(02-03-2017 12:29 PM)flashmob Wrote: (02-02-2017 08:22 PM)posterformerlyknownasthedoctor Wrote: Could sure use the Williams of a month ago right now. However, Forbes has lost all confidence in him.
Is that so?
Yeah, I think so - unless you know something we don't.
Against Chatt, he came in, and made a quick TO (bad pass), and was immediately jerked. Then didn't play at all last night. Before that, played only 1 minute at Samford, and missed his only shot (which was a 3, if I remember correctly), and I think also had a quick TO, although I don't remember the specifics of that one. Game before that (Wofford), briefly got in for another minute, and quickly fouled Donovan Love, who I believe was shooting a 3. Was immediately relieved of duty. Don't even think it was a full minute. In the loss at Furman, had two TOs in 6 minutes - which is where/when his status went south in Forbes's eyes, imo.
Before that game, he had been getting some decent PT. He hasn't scored in a while, but he also hasn't had much chance to.
In the UNCG game, which again if I recall correctly, others thought they saw fear; I didn't. He was getting bumped hard by their bigger, physical guards. I *think* I saw him (slightly) limping at one point several games ago, but that's a dim, unreliable memory.
So it appears he's in a crisis of confidence. Whether that's *his* confidence, Forbes's, or both, I don't know. But certainly it appears the latter is true. If you have some additional info, like maybe an injury or something, then spill it.
If a player, especially a young one, 'loses their nerve', then it's not the easiest thing in the world to get it back. You sort of have to play your way back to it. And if you don't get minutes, then it's just not easy.
Forbes has tightened the lineup for now, at least. Only 9 guys got in the game last night - which I think is the fewest of the season. With the emergence of Long, and most especially his increasing ability (or at least increasing *clarity* of his ball-handling abilities), then Williams has simply become more expendable. Who, 10 games ago, would have said that Forbes would have confidence in letting Long play point at times, or run the point in the half court at times? Not me. Although I loved his court vision and dealing skills immediately, his handle at the point took awhile to become visible. At least that's my 54 cents-worth.