This team NEEDS a scorer!
So far I'm happy with how Lawrence Westbrook is scoring (and actually a bit surprised). But if this team is to exceed my rather high expectations another
scorer has to emerge.
Al Nolen is a pass first guy. Although I think he needs to attack the basket more, he is not, even at his best, the answer to the Gophers scoring woes.
Paul Carter teased us with a fantastic exhibition game against Northern State, but hasn't shot worth a damn in the other four games (exhibitions included).
He is not the answer.
The Iverson/Sampson compo at center has provided better scoring (and all around play) than I expected, but come on, they're not yet go-to guys. They've
played well enough that I think it's a long shot that Jonathan Williams takes much of their playing time.
Busch and Abu-Shamala are playing as well (or better) than any of the other forwards so far, but they don't have much of an up side and are out claeed by
other top Big Ten players.
When Damian Johnson returns (next game?) he will supply some much needed defense, a bit more rebounding and some more scoring too. He has been missed, but
again, not the go-to scorer this team needs.
Hoffarber doesn't seem comfortable with the new 3-point arc and isn't hitting shots that were gimmes last year. He has improved his over all game. But
we NEED him as an additional scorer.
Devoe Joseph is in a tough spot because Westbrook and Nolen are the established, experienced and quality players that are getting the majority of minutes in
the back court. I am of the opinion that he is the best scoring option in the back court, if Tubby doesn't jerk him off the floor for his first bad shoot.
And I am still waiting for Bostick to assert himself. Yes, Paul Carter may be the better all around player at SF, but this team needs someone in the lineup to
put the ball in the basket.
