Swiggett injures knee?

[pantherdon]

What's the point of this?
Avo's clearly our best all around player.

I'd play the kid 35-40 minutes.

[brewtownbrian]

There was a thread on this (Avo coming off the bench) a week or so ago and I think the consensus on this board was that his energy and scoring off the bench are important and ultimately that is why he'll remain the 6th man.

He averages close to 27 minutes per game, which is 3rd behind Paulsen (31.9) and Al Hanson (30.5).

As I said on that previous thread, it's not who starts the game that is important, its who's on the floor at the end. From what I've seen this season, Avo is on the floor in the closing minutes.

So, while I think he should be starting now that Swiggett is out, I'm trying not to get too hung up on it.

[pantherdon]

I still feel this is an odd strategy.
The only other time I've seen this happen is with the Bulls and Ben Gordon.

[brewtownbrian]

I agree, somewhat.

I thought it was okay to have Avo coming off the bench when the starting line-up was:

-Swiggett
-Hanson
-Massiah
-Paulsen
-Mauldin

And I agree with what some others have said about Ricky's game starting to look better, so I can see why he'd be a possibility to start now.

But you're right...the leading scorer as the 6th man is a strange thing.

[teddyp00]

I agree with kingsbury that if there is any doubt in Swiggett being 100% back next year they/he should just redshirt. With both Avery and Al being back for another year and Roberts coming in along with James it will only make for an even more over crowded backcourt than this year

[bball30]

Just to stir some debate here, but with the little impact Gentry and Thornton have had this year, what makes you think Roberts and James will be any different?

[teddyp00]

You are right about Roberts that we really have no clue how he will perform at the D1 level. James however has proven he can contribute at this level so I see no reason he will not be able to step right in and run the point for this team. Especially after a year of being in the program and running and learning the swing offense.

As a side note you have to like the size he would bring to the point position as he is listed at 6-2.

[dylanrocks]

Bball, that's a legitimate question. All we really have to go on is the Notre Dame Prep associate coach's assertion that Deonte would start for this team right now. Of course, that's someone who's closely connected to Deonte and so may lack objectivity on the matter. As we all know, these things are sometimes very difficult to project.

[TBone]

I agree with kingsbury that if there is any doubt in Swiggett being 100% back next year they/he should just redshirt. With both Avery and Al being back for another year and Roberts coming in along with James it will only make for an even more over crowded backcourt than this year

There's no real reason that Swiggett shouldn't be at 100% by the beginning of next season, provided the surgery goes well. Mentally, he probably won't be at 100%, but with the practice time before the game, that will help a great deal.

T

[raar]

preseason expectations for our true freshmen was too great and unreasonable. But that discussion is for another thread.

I hope Swiggett recovers 100%, sad that he loses the game time experience this season. It could delay his development as a player.

[pantherpanther]

Get well soon Charlie. Good kid...