I'm trying to be really positive about this season. We're in a new league, we've got 11 new players, coach is going to have to craft a way forward with the players he's got. I'm trying to re-set expectations after preseason polls and analytics had us as a bubble team right off the bat in a league that preseason polls and analytics had also overestimated. It's tough to rachet down expectations, especially after the Clemson win.
When I was younger, I wouldn't hesitate to go after players whom I knew had big talent, but weren't performing. I'm more cautious about criticism now.
For instance: Bryce Golden.... Perhaps Butler built a good part of their offensive schemes around him playing 20+ minutes. Just 10 months ago, Golden had a career high 22 points in a Big East game against Marquette. He had 20 points in a win over Xavier in the 2021 Big East Conference Tournament, and 18 points in a win over Villanova in 2020. He had nine rebounds in that win over Xavier, and he was 9 of 12 from the field with five rebounds and three assists in that win over Villanova. In the past year from today, he's played three games against DePaul, with two wins playing for Butler where he averaged 17 mpg, 7 ppg, 3.5 rebounds, and shooting 60% from the field; and one game against DePaul for Loyola (a loss), where he had 2 points in 9 minutes on 1 of 2 shooting. I don't expect us to change our offensive system to fit in a player who's here for a graduate transfer year, but I do expect us to find a way for an experienced player to add something really positive to the offense (or the defense) in a 12 or 15 minute per game framework.
I think Saint Thomas' body has changed since he showed up on campus. I think he's bigger, taller, and half a step slower. There are strategies and techniques for improving quickness-- Tate Hall was not quick, but he learned how to position himself and anticipate so he wouldn't get burned by a quicker player. The dream (I guess?) is to have Saint Thomas play shooting guard, I think, but he's not quick enough for that right now on the defensive end. I think he's got to be a 3 or a 4 in a pinch, which means he needs to drive and post up more instead of playing on the perimeter. A lot of his turnovers are from traveling calls trying to get started on a drive to the basket, and even his spot up shooting is very unsure. He needs more confidence, he needs more specialized training to improve quickness, positioning and anticipation. Get someone in to work with him.
Sheldon Edwards is very talented, especially on offense. I have seen him make some great plays on defense also. Last season, Sheldon Edwards averaged 11.4 points per game and led Valpo in steals and blocks... on a team with Ben Krikke and Kobe King...
We have to find a way for these exceptionally talented and experienced players to contribute this year. Develop plays for them where they can succeed and get confidence. Keep the offense flexible enough so these guys can find a space to excel.
We need to get Braden Norris some rest during games. Dawson and Quinn being out hurt a lot. When they're healthy, I would be very interested in seeing a rotation with Dawson, Norris and Quinn on the court at the same time....
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