

One thing Avo (and the rest of the team) needs to work on is free throw shooting. 6-12 from him and 14-27 as a team screwed them against Butler. And fora team that doesn't shoot the ball very well from the field, it's imperative they take advantage at the line.

[brewtownbrian]

uwm97 said:

One thing Avo (and the rest of the team) needs to work on is free throw shooting. 6-12 from him and 14-27 as a team screwed them against Butler. And fora team that doesn't shoot the ball very well from the field, it's imperative they take advantage at the line.

Sounds like Coach Jeter himself, right there. Very true, very true! Watching them shoot FT's is tough as a fan.

I chalk a portion of the misses up to inexperience. Lots of pressure when you're at the line in front of a couple thousand people. And our guys didn't all play at huge High School arenas, so it could take them awhile to adjust to that type of situation. Even a guy like Al Hanson...he didn't have a lot of FT opportunities his previous 2 years.

Hopefully they get rid of the FT jitters soon b/c like you said, it "screwed them against Butler."

[goldenshower]

Before the Butler game Avo was shooting 79% at the line. I think that the coaching staff want to see him taking those shots, but they just did not fall that night.

[TBone]

During the Wyoming game, which is the only game I've been able to see in person, AVO was able to create every time he had the ball. Noone else could create their own shot, so I definitely have a newfound respect for AVO. It seems like last year, he was out of control every time he drove...now there may be another player that seems to do that a bit too often.

T

[repoman]

Avo was great to watch against Butler...I was really impressed with his improvement over the past month. Same with Paulsen. Seems like everyone is starting to get to know each other and establish a comfort level. I hope they can take the energy that they displayed and use it towards a nice win over Detroit. I predict Avery will have another solid game.