I didn't say that there was a talent or skill gap between Owens and the other guards. I said that he needs to put on some weight/muscle. Frankly, I think he could run the point for us right now. I was just giving my opinion on someone who would be a redshirt candidate. I agree that Blair should just play.

(10-23-2018 09:20 AM)ColonelEbirt Wrote:  

(10-23-2018 09:00 AM)mrjoolius Wrote:  That lineup could happen. I'd say the safer bet is Rowley starting. Chase will play his fair share, but I wouldn't be surprised if Jihar isn't the 1st guard off the bench. Most of these guards are fairly interchangeable, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Shaver sub often looking for the hot hand off the bench. The edge will fall to the guards that can run the offense best. IMO, Rowley may serve spot duty in the post, but I believe Harvey will be Nate's primary sub day 1. The team and Rowley are better served if he doesn't have to battle inside. Any seasoning and bumps Harvey experiences early this season will pay team dividends during league play and hopefully beyond.

I agree that Paul is more likely to start. While his spark off the bench is nice, I just don't buy that it's more important to have that bench spark than to have our 5th-year player, team captain (I assume...has that actually been announced?), and spirit leader on the floor at tip-off. And from the standpoint of looking for a spark off the bench, remember what Tony said about Jihar before last season ... apparently he's a sniper - we just didn't see much from him last year. It's anybody's guess what the starting lineup looks like come January/February. Chase could very well be in there if he makes it obvious that it would be foolish to keep him off the floor. But I just don't see that as the likely outcome for Day 1 of the season.

I agree that Paul is more likely to start, but I think he's a lot more valuable off the bench, even playing starter's minutes off the bench. If he's the first sub at the 3-4 minute mark, we get a feel for the start of the game and he can sub for 2-4 depending on what Coach Shaver sees. It's a matchup win, and we can start the game focusing on getting our top 3 scorers going. Paul comes in and the opponent now has to change their defense to account for another knock-down shooter.

All that said, we haven't ever seen any strategy like that from Coach Shaver. He starts the guys who have "earned it", prefers to substitute at preordained times, and focuses on execution over matchups. It's the basketball equivalent of Laycock's offense. That won't stop me from dreaming, though.

Owens can be a special player in another year. He is silky smooth on the court...almost gliding over it. Has remarkable athleticism, can shoot, and knows how to dribble and pass the basketball.

While he is learning right now, I can see him playing more minutes as the season progresses.
He has talent.

(10-23-2018 11:54 AM)tribeinexile Wrote:  FWIW, I’m thinking the in-season rotation might look like this:

PG: Loewe, Scott
Wings: Pierce, Milon, Rowley, Audige
Post: Knight, Harvey

Owens, Williams and Blair would be fighting for the 9-10 slots, should Shaver go so deep and for first man up if injuries.

I am guessing the starting lineup against HP will be Knight, Pierce, Milon, Rowley and Loewe and Williams might well be the first off the bench. I suspect Shaver will show deference to the players who were here last year.

IMO we will start the season with Rowley as the backup to Knight for Post. Rowley will be starter also. Audige will start by end of season and best Freshman. Harvey has huge upside potential but seemed in need of development. Clark will provide minutes off the bench. Here is my chart:

PG: Loewe, Scott
Wings: Pierce, Milon, Audige, Rowley, Williams, Owens
Post: Knight, Rowley, Clark, Harvey