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At this point, I'd like to see:

Starting Lineup:

PG: Watts
SG: Frazier
SF: Williams
PF: Washington
C: Foz

Bench:

SG/SF: Swing
SF/PF: Rucker
C: Mehinti

SF/PF: Purifoy

Maybe it was just last night, but I feel like we are getting off to slow starts at both the beginning of the first and second halves. I was actually quite impressed with the way the bench players played last night (specifically in the first half). To me, some of our problems are very clear: (1) Frazier has been unable to learn the PG position quickly enough to the point that I question him playing there at all and (2) Rucker simply cannot shoot from outside the paint. He has also struggled this year to finish at the rim because of his lack of size and the fact that he shoots pretty "soft." (3) Swing is in a major shooting slump.

For problem (1), I'd give Watts the majority of the PG minutes. He doesn't blow you away with his athleticism and scoring ability, but he has shown some signs of improvement getting inside the lane and making the right pass. He also doesn't turn it over very often!

For problem (2), I'd bench Rucker. I believe he is a fantastic player and really played well last year. Unfortunately the defense plays off of him because they know his shot is abysmal. I think he needs to play primarily at the PF position and use his rebounding strength to get easy buckets down low more so like he did this past seasons.

For problem (3), I simply think he needs to come off the bench to shake things up. He'll play a little more against the 2nd unit and might be able to get his confidence back up. Once he does, I have no problem inserting him back into the starting lineup. I believe we have given him enough opportunities to break out of his shooting slump and he hasn't done so.

With all of that being said, I'm happy we are more competitive than we were last season. We certainly are improving as a program, but there is no excuse for losses like last night. We still have a chance to finish the season strong, and I'm really hoping the seniors on this roster find their groove and do exactly that.