The Front Row

I agree 100% with what you are saying about their offense being driven by their defense.

My point is our half court offense is more painful to watch when Craft is running it vs. Shannon. THAT is why it is difficult to get good looks. I still do not know why ANY team plays us man to man....and when they do go zone, Shannon is better equipped to create than Craft.

Craft cannot create like Shannon and you reference Shannons poor shooting....what about Craft's? Can you tell me anyone that can shoot consistently outside of DT?

The point is Shannon gives others a better chance to get open looks. I am not in any way knocking Craft....he is an unbelievable asset to the team but he is not a true point guard. Craft was better when we had ACTUAL weapons on the perimeter AND sully inside. We do not have that now which means we need someone to create opportunites.

Craft and Scott are very similar in half court sets but I will give the edge to Craft because he does finish better and has proven to hit the open shot more frequently. Teams plays us man to man with very little help defense because we have no inside presence. Sullinger made everybody better around him and until Amir steps up we will struggle against the good teams...

I don't think this is farfetched at all.

I think Scott's style of play (up tempo, push the ball, force the tempo) is better suited for this years team then Craft's style. I am not trying to take anything away from Craft. He is as good of an on-ball defender as I have ever seen, but he has serious limitations offensively. His style fit perfectly with the teams we had the past 2 seasons....not so much for this team.

Another something to think about.

Scott's line today (don't have the minutes info)

8 assists (had another that Ravenel missed a layup on), 4 steals, 4 points (missed 4 throws though, but credit to getting to the line 6x), and 1 block.

I like it when we go against zone defense. Allows us to play Scott and get more creative on offense.

It has nothing to do with tonight but tonight just shows what he is capable of. Could Scott ever score 24? Nope. Especially when you need it. In addition, he defends and is probably our second best rebounder.

Scott's job isn't to score 24... Not sure that's a valid comparison. The thread title doesn't limit the discussion to scoring ability...

Did you read the rest about him rebounding and defending? Maybe you missed that. But just to clear it up a little more, read this. Smith is our second leading scorer, second leading rebounder, third in assists, third in minutes played, FIRST in 3-point FG % at 40%, shoots 46% from the field and 70% from the line. But I'm just saying, you know.

If you break down Smiths game yesterday it looks lopsided. For the first 12 minutes be was 5 of 6 from the floor with 4 for 4 three point shooting. That is fantastic!
The rest of the game he was 2 for 7(all 3 point attempts) with 4 made free throws on 4 attempts.
That is pretty much the norm for Lenzelle. He came out hot, that was great, but he cooled off. He forced some 3's early in the possession during the second half. When he lets the offense work, takes open shots and drives the lane he plays most efficiently and productively. His first 5 made shots were all great, wide open looks. His remaining shots were not nearly as good of looks.
He is a good defender and rebounder and hustles. But outside of a few hot streaks, he needs to let the offense come to him.

Ummmm, he hit a huge 3 late in the game yesterday after missing a few. So you guys would have rather had him not take the shot?I sure am glad he took and hit it. The numbers show he is our third best player. And the minutes he averages confirms that the coaches feel that way too.

Scott again the steady spark plug.

22 minutes, 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.