Musketeer Madness

For those of us who were not at the game, could we have some commentary on Jason Love's 13 minutes. Clearly he was in foul trouble, but there must have been mismatch issues as well?

I am concerned that Stan and Drew were again carrying 34+ minutes each in a home game against a "weaker" opponent, while Dante and Graves . I admit I was a preseason Dante proponent for point relief, but that doesn't seem to be happening. I just don't want to see these two worn down by the league season grind.

CarlosTheJackal wrote:For those of us who were not at the game, could we have some commentary on Jason Love's 13 minutes. Clearly he was in foul trouble, but there must have been mismatch issues as well?

I am concerned that Stan and Drew were again carrying 34+ minutes each in a home game against a "weaker" opponent, while Dante and Graves . I admit I was a preseason Dante proponent for point relief, but that doesn't seem to be happening. I just don't want to see these two worn down by the league season grind.

Sean said that he knew that LaSalle would be a tough matchup for Love because they had 5 players that could start outside and take it to the basket. They didn't really have an inside player that he could really body up against. I think it was a similar situation to Oden trying to play against Xavier last year. Those guys have trouble playing against mobile big men that can hit the three's or take it inside on them.

Dante isn't even backing up the point. Stanley shifts to the point when Dante comes in the game for Drew.

Give Dante and Graves time. They are still young. It's only a matter of time before Graves hits shots in games like he does in practice. Dante has committed himself to the defensive end of the court more than Graves has. This is the biggest area of improvement for Graves.

The success of NEXT year's team hinges on the improvement of these two. Anything this year is really a bonus for us.

Other than the foul problems, Love didn't play badly (he certainly finished his shots inside better than Duncan), but Love had trouble guarding LaSalle's big man, who kept drifting out to the top of the key and either faking or taking a 3. Love was either backing off at the wrong time, or coming in and fouling him. Either way, he was out of sync defensively.

LaSalle could spring an upset or two in the conf. tourney. Hope it ain't us.

Dash! double bad karma to say it out loud. I know, there is a theory that if you say it you jinx it, but I think that only works on like consecutive free throws and no hitters, the good stuff. Id feel better if you, er, edited it out?

aj graves seemed to be more active, alert, and quicker last night on d. he's been getting good shots, only 1 seemed hesitant. he just hasn't been getting the shot to go and when he misses his 1st and something happens good for the opponent at the other end, it's just not the best timing for him to get the hot hand; 2nd miss, 3rd miss, sub. miller has said aj's one of the top shooters in practice all season..dante jackson continues to be a "warrior" makes at least 1 super hustle play per game. these guys continue to grow..don't know love's stats but he was his usual but for some untimely fouls..miller on radio after, "fouling the 3 jump shooter is ssoooooooooo baaaaaaaaad, it's the anti-charge". i think he was going to pick love up and hang him on a hook overnight, punishment pending

I find it highly doubtful that Love, or any other Muskie for that matter, will foul a 3-point shooter any time during the rest of this season. I base this on Coach Miller's rant on the post-game show where both Joe and Byron suggested they change the subject lest Sean blow a gasket.

I think you'll see Drew and Stan carry most of the minutes as we get farther into Feb and March.They're the seniors and I think Sean may be less inclined to give a lot of minutes to the underclassmen as the games get more important.It's not a knock on Dante or Adrian.They still need to give us a good 5 minutes a game at least but you want to stick with the guys that you have the most trust in.

As much as LaSalle exposed a weakness in a defense with Love in it, I think this also demonstrates (again) the depth that Miller has to work with. Duncan was able to come in block some shots, get a steal, take a charge etc. He can run with smaller teams from the 5 and our offense won't skip too many beats.

Keep it rollin' fellas!!!