Reply to thread

Message

[QUOTE="SUFan44, post: 2835600, member: 39"]
Just because someone individually has better 'talent' offensively doesn't mean they should start because our team can't score. I know it's not intuitive, but there are a TON of factors that play into it.

You bring up the first halves. Marek played six minutes last night in the opening half. We were up 6-4 when he came in, and up 20-14 when he exited. I'll also add he played a forward position during this stretch, not the center.

He came in for the final minute of the first half as the center and we increased the lead again by two, and he missed a FT which could have added even more. Overall +6 in the first half.

Second half rolls around he doesn't play for the first 15 minutes of the half. FIFTEEN. We go from up four to down three (-7) without him. And at that point, he was playing in the middle again.

So overall with Marek playing as a forward last night, we were a +4. And without him playing at a forward last night, we were a -16.

Marek is a role player. He doesn't need the ball. And towards the end of last year, he had grown confident in his ability offensively. It showed in the NCAA Tournament, where he was a key reason why the team won those games.

Fast forward to this year and Elijah Hughes is taking up the majority of those minutes. I appreciate his scoring ability but it is inefficient and he is a minus in most if not all other areas.

All of this is without adding the mental aspect of starting as it relates to a player's confidence. Or at the very least, playing a defined and substantial role. Marek has turned into a bit player and it's not only hurting him individually but in my opinion, it's hurting the team collectively.
[/QUOTE]

Verification

What is a Syracuse fan's favorite color?