Musketeer Madness

Lots of talk about whether Drew will play tonight. Here is the case for letting him sit.

Think big picture: Drew is essential for our post-season success. Yes we want to win this big game, but not at the expense of aggravating an injury in a way that will then nag or worse in March.

Think making Jackson step up: Jackson has been ineffective because of his defense. It's a truism, but he should no longer be a freshman. This recalls the Chalmers injury, when Finn had to step up, and did. If he comes through, we have ourself another contributor for March. If he fails, he gets motivated and gets better.

Yes, I know Stanley is going to be the point and BJ is going to start at the 2. We can't play a whole game like that, BJ cannot defend a faster guard yet. I would like to see Jackson get 20-25 minutes and let the chips fall.

I would tend to agree. Let SB be the primary ballhandler, give Jackson his backup minutes at the SG, and minimal minutes at the point.

Unless Drew's 85% healthy, give or take a few percentage points.

I tend to agree, but...

Can Stan handle being the defensive specialist he needs to be AND run the point for 30 minutes? That's a lot...Barron can easily drop 25 if he's not watched.

Momentum will be huge. I can see us trying to overcome it from slightly behind all night (or potentially a lot), or trying to hold it back while up 4-10 points (like SLU).

I actually think DJ's defense has improved a great deal over the last few weeks and if anything he has deserved more playing time due to it. Maybe tonights the night he, and we, have been waiting for!

you're right, this is HIS night.

Just like Carlos said, the a-10 tourney AND more importantly the NCAA's are NOT to be taken lightly! Sure every game at this point in the year is important but none are as important as the 1 and done, as in the a-10 tourney and the NCAA's! None of us know the situation as well as Coach Miller AND Drew, I am sure BOTH will make the best decision for the team, factoring in both the short term and long term effects of Drew possibly not playing tonight.

I read on the Rivals board that we should expect Drew to play 20 minutes tonight. But that appeared to be a little guesswork.

The bottom line is that if Drew is healthy to play, he'll play. I realize I state the obvious.

Muskieman, where are you watching the game tonight?

I don't want to see Drew sit out the whole game just as a precaution. If he is still pretty badly injured, then he should sit, but if he is ok and can play, get him 15 min or so. I definitly want to see what Jackson can do with more playing time. If he can step in and play some decent time if we need him in the tourney, and actually contribute, that would be great. You are right, there is no sense in playing him 35 min tonight if he isn't at full strength. I hope he is well enough to play some, just because it means his injury isn't as bad.

if love played with staples in a 14 inch gash, then I venture to guess Drew will play until Drew can't play. He watched Doellman play on one leg and cage play on one foot. He will play.

Rhody is NOT deep so they can't press. So let Stan, D Jackson, and even CJ, "I look very lost at times" Anderson bring the ball up the floor. The the rams have 3 players. Attack them and press them win by 15 and call it a night.