Basketball rotation going forward

[Armchair QB]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

[MIDMOBIRDTWO]

I can't argue with much of what you pointed out. There is some talent with this group and figuring out how to deploy it most effectively is the responsibility of the coach. They seem to buy in pretty well with what he is trying to do, and they like the free wheeling offensive style. Hope to see the improvement continue after shaking off the stench of the Illinois debacle.

[Armchair QB]

I thought I heard them say after the game that Norm Stewart said to Gates (following the Braggin Rights debacle) something about the 50 point Arkansas beat down we took in the pre-season in 1993. That team of course shaped into an undefeated Big 8 champ that made the Elite 8.

I remember thinking that team was going to be bottom half of the conference at best and wouldn’t make the tourney.

Just a few key players back can make all the difference going forward for this team. Hopefully we can build on it.

[Rantz]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

[straight out of st louis robert ave]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Good post and great ideas.
My only concern is Stone and Pierce are injury prone. Gates has to be careful with their minutes.
Maybe 20-25 minutes for Stone.
I hope Pierce can stay healthy. 25-30 minutes would be great.
Also hope Pierce gets beyond his free throw problems.
TO has a long way to go! In my opinion, TO almost cost us the game last night with his bonehead plays.
He has a tendency to get tied up by two defenders resulting in turnovers. He is still learning and has a way to go before he can be relied on!
Hope Burns keeps improving! The guy could eventually be a game changer! He just needs to "bulk up" and get stronger.

[Armchair QB]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

Very good observation about Phillips clogging the middle. My thing with him is, he’s not really good at anything except dunking. I don’t think he’s a good defensive player. Very reactive, no skill or fundamentals at all. Relies 100% on jumping ability (which I admit is elite). What I like about Burns is, besides him being 7’5”, is he has skill. He can even step out and knock down a 3. Clogging problem resolved, and he might develop into a great rim protector.

[Armchair QB]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Good post and great ideas.
My only concern is Stone and Pierce are injury prone. Gates has to be careful with their minutes.
Maybe 20-25 minutes for Stone.
I hope Pierce can stay healthy. 25-30 minutes would be great.
Also hope Pierce gets beyond his free throw problems.
TO has a long way to go! In my opinion, TO almost cost us the game last night with his bonehead plays.
He has a tendency to get tied up by two defenders resulting in turnovers. He is still learning and has a way to go before he can be relied on!
Hope Burns keeps improving! The guy could eventually be a game changer! He just needs to "bulk up" and get stronger.

I think Pierce will be fine this year on free throws. He had a yip last year. IMO his shot and release looks vastly improved this year. He might be a fantastic shooter this year, just based on what his shot looks like. Dare I say he reminds me a bit of MPJ? Not saying he’s that elite, but they look similar.

[11WSChamps]

The key is Robinson.

Frankly he's the only guard you can remotely count on and he's being asked to carry a lot of water.

Barrett and Mack don't do much for me in the back court.

A lot of depth otherwise when healthy but the guards not so much.

[Armchair QB]

The key is Robinson.

Frankly he's the only guard you can remotely count on and he's being asked to carry a lot of water.

Barrett and Mack don't do much for me in the back court.

A lot of depth otherwise when healthy but the guards not so much.

Agree a lot is on his shoulders. I really hope he hits the weights, works on his conditioning and stays his senior year. He didn’t really develop this off season. I don’t think he’s a pro yet, but he should be.

And help is on the way. Crowe and Chronister can fill it up and Crowe can easily play PG. Next year could be a lot of fun. If I were Robinson I’d stay and lead that bunch.

In fact, we might become one of the most prolific 3 point shooting and high scoring teams in the country next year.

[11WSChamps]

The key is Robinson.

Frankly he's the only guard you can remotely count on and he's being asked to carry a lot of water.

Barrett and Mack don't do much for me in the back court.

A lot of depth otherwise when healthy but the guards not so much.

Agree a lot is on his shoulders. I really hope he hits the weights, works on his conditioning and stays his senior year. He didn’t really develop this off season. I don’t think he’s a pro yet, but he should be.

And help is on the way. Crowe and Chronister can fill it up and Crowe can easily play PG. Next year could be a lot of fun. If I were Robinson I’d stay and lead that bunch.

In fact, we might become one of the most prolific 3 point shooting and high scoring teams in the country next year.

I don't see him going to the NBA after this year for sure. I don't see him as a pure scorer and although I like his defense he's got to mature into a more consistent force on the court like last night.

I would bet he'll come back for his senior season.

[icon]

The key is Robinson.

Frankly he's the only guard you can remotely count on and he's being asked to carry a lot of water.

Barrett and Mack don't do much for me in the back court.

A lot of depth otherwise when healthy but the guards not so much.

Stone is back at guard, and that's huge.

[icon]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

I'm not seeing the ability of Mack to finish at the rim. HIs body control is awful, so he looks out of control. And he's not a threat from 3. His minutes need to remain where they were yesterday -- very limited.

[11WSChamps]

The key is Robinson.

Frankly he's the only guard you can remotely count on and he's being asked to carry a lot of water.

Barrett and Mack don't do much for me in the back court.

A lot of depth otherwise when healthy but the guards not so much.

Stone is back at guard, and that's huge.

But he's not a point guard, a distributor and someone who's going to command those types of duties or minutes.

Isn't going to have the trust that Robinson has with the offense.

[Rantz]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

I'm not seeing the ability of Mack to finish at the rim. HIs body control is awful, so he looks out of control. And he's not a threat from 3. His minutes need to remain where they were yesterday -- very limited.

That’s Mack’s game…b-line to the rim through PNR. But he has to figure it out and score to get minutes. That was his game at UCLA as well and Gates knew it. Makes me wonder why he went after a Jumbo who clogs the lane. You can’t have a Jumbo with Mack in the game.

[woofy25]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

I'm not seeing the ability of Mack to finish at the rim. HIs body control is awful, so he looks out of control. And he's not a threat from 3. His minutes need to remain where they were yesterday -- very limited.

That’s Mack’s game…b-line to the rim through PNR. But he has to figure it out and score to get minutes. That was his game at UCLA as well and Gates knew it. Makes me wonder why he went after a Jumbo who clogs the lane. You can’t have a Jumbo with Mack in the game.

Mack is the worst player on the team.

[icon]

Clearly, Stone and Pierce make a huge difference. They’re solid offensive threats, but they’re also solid defensively. Especially Pierce, he’s a problem for other teams.

So both those guys need a lot of minutes. So to me, these are the 25-30 mpg guys and it’s not close:

Robinson, Mitchell, Pierce, Crews, and Stone.

The 5 position is a bit unclear right now. I’d love to see Phillips’ minutes dwindle. He’ll dunk if he’s under the basket with the ball. He’ll get a rebound if he can jump straight up and grab it. That’s about it. He has little skill in any aspect and he’s a loose canon emotionally.

I’d love to see a transition to Burns at the 5, gradually increasing his minutes. I’ve seen enough. He’s only going to get better and he could be really good. Then kind of fill in from there with the other guys, depending on who’s practicing great.

At guard, TO still needs to be the primary backup guard, maybe 15-20 mpg. I’m not sure I play Mack at all unless there are foul trouble issues.

Suddenly there’s hope this could be a tourney team.

Before Pierce and Stone came back, all Phillips did while on the floor with Mitchell and Porter was clog up the middle. That was Mizzous jumbo line up. And with Mack at the 2 , it wasn’t working because with the lane clogged up, no room for Mack to get to the rim. The best action for Mack is dribble drive to rim. Remove the Jumbo, Mack can live. Without Pierce and Stone, no floor spacers. Just like in football, QB can’t throw and every body and their mama knew it, so you focus in on Hardy, and in basket ball you focus on the post inward because Mizzou has no floor spacers. Enter Pierce and stone, suddenly you force them to guard the perimeter, space opens for Ant in the PNR and ball screens, he gets the defender in that hostage position on his back and All of a sudden Mitchel can eat, and Philips can play a little D. It should only get better from here.

I'm not seeing the ability of Mack to finish at the rim. HIs body control is awful, so he looks out of control. And he's not a threat from 3. His minutes need to remain where they were yesterday -- very limited.

That’s Mack’s game…b-line to the rim through PNR. But he has to figure it out and score to get minutes. That was his game at UCLA as well and Gates knew it. Makes me wonder why he went after a Jumbo who clogs the lane. You can’t have a Jumbo with Mack in the game.

Mack is the worst player on the team.

Yeah, he fails the eye test and the performance test. And Gates has planted him on the end of the bench where he belongs.