PonyFans.com

So, for fun, who do you think we roll out as starters against Cincy? I have a weird perspective, and it goes like this:

- we don't start our best 5. we start who gives us a decent start and then bring in the "wood" for a jolt and then stick with it.

For example, I think our best 5 are:
- Nic Moore
- Markus Kennedy
- Frazier
- Yannick
- Cannen

But I don't think that's who starts. I think the starters are:

- Nic Moore
- Russell
- Manuel
- Yannick
- Williams

And we do that because Frazier, Markus, and Cannen give us a jolt whereas Russell is very experienced and Manuel is a strong defender.

On a side note, I'm really liking Cannen and Kennedy together in the lineup. Cannen seems to be a great interior passer and he and Markus seem to have great chemistry/timing. If Frazier can get it together and penetrate/pop 3s and Yannick can live up to his JUCO billing, I get very giddy about this team (then, of course, you have Head, Sterling, and B. Moore to come in for a few here and there for a blow).

What do you think?

Not a bad analysis. I'm with you on everything except I believe LB starts Markus over Williams. I know LB likes to start with experience but I believe MK has played too well to keep him out of the starting lineup. Plus, I believe scoring is going to be an issue in AAC games, especially against Cincinnati so I think Markus plays heavy minutes.

And I agree with you about Markus and Cannen. They complement each other very well. I think Cannen's minutes go up too.

LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

GiddyUp wrote:LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

Shawn's dad is a local AAU coach

Ojai I think you're spot on.

Coaches talk 101...it's not about who starts, it's about who finishes. I'm sure MK has heard it ten times this season.

SMULaxer you might be right if it were a marathon but if you have a bad start against UConn or Louisville you could get buried fast early in the game.

GiddyUp wrote:LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

By starting Williams, LB ensures that both Kennedy and Moreira are never in foul trouble at the same time. He never "has" to play Williams and Cunningham at the same time.

Digetydog wrote:

GiddyUp wrote:LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

By starting Williams, LB ensures that both Kennedy and Moreira are never in foul trouble at the same time. He never "has" to play Williams and Cunningham at the same time.

Yes, this is why I don't mind starting Williams...but if he doesn't contribute on defense he will need to make every one of those 12-15 foot jumpers to avoid gettung in a hole against the bigs and quicks.

SMU 86 wrote:

GiddyUp wrote:LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

Shawn's dad is a local AAU coach

Right there is some politics involved. His dad coaches Myles Turner's AAU team. But we will see if that changes since it is the first conference game.

I just wish wed go Yanick and Cannen to start, cause it brings more o and size. If Yanick isn't on, the frontline is sorta dead w Williams starting. Kennedy brings quality o, so Shawn could just scrap, get put backs and board

SMU 86 wrote:

GiddyUp wrote:LB has a love affair with Shawn Williams as a starter which I don't understand at all.

Shawn's dad is a local AAU coach

That has been mentioned by many friends, but doesn't mean he needs to start for the detriment of the team. I hope that changes in conf play when you have 3 guys that are better.

I think this team wins on defense, rebounding and passing which leads to high percentage shooting-and while I agree some of the kids we complain about aren't always offensively strong-I think some maybe underestimating other parts of their game that contribute to the team.

Cannen could be the key to the whole thing.