Prescott;1127089 wrote:When given the opportunity Amir Williams has performed admirably. This is probaly the wrong time , but the questions needs to be asked. Why hasn't Matta given him more opportunities? He is a defensive force who hasn't been utilized. I am amazed that he performed the way he did against Syracuse considering his lack of experience.I hope he doesn't decalre for the NBA draft.

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

M Plant;1127140 wrote:surprisingly, nobody brought it up at Thad's post-game presser

It WAS brought up in a question to Sullinger. He said something to the affect that after the 1st of the year Williams began to work hard in practice. A Freshman, especially a raw one, gets minutes based on how he practices.

centralbucksfan;1127192 wrote:For someone who said they played the game at a high level, your lack of understanding certain things befuddles me at times.

Why can't they play alongside each other? Sullinger can step out if a 5 is guarding him, or go to the block if a 4 is. It allows Williams opportunities to offensive rebound because of the attention that Sullinger would draw.

I'm not saying that should have been their lineup 30 minutes a game, but 5 minutes of that lineup would have forced the opposing team to really adjust defensively.

Fr someone who knows so much more basketball than anyone else, your lack of thinking for yourself befuddles me. You know Matta does make mistakes at times and it's okay to question him. No one is calling for his head.

Amir gets left in the dust on D too often, yeah he'll make a block or two but he'll also lose his man for an oop like he did last night too often. He needs time. Period.

thedynasty1998;1127340 wrote:Why can't they play alongside each other? Sullinger can step out if a 5 is guarding him, or go to the block if a 4 is. It allows Williams opportunities to offensive rebound because of the attention that Sullinger would draw.

I'm not saying that should have been their lineup 30 minutes a game, but 5 minutes of that lineup would have forced the opposing team to really adjust defensively.

Fr someone who knows so much more basketball than anyone else, your lack of thinking for yourself befuddles me. You know Matta does make mistakes at times and it's okay to question him. No one is calling for his head.

I agree completely. Thad isn't the greatest in game coach but Williams and sully together for say 5-15 min a game could really give a defense another look. I think williams would thrive on offensive rebounds in that lineup. But it also means you have to take Thomas off the floor. So I can understand why Matta doesn't do it

Crimson streak;1127343 wrote:I agree completely. Thad isn't the greatest in game coach but Williams and sully together for say 5-15 min a game could really give a defense another look. I think williams would thrive on offensive rebounds in that lineup. But it also means you have to take Thomas off the floor. So I can understand why Matta doesn't do it

Yes and no. Matta can sub Williams in for Thomas and sit Thomas for 5. Then insert Thomas for Sullinger for him to sit 5. Williams gets his minutes and Sully and Thomas get their rest.

Now granted we don't know if or how effective that lineup would be, but it's surprising to me that Matta gave it a chance.

thedynasty1998;1127340 wrote:

I'm not saying that should have been their lineup 30 minutes a game, but 5 minutes of that lineup would have forced the opposing team to really adjust defensively.

Fr someone who knows so much more basketball than anyone else, your lack of thinking for yourself befuddles me. You know Matta does make mistakes at times and it's okay to question him. No one is calling for his head.

Adjust defensively? Yep, an adjustment they would look forward to. Not have to worry about having to defend Sollinger and Thomas at the same time.

You are right. It is perfectly ok for internet chat room coaches to question Matta all they want. But never to be taken serious.

Big Gain;1127404 wrote:Adjust defensively? Yep, an adjustment they would look forward to. Not have to worry about having to defend Sollinger and Thomas at the same time.

You are right. It is perfectly ok for internet chat room coaches to question Matta all they want. But never to be taken serious.

Yea and they fear Ravenel. What's your point moron?

ytownfootball;1127177 wrote:I dunno, I just don't see that kind of change being made going into the final four, just sayin'

Obviously not now. I more so meant the 2nd half of the year why hasnt been playing

centralbucksfan;1127176 wrote:Read what I said about about making drastic changes this late in the year. On top of that, maybe he still hasn't bought into some things that are needed. Again, at this point, I think I'll trust what Matta is doing. We are in the Final Four next weekend.

I agree making changes THIS late in the year is asinine, but making the change in late January or what not and slowly working him in would of made PLENTY of sense. Unless he has absolutely no basketball IQ im sure he had picked up the offense enough to play in spurts by then.

Hb31187;1127520 wrote:Obviously not now. I more so meant the 2nd half of the year why hasnt been playing

Just too far behind starting late we all assume, didn't even practice 'till halfway point, and he did get some garbage time but like I said he went ape shit trying to prove he belonged on the floor and didn't stay within the system.

ytownfootball;1127526 wrote:Just too far behind starting late we all assume, didn't even practice 'till halfway point, and he did get some garbage time but like I said he went ape **** trying to prove he belonged on the floor and didn't stay within the system.

Sounds strikingly similar to DT last year lol

Hb31187;1127542 wrote:Sounds strikingly similar to DT last year lol

Were there other options that equaled his ability, DT might have been pine ridin' too, he never met a shot he didn't like last year, easily the most improved over the course of a season, he'll even ball fake and move in closer for a better shot, but at least he started practice with everyone else lol.

Why do so many feel the need to question a coach who has never won less then 20 games and has your team in the final 4 yet again? If Williams had earned more playing time in practice, then he would get it. If Ross had earned any playing time in practice then he would have got it too. Matta does not shy away from playing Freshmen....IF they earn it. You all aren't at the practices. Maybe Ross dogs it in practice or conditioning. YOU DON'T SEE THEM EVERY DAY. The coaching staff does. Enough said.

oberhaus;1127556 wrote:Why do so many feel the need to question a coach who has never won less then 20 games and has your team in the final 4 yet again? If Williams had earned more playing time in practice, then he would get it. If Ross had earned any playing time in practice then he would have got it too. Matta does not shy away from playing Freshmen....IF they earn it. You all aren't at the practices. Maybe Ross dogs it in practice or conditioning. YOU DON'T SEE THEM EVERY DAY. The coaching staff does. Enough said.

Lol. It's a freaking message board. Calm down. Matta is a great coach and nobody wants him gone, but there's nothing wrong with talking about things we think he could have done better. I, like many others, wish he had given Amir more playing time because I think he has a lot to offer and needs time to learn, but when that is your criticism of a coach I think he's doing alright. Matta thought not calling a timeout at the end of the Kentucky game last year was best, are we wrong to criticize that as well? Every fan base criticizes their coach to some extent, except maybe Kentucky this year, it's ok.

thedynasty1998;1127340 wrote:Why can't they play alongside each other? Sullinger can step out if a 5 is guarding him, or go to the block if a 4 is. It allows Williams opportunities to offensive rebound because of the attention that Sullinger would draw.

I'm not saying that should have been their lineup 30 minutes a game, but 5 minutes of that lineup would have forced the opposing team to really adjust defensively.

Fr someone who knows so much more basketball than anyone else, your lack of thinking for yourself befuddles me. You know Matta does make mistakes at times and it's okay to question him. No one is calling for his head.

Are you at practice every day? Do you coach this team? He obviously has his reason for not playing Williams more. Even Sully mentioned last nite that Williams has just began to practice hard not long ago. That alone is reason enough. In my book, players EARN their time in practice. Matta has said this has been one of his worst practice teams. I would venture to say, based on what I have seen on the season, that Williams and Ross are the leaders in this area. Thus, the reason they are probably not getting time.
On top of that, ur doing ur usual pot stirring with OSU/Matta. Just as they are headed to the Final Four. Which I believe you said just a couple weeks back, they would never do. lol

Are you at practice everyday? Do YOU coach this team?

If not, then stop talking about Ohio State basketball in general, since that seems to be the prerequisites to do so.

hoops23;1127752 wrote:Are you at practice everyday? Do YOU coach this team?

If not, then stop talking about Ohio State basketball in general, since that seems to be the prerequisites to do so.

CBF> all

He has played good defense at times, but at other times he is completely lost on defense. I think people are excited about his future, not necessarily that he is ready to be on the floor right now for extended minutes.

I know we won so most people forgot the bad plays. There were times were Williams was lost on D yesterday. On one play he let a man give 6 feet behind him for an easy dunk on the break b/c 1) he completly missed him or 2) just didnt feel like husseling back completely. Sometimes it take half a season for it to click tha high school basketball stars have to learn to play defense to play in the BIG. His defense has gotten better but there are some holes. He is putting it together and next year could very well be a beast. Also instead of question Matta for not playing hime arlier maybe we should be praising Matta for getting him ready to play by the biggest part of the season. I know many inside the program feel this is Matta best year b/c of all the things hes had to do behind closed doors to keep this team together and winning.

sportchampps;1127768 wrote:I know we won so most people forgot the bad plays. There were times were Williams was lost on D yesterday. On one play he let a man give 6 feet behind him for an easy dunk on the break b/c 1) he completly missed him or 2) just didnt feel like husseling back completely. Sometimes it take half a season for it to click tha high school basketball stars have to learn to play defense to play in the BIG. His defense has gotten better but there are some holes. He is putting it together and next year could very well be a beast. Also instead of question Matta for not playing hime arlier maybe we should be praising Matta for getting him ready to play by the biggest part of the season. I know many inside the program feel this is Matta best year b/c of all the things hes had to do behind closed doors to keep this team together and winning.

Reps.

Not only that, but I know I harp on Buford a lot, but when it comes to player development and team cohesion, part of it is selling it to the players themselves. If a coach is constantly changing things up, that can signal to the players that the coach doesn't have confidence in them or possibly worse, in his own system he tried to institute for that year.

Throughout the tourny it has been confirmed that there was some major locker room turmoil/discord during January/February like many were speculating. I commend Matta for staying on course and helping this team weather the storm.

Amir has shown some great plays, but he's also showed some terrible plays. He's most likely not ready for extended minutes. I'm guessing it's even worse for someone like LaQuinton Ross.

robj55;1127762 wrote:CBF> all

Paladin/Big Gain>CBF>All

Williams will be a shot blockin machine like that Dienge dude from Baylor.

Louisville has a great one too.

smh

thedynasty1998;1127432 wrote:Yea and they fear Ravenel. What's your point moron?

HUH???? Ravenal???? What's YOUR point retard? I don't care who plays for either Sullinger or Thomas. Ohio State becomes much easier to defend when either Sullinger or Thomas is on the bench.