WSU ranked #64

[Aargh]

Gal is more valuable on the bench than Braeuer. Don't underestimate the value of having a good player starting on the bench and available to enter the game in a variety of situaations.

I think Braeuer will start because he understands the game so well. He's shown that with consistently good assist-to-turnover ratios. Braeuer is a "safer" starter. Mekel has components in his game that Breauer doesn't have, but Braeuer plays a safe and pretty consistent game. New coach, new players, new system. I think Marshall will go with the safer, more consistent PG as his starter. It seems likely practices will show that player is Braeuer.

Mekel could be a great weapon as a 6th man. There's a wider range of adjustments that can be made with Mekel on the bench than with Braeuer on the bench.

The ability to adapt during a game requires versatile players on the bench at the beginning of the game. A player who can provide game adjustments coming off the bench is every bit as important as who's on the court when they throw the ball up.

Don't underestimate the value of a 6th man and don't underestimate Mekel's value in that role.

[SubGod22]

The only problem I have with this topic is that Spangler thinks what he's saying for Gal is different that I and Matt. I've based my opinions on what I've seen/heard/read and from whatever I may or may not know from growing up around the game. I point out why I think Matt has the edge and I'm called a homer who is doing an unjustice to Gal and potential recruits. You do the EXACT same thing in favor of Gal but claim to be fair and balanced with your thought and aren't taking sides. I like you Spangler, but your reasoning in this is absurd. We've obviously seen different things in our minds about these two and have come to different opinions on who should start. That's fine. That's what these discussion boards are all about. You've seem to taken in a bit far from what I've read and that happens. The part that irritated me the most is where you seem to imply that by me stating that I think Matt should start is underminding the Coach and not putting faith in him while you do the exact same thing on Gal's side but apparently don't fall into that category.

I have no problem changing my opinion on this if I feel Gal proves to be a better fit as a starter to the Shox. Based off of what I know right now that's not going to happen. The games he started late and the more minutes he was getting came more from Ogirri than they did Matt as well. So the stats you've tossed out there could be a little deceptive in use. He was out there mostly as the SG and not the PG. He won't start at the two this year unless Marshall decides to start Cooz at the 3 which I hope isn't the case.

[pinstripers]

Finally read this post. Both players have pretty serious limitations. Gal may be able to cut down his turnovers, maybe, but Matt is as big as he's gonna get. Matt is a crowd favorite and does some good things, but he is ineffective and nearly invisible against rugged, physical defense. Looks to me like both players should benefit from an uptempo style. Two things I hate to see, Matt driving to the hoop, and Wendel shooting from outside 2 & a half feet.

[Snapshot9]

Marshall will decide, and hey, we need a good guard on the 2nd line too, nothing worse than watching a team where the 2nd line can't keep up with the 1st line in scoring or defense either, BUT

In my opinion, Matt will start .. why:
1) He's a senior, more experienced
2) His shooting percentage is greater than Gal.

Gal has talent, don't get me wrong, but I feel that:
1) Gal has to come on strong this year with his game.
2) He has to quit throwing the ball away so much even if he makes some
nifty passes and assists.
3) He has to get his shooting percentage up, maybe to his High School percentages or points.

We are just lucky to have such a hard choice. PJ will start at the 2 as I think he will undoubtedly be the driving force behind the team this year, and a leader, if not the leader.

[SpanglerFan316]

The really stupid comment in this whole debate is that Spangler thinks Tyrone Shoelace has limitations. He is unstoppable and it's said that even Kobe calls him for advice (especially on ways to improve his cross-over dribble). 8)

SR: When you're right, you're right!!

[SpanglerFan316]

The only problem I have with this topic is that Spangler thinks what he's saying for Gal is different that I and Matt. I've based my opinions on what I've seen/heard/read and from whatever I may or may not know from growing up around the game. I point out why I think Matt has the edge and I'm called a homer who is doing an unjustice to Gal and potential recruits. You do the EXACT same thing in favor of Gal but claim to be fair and balanced with your thought and aren't taking sides. I like you Spangler, but your reasoning in this is absurd. We've obviously seen different things in our minds about these two and have come to different opinions on who should start. That's fine. That's what these discussion boards are all about. You've seem to taken in a bit far from what I've read and that happens. The part that irritated me the most is where you seem to imply that by me stating that I think Matt should start is underminding the Coach and not putting faith in him while you do the exact same thing on Gal's side but apparently don't fall into that category.

I have no problem changing my opinion on this if I feel Gal proves to be a better fit as a starter to the Shox. Based off of what I know right now that's not going to happen. The games he started late and the more minutes he was getting came more from Ogirri than they did Matt as well. So the stats you've tossed out there could be a little deceptive in use. He was out there mostly as the SG and not the PG. He won't start at the two this year unless Marshall decides to start Cooz at the 3 which I hope isn't the case.

If your posts were intended to mean that the starter for point guard is undetermined but you think Matt has a big edge, then I agree with you. My understanding of your posts was that the decision had already been made, before Marshall even gets to have a full practice. If my interpretation of your posts was wrong, you have my apology.

I'm not going to do the leg work to find them but there are many threads on a number of sports boards dealing with the influence on recruiting of comments on such boards. Since UIUC cannot recruit well, this topic comes up when the Illini lose another top recruit.

[SpanglerFan316]

Gal has talent, don't get me wrong, but I feel that:
2) He has to quit throwing the ball away so much even if he makes some
nifty passes and assists.

My only objection to 2. is that sometimes the recipient of the pass messed up. Don't blame Gal for those passes that went off Thomasson's hands, for example. Gal did throw away some passes and needs to cut down on that; however, I'd love to see more nifty passes from Gal to PJ for dunks.

[Awesome Sauce Malone]

start both of them with PJ at the 3 and then rotate them out from there

end thread :D

[im4wsu]

[quote="SpanglerFan316"]

My only objection to 2. is that sometimes the recipient of the pass messed up. Don't blame Gal for those passes that went off Thomasson's hands, for example. Gal did throw away some passes and needs to cut down on that; however, I'd love to see more nifty passes from Gal to PJ for dunks.

Great passes are only great if they result in scores. The Celtics had to learn to expect the unexpected from Cousy. Cooz had to tone it down so he'd make the players around him better. Not comparing Gal to Cooz, but the idea is the same...make the players around you better even if it means being simple instead of flashy. An assist is much better than a fantastic pass that is not converted.

[forevershockerfan]

Against some teams, we may want some small ball with MB, GM, PK, Mantas, and Mr. Clemente.

[SpanglerFan316]

[quote="im4wsu"]

My only objection to 2. is that sometimes the recipient of the pass messed up. Don't blame Gal for those passes that went off Thomasson's hands, for example. Gal did throw away some passes and needs to cut down on that; however, I'd love to see more nifty passes from Gal to PJ for dunks.

Great passes are only great if they result in scores. The Celtics had to learn to expect the unexpected from Cousy. Cooz had to tone it down so he'd make the players around him better. Not comparing Gal to Cooz, but the idea is the same...make the players around you better even if it means being simple instead of flashy. An assist is much better than a fantastic pass that is not converted.

:yes:

[BOBB]

Who would win in a fight between Mighty Mouse and Superman?

[wufan]

I once saw Gal holding up 10 elephants on one finger!

[vbird53]

Marshall will decide, and hey, we need a good guard on the 2nd line too, nothing worse than watching a team where the 2nd line can't keep up with the 1st line in scoring or defense either, BUT

I'm not so sure that Marshall uses "lines" in his substitution patterns. I'll bet he uses a much more fluid rotation pattern than what we're used to.

All in all, I get your point though. The ultimate goal is that when a player subs in, the talent level does not dip at all.

[RoyalShock]

I didn't see it mentioned but it's interesting that LSU came in at #63.