The "new" starting lineup

[rrshock]

It hurts my pea brain trying to issue my own starting lineup when we are suiting up and playing 11 players again. When it is all said in done, I hope we have 11 starters, and 11 finishers, all able to wear down our foes in the duration of 40 minutes to the point that we have a Season to remember.

When you have a team this deep, it will be special.

[ShoxFan45]

MA
DM
CE
CH
EO

I think that is the best five. I agree with what everyone has said about Williams, he has been great the last few games, but it always seems like he is missing a free throw... Cotton at the 3 just throws me too much. I realize that he has been great at that position so far, but 6-2 just seems too short for him there.

That opens up the opportunity for Early to go back to the 3, where he belongs, and I think that will help him immensely. I want to see Early start to roll and shirk some of that JUCO rust off of him. Playing the 3 can only help facilitate that.

I suppose the real question is: Is Cotton's solid play at the 3 more important to playing time than Early's progression at the 3? Not an easy one to answer. I realize Early can come off the bench, but it seems like his scoring may be needed more often than we would like down the stretch in MVC play.

[SubGod22]

MA
DW
CE
CH
EO

I think that is the best five. I agree with what everyone has said about Williams, he has been great the last few games, but it always seems like he is missing a free throw... Cotton at the 3 just throws me too much. I realize that he has been great at that position so far, but 6-2 just seems too short for him there.

That opens up the opportunity for Early to go back to the 3, where he belongs, and I think that will help him immensely. I want to see Early start to roll and shirk some of that JUCO rust off of him. Playing the 3 can only help facilitate that.

I suppose the real question is: Is Cotton's solid play at the 3 more important to playing time than Early's progression at the 3? Not an easy one to answer. I realize Early can come off the bench, but it seems like his scoring may be needed more often than we would like down the stretch in MVC play.

I would say that's my ideal lineup. I'm sure Early has learned the 3 by now and it is the preferred position for him. Especially if he continues to hit at a decent rate from outside. That would give us a big, fast lineup that can D the crap out of you!

[im4wsu]

MA
DM
CE
CH
EO

I think that is the best five. I agree with what everyone has said about Williams, he has been great the last few games, but it always seems like he is missing a free throw... Cotton at the 3 just throws me too much. I realize that he has been great at that position so far, but 6-2 just seems too short for him there.

That opens up the opportunity for Early to go back to the 3, where he belongs, and I think that will help him immensely. I want to see Early start to roll and shirk some of that JUCO rust off of him. Playing the 3 can only help facilitate that.

I suppose the real question is: Is Cotton's solid play at the 3 more important to playing time than Early's progression at the 3? Not an easy one to answer. I realize Early can come off the bench, but it seems like his scoring may be needed more often than we would like down the stretch in MVC play.

Who is "DM"?

[MadaboutWu]

Who is "DM"?

Dungeon Master, of course.

[Ricardo del Rio]

A partial history of Nick's points per game is as follows:

Game 9 - Northern Colorado - 14
Game 11 - Charleston Southern - 11
Game 12 - Southern Mississippi - 12
Game 14 - Drake - 18

During post game interviews, it seems that Coach Marshall gives faint praise to Nick. Am I misinterpreting his commentary?

I realize that Nick's defensive play is a sore spot with Coach Marshall, but it seems to me that Nick should receive more praise for his offensive play.

[1979Shocker]

Dungeon Master, of course.

You mean it's not "Defensive Monster"?

[RoyalShock]

You mean it's not "Defensive Monster"?

I thought maybe Doug McDermott transferred to WSU.

[ShockerGorilla]

I thought maybe Doug McDermott transferred to WSU.

He would have to sit on the bench until he learned how to play defense.

[rrshock]

He would have to sit on the bench until he learned how to play defense.

He would maybe get 10-15 minutes with this lineup. Maybe a few more.

[moshock]

A partial history of Nick's points per game is as follows:

Game 9 - Northern Colorado - 14
Game 11 - Charleston Southern - 11
Game 12 - Southern Mississippi - 12
Game 14 - Drake - 18

During post game interviews, it seems that Coach Marshall gives faint praise to Nick. Am I misinterpreting his commentary?

I realize that Nick's defensive play is a sore spot with Coach Marshall, but it seems to me that Nick should receive more praise for his offensive play.

I think you are spot on RDR. This is pure speculation but I would say that Nick has marched to the beat of his own drum concerning weight lifting, defense, and hustle plays. I hope he is starting to "get it".

I've noticed that he is doing somewhat better at hustling to get back on defense but not like EW, DW, TC and the rest. Those guys are playing harder on the defensive end than the offensive.

After Nick makes a basket - he kind of skips back. He has got to embrace defense like he does offense. He is the first one to sprint down the floor on an offensive break away.

I really hope he shakes the "juco" habits off and see's the energy that Dwill and Cotton put out on defense - otherwise he should probably get used to watching games instead of playing once Baker and Wessel get back.

He is an incredible athlete. IMHO, his offensive potential is thru the roof - possibly more that CE.

[ShockTalk]

A partial history of Nick's points per game is as follows:

Game 9 - Northern Colorado - 14
Game 11 - Charleston Southern - 11
Game 12 - Southern Mississippi - 12
Game 14 - Drake - 18

During post game interviews, it seems that Coach Marshall gives faint praise to Nick. Am I misinterpreting his commentary?

I realize that Nick's defensive play is a sore spot with Coach Marshall, but it seems to me that Nick should receive more praise for his offensive play.

HCGM probably isn't going to waiver from his "Defense First" stance. Once Nick continually plays D up to HCGM's standards, Coach will shower him with praise about his offense.

[Cdizzle]

I've noticed Nick starting to increase his energy throughout his game. I distinctly remember him almost saving a ball diving out of bounds for a ball he had no business getting to against Drake.

Hustle plays and great defense are the best ways to create more offensive possessions and favorable offensive possessions (breakaways, man advantages, no set defense). I think he's getting it. His athleticism, combined with his shooting, make him a joy to watch on the offensive end of the floor.

[Trueshock]

Don't forget the Wigmaster.

The meme since mid-December has been that WSU is missing three starters. While that is technically true, I think the reality is that Williams and Cotton have effectively passed Baker and Wessel in terms of performance in their stead. I expect we'll see that to be the case when/if one or both return.

When Hall gets back I think we'll have our best 5/6 (Early being a 6th man who would be starting at the 4 if not for EO starting at the 5) starting the game.

Don't forget Wiggy, he may pass everyone on the team before long.

[Trueshock]

Run em ragged indeed

RACK (big as he is) played soccer and is used to running back and forth all of the time. Even intangibles like that could be a benefit to out team.