Daily article discussing stu and d-mo
November 17th, 2010 at 2:09 AM ^
I don't really know the difference between the 2 and 3 in this offense, but I think Novak would guard the opposing 3 rather than the 2 because of the aforementioned lack of speed.
Stu also needs to save minutes as he's the only backup point on this team. Next year, with the two great guards coming in, we'll most likely see a switch where Novak starts on the bench and Stu might start (and I believe he'll start early in the season due to experience over the incoming guards.)
Points out of this babble? Stu is the only other PG on this team, and will be the back-up for the 1 and 2.
November 17th, 2010 at 3:01 AM ^
Well you raise a valid point. All that aside, I think Stu might start more once we get into the thick of the schedule.
Also, there is no mention of Smotrycz in the article. Wouldn't he be the one replaced if they started Stu?
November 17th, 2010 at 3:32 AM ^
it would be one thing if stu would score 15 pts per game. he doesn't . he can't. so give me a guy 6'10" who will help on the boards. that's why the current starting lineup is better.
November 17th, 2010 at 6:22 AM ^
we know JB migt also think that stu is better coming off of the bench... i agree with umchicago, we need to have as much size as possible out on the floor to get rebounds... i hate to use michigan state as an example but they won a national title with their best player coming off of the bench...
November 17th, 2010 at 8:22 AM ^
It seems a bit early in the season to be questioning the starting lineup as I'm sure Beilein is still doing some experimenting. But I'm not sure why you'd want to put Novak back in the four spot. He might get--and in fact has been getting--a few minutes per game there so far, but Smotrycz and Colton Christian are best suited to sharing that spot. Hardaway Jr. is going to get most of the minutes at the 3, which means Novak is likely to spend most of his time at the 2.
In regard to Douglass, as tasnyder01 said above, someone has to back up Morris at the point, and Douglass is the only option for that role this year. While both Novak and Douglass will play the 2, I think you have to start Novak because of his leadership ability and because he's a better all-around player.
November 17th, 2010 at 8:25 AM ^
He's going to get his minutes since he'll be subbing in for starters at the 1, 2, and 3
November 17th, 2010 at 10:02 AM ^
I know this was touched on above--that stu doesn't start because he needs to back up Morris--but is the writer of this article advocating that Morris play all 40 minutes at the point?
I agree that, in an ideal world, stu would not have to play backup PG because, ya know, he's not a point guard. That being said, the current roster make-up makes this our only option.
November 17th, 2010 at 10:41 AM ^
I think having a more balanced lineup in terms of size with 2 capable rebounders outweighs any advantage coming from Stu's relatively inconsistent shooting. He will get plenty of minutes off the bench backing up Morris, Novak, Hardaway, and company, so I'd imagine he still will get somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 minutes a game. Smotrycz (theoretically at least) is another shooter who will spread the floor, so our starting lineup is a point guard (who can't really shoot), a banger down low, and 3 shooters, so i think that's not too bad.
November 17th, 2010 at 1:25 PM ^
"starter" is just a title. There will be plenty of minutes coming off the bench.
November 17th, 2010 at 2:19 PM ^
I think the reason Stu is coming off the bench are twofold.
1. Stu is only option for back-up point guard
2. Hardaway is a better scorer
November 17th, 2010 at 7:21 PM ^
I like how we finally look like a bigger team. We're inexperienced for sure, but you can tell we are bigger overall. I really don't like novak at 4,he's just to outmatched, so i'm glad hes not playing there.