The Keita Question...

[JDubbin]

I honestly don't get it. I do not understand why JB inserts Keita when Coleman seems to be getting in a groove offensively. Coleman & Christmas was beast-mode tonight... Keita not so much. I understand if he makes a SIGNIFICANT defensive difference, since he brings nothing offensively. However, not only is he not making a significant defensive difference, he is struggling hard out there instead. Why give him more then 5 minutes or so right now? What am I missing?

 

[General20]

I honestly don't get it. I do not understand why JB inserts Keita when Coleman seems to be getting in a groove offensively. Coleman & Christmas was beast-mode tonight... Keita not so much. I understand if he makes a SIGNIFICANT defensive difference, since he brings nothing offensively. However, not only is he not making a significant defensive difference, he is struggling hard out there instead. Why give him more then 5 minutes or so right now? What am I missing?

Few of Boeheim's substitutions have anything to do with offense. I think that is what you are missing.

Coleman made two straight mistakes that lead to four easy points for Minnesota. Shortly after that he came out of the game for good. Not a coincidence. Keita is the go to guy in those situations because he makes the fewest mistakes. He didn't have his best game so he went out and Christmas went in.

Coleman played some good minutes in this game and deserved those minutes, but I wouldn't expect him to log a ton of minutes this year in end of game situations where Syracuse is trying to hold onto a lead (and get defensive stops).

 

[SUbear]

Few of Boeheim's substitutions have anything to do with offense. I think that is what you are missing.

Coleman made two straight mistakes that lead to four easy points for Minnesota. Shortly after that he came out of the game for good. Not a coincidence. Keita is the go to guy in those situations because he makes the fewest mistakes. He didn't have his best game so he went out and Christmas went in.

Coleman played some good minutes in this game and deserved those minutes, but I wouldn't expect him to log a ton of minutes this year in end of game situations where Syracuse is trying to hold onto a lead (and get defensive stops).[/

One other thing is Keita has historically struggled in early season, but has played well later and in fact we need him defensively down the stretch if we have any hope of making a deep run in the NCAA.