I saw a thread on the KHC board about the comparison of Barlow to LewJack...and it got me thinking about this season versus last season.Lewis Jackson played a lot of minutes early last year...He started almost every game in '08/'09. But, things were very different for Jackson. Every healthy body played significant minutes...Hummel was hurt for a chunk of the season, Kramer was out for a few games, the bench was not nearly as deep. In fact, during a few games last season, Matty only utilized 7 players. This season, 11 players are averaging double-digit minutes...and five more have played in a couple of games. My point is, it's a different season and a different team...but make no mistake, replacing #23's worth in the line-up has been difficult, but a duo of players are doing a pretty good job of it.
Barlow has gotten better each game...and had the luxury of not being forced to play too many minutes too quickly. Wohlford came into this season in great shape and his hard work in the off season has "forced" (according to Painter) the coaches to put him in the game more-and-more as the season progresses.I'm not sure if anybody here knows LewJack, or any of the other players...or if any players visit the site. But, one thing seems pretty obvious- everyone involved in this situation seems to understand its a team effort. Lewis Jackson's pace and ability to guard the opposition's pointguard on the ball isn't matched by anyone on the active roster. You can't make someone that quick. At the same time, LewJack will never be 6'5" and have a nearly-7 foot wingspan. Both of these guys have tools. And the third part of the equation, Wohlford, seems to play a bit harder than Barlow...and his situational awareness is that of a Senior. It'd be great if Painter had all parts at his disposal, but he hasn't, nor will he for at least two and one-half more months.
I've noticed Jackson trying to help guys on the court get into the correct position from the bench a few times...I've also noticed him looking like someone stole his lunch money a few times. This injury has clearly been hard on him. But, it's created opportunities for two guys that might not have seen significant, if any minutes this season...And Painter's been able to adjust the system according to the strengths of Wolford/Barlow. I'm excited to see both players progress as the BT schedule draws closer and closer. I'm also looking forward to a time when both Barlow and Jackson are available.
11 comments:
Oh, hey, welcome back.
What are your thoughts on redshirting him? Is it a wait-and-see with Barlow/Wohlford?
If he really isn't expected back until February, I think he needs to be redshirted. Why bring him back for a few games and lose an entire year of eligibility? Especially if Barlow continues to develop and we avoid other injuries. What a combo Barlow and LewJack will make in the backcourt!! Glad Barlow has developed so far, we really need his ability to penetrate- the rebounding has been a great bonus too!
I think you have to wait and see- if injuries are a problem as our Boilers head down the final stretch, Matty won't be able to redshirt him...but, it seems wiser to redshirt him than burn it for 8 games or so.
B-gal -- The only thing I'd say against redshirting him is if we really think this is the year we have the best chance at a final four with all these guys together, maybe it's worth considering bringing LJ back in Feb -- if he's really healthy. I mean, ordinarily I completely agree with your logic. But if this is our best chance at a FF, then I say you pull out everything and if that means LewJack has only a two month season, then so be it. He'd still only be a junior next year.
J Money,
Fully agree with you. I was just thinking this over today. I remember reading somewhere (here, H&R, Purdue BBall Blog, can't remember...) that by not redshirting Barlow, Painter seemed to be going for broke for a Final Four this year. So, it would be a natural progession to keep the redshirt off of LewJack this year and maybe give us that little push over the top of depth that we may need come February.
Personally, I do think this year is our best chance at a Final Four. Losing Kramer and Grant and Wohlford (who would've thunk?!) next year for sure as well as the possible departure of one or more of our juniors would be too much to overcome if we hope for a 2011 Final Four berth. Normal logic says to redshirt him, but I have a feeling this year is our year to be truly special. I'm all for keeping the full contingent of troops ready to jump off the bench.
I think this may be our best chance, but what type of playing shape would he be in? I just wonder how sharp he would be after not playing for almost a year. Would it be worth it? If he is back in early Feb and gets to go up against the strong competition of the back end of the schedule to fine tune, it probably is worth it. If it is later, I think you give him the redshirt. But, I go back to my original comment, it depends on Barlow's further development and no injuries.
John, et al -- Can you imagine if JJ, E'Twaun and Hummel all come back?
No, I need to stop. I don't want to get excited thinking about it.
Ha! You spelled "opponent" wrong on your embedded picture. Funny since you were ragging the BTN about spelling earlier in the week.
Nathan, I spelled it wrong...J was getting after the BTN- different person.
But, they're actually paid to do what they do, we're not.
They have people who only have the job to edit, we do not.
Their error was clearly a spelling error, mine was a typo.
Ha, suck it.
Theirs was on screen. Ours wasn't.
We're very handsome. You're not.
They're supposed to be accurate. Our inaccuracy is part of our charm.
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