Best stretch of bball I have seen Walton play. He was really good***

[Reality Man]

*

 

[Mroad]

Our team is pretty good when Walton is on his game....not so much when he's not playing well. Most of the defenses are setup to stop Levert and Irvin which makes it very important for Walton to play well. He is going to get open looks and when he is knocking his shot down we can be a good team. Doyle is also getting better and helping out. It's probably a long shot but if we can finish conference play at 10-8 I think that gets us in the NCAA tournament.

 

[guestavo]

Walton looks healthy. The catch and shoot 3 plus that mid range step jumper off of ball screens are his shots.

Doyle is progressing fast

1-3-1 was excellent. Thought Walton and Levert played great man to man D, too.

Irvin had a bad game to day. Turned it over when he dribbles or tried to pass, missed 3s and did not attack the rim with purpose. He needs to find some consistency.

Still need 1 of Chatman, Donnal or MAAR to step up and become valuable rotation players. I think Dawkins already has value as a shooter and finisher.

 

[Reality Man]

Irvin has lost his confidence from 3 pt land probably because

JB won't allow him to keep chucking those shots (good thing). He is becoming a more balanced player (defense) but needs to keep working and become more consistent. He is too big of a player on this team to play bad games and force everyone else to cover up for him. He gave UM at least something today.

Walton looks like a pit bull. I say that as a compliment. Looks like he could play football. Him and Albrecht are tough as nails. Loved that Walton is starting to realize that he can't go in with the 'trees' and starting to pull up for jumpers. It's the way it has to be for small guys. You see a 6'4 guy...sure. You see a 6'11 guy...don't even bother.

LeVERT looks fine. Doyle looks fine. Both starting to make their mark. I think the rotation is starting to take shape although I would like to see Dawkins make more of an impact than Albrecht in theory since Dawkins isn't as big of a liability on defense.




Reality Man

 

[Mroad]

RM, as I mentioned in a previous post, I'm really starting to think Irvin is more of a role player and not a star player. His outside shot used to be his one strength but he has even struggled with that this year. His shot has never looked good to me but he can be effective when he gets on a roll. Furthermore, he doesn't go to the basket nearly as well as he should for a 6'6" wing player. Levert is our top all around player but Walton is more important to the team than Irvin at this point....and the way Doyle is playing is making him more valuable to the team than Irvin. I hope he keeps improving but I see him more of a support player rather than one that is going to lead our team.

 

[guestavo]

The staff should have never tinkered with Irvin's shot.

 

[Mroad]

Yeah, I just heard recently the staff has been trying to modify his shot. I will say his shot looked ugly last year but he had some great games. At this point, it doesn't appear the modifications are working very well. I would have forced him to work on his mid-range game, as well as taking the ball to the basket, rather than modifying his three point shot.

 

[Reality Man]

When you say role player...I think you mean a starting type specialty

player like maybe THJ?....or Morgan?

You just mean not a 'star' player who can carry a team?

Sounds fair and reasonable. Could be a mediocre shooter but I see more improvement than maybe you do...he can get to the hoop and pull up but he seemed very hesitant today because his confidence is off. Did the staff tinker with his shot?

I see plenty of upside but clearly he isn't close to being able to carry a team like a Burke or Stauskas or LeVERT.



Reality Man

 

[guestavo]

Irvin's shot comes and goes but what really is frustrating is watch him dribbling then either tries to make an ugly pass or he picks up his dribble in a tight spot and turns it over

 

[Mroad]

I think it's safe to say Irvin will not be declaring for the NBA after this season which means we will have him back next year. I think he is a good, not great, with more upside then we are currently seeing. I'm sure he wants a chance at the NBA which should provide motivation to become a better all around player going into next season. I agree that his ball-handling and decision making with the ball need to improve. I'm sure he is trying to modify his outside shot to prepare for playing at the next level down so hopefully he gets that all worked out before next season. At this rate he's looking like a four year college player which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

 

[Mroad]

RM, to answer your question, I don't see Irvin as a player that can consistently carry a team. That doesn't mean he shouldn't start or won't have big games, I just don't see him being a guy that should be the top 1-2 players on a good team. He seems to be a one dimensional player at this point. I really hope he works on his game because we are going to need him to be an important player next year for us to be a good team.