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TITLETOWN - A Decade Long Celebration Of The Greatest Achievement In College Athletics History => Kansas State Basketball is hard => Topic started by: BWebbs0 on January 11, 2014, 07:29:17 PM

Title: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: BWebbs0 on January 11, 2014, 07:29:17 PM
Gosh he's terrible and just continues to bring shame to this school. Thankfully he's almost out of here at the end of the season. Did we agree on boo'ing him and Shannon during Senior Night?
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 11, 2014, 07:33:42 PM
He had an ok game. Wish he was more aggressive.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: BastardSonOfDaxJones on January 11, 2014, 07:35:03 PM
no u never boo your own players you always encourage them, its not his fault he sucks
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kim carnes on January 11, 2014, 07:35:14 PM
He had an ok game. Wish he was more aggressive.

that layup  :love:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 11, 2014, 07:35:52 PM
He had an ok game. Wish he was more aggressive.

that layup  :love:

exactly. It's been there the whole time but frank ruined him.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Tobias on January 11, 2014, 07:36:16 PM
i definitely agree with starting him @ AFH
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: yoman on January 11, 2014, 08:38:30 PM
I would love a gif of that layup. Maybe a video set to "one shining moment"
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: bones129 on January 11, 2014, 08:39:47 PM
I would love a gif of that layup. Maybe a video set to "one shining moment"

Fitting.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Cartierfor3 on January 11, 2014, 08:52:10 PM
Guys I was at the game and joined in when everyone started chanting airball
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Trogdor on January 11, 2014, 08:52:42 PM
He had an ok game. Wish he was more aggressive.

that layup  :love:

Saved him from total criticism
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: BWebbs0 on January 11, 2014, 08:55:31 PM
Guys I was at the game and joined in when everyone started chanting airball

When in Rome I suppose... :dunno:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Cartierfor3 on January 11, 2014, 08:56:00 PM
I don't know how I feel about what I did.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: EMAWzified on January 11, 2014, 08:58:12 PM
He was one for three on threes in the second half. One hit the goal, that is.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Skipper44 on January 11, 2014, 08:58:19 PM
I don't know how I feel about what I did.
the shot of the side of the board had to help your conscious
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: bones129 on January 11, 2014, 08:59:00 PM
I don't know how I feel about what I did.

Don't tell Shannon. He'll hunt you down.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 11, 2014, 09:00:47 PM
He was one for three on threes in the second half. One hit the goal, that is.

He should take more threes.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: EMAWzified on January 11, 2014, 09:02:35 PM
No, he shouldn't. He just doesn't have it in him to hit them when it means something. The more it means, the worse he is.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Cartierfor3 on January 11, 2014, 09:11:02 PM
I don't know how I feel about what I did.
the shot of the side of the board had to help your conscious

I had that half good/half rotten feeling all day after.  :frown:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Tobias on January 11, 2014, 09:27:56 PM
will was meant to be tonic water in this game, fwiw.  he literally had like no stats and i'm strangely ok with it
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 12, 2014, 12:49:36 AM
No, he shouldn't. He just doesn't have it in him to hit them when it means something. The more it means, the worse he is.

Do you have any data to back that up? It sounds like you just made it up.

Will should shoot more and attack the basket more. Period.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: BWebbs0 on January 12, 2014, 01:23:37 AM
No, he shouldn't. He just doesn't have it in him to hit them when it means something. The more it means, the worse he is.

Do you have any data to back that up? It sounds like you just made it up.

Will should shoot more and attack the basket more. Period.

Is that you Shannon?
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 12, 2014, 01:25:25 AM
Yes, I am Shannon Spradling.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 12, 2014, 01:25:42 AM
You friggin dweeb
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: j-dub on January 12, 2014, 01:29:09 AM
rusty is right p.s.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: EMAWzified on January 12, 2014, 11:45:20 AM
My data base tells me the only thing Will should do more is sit on the rough ridin' bench.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: 'taterblast on January 12, 2014, 11:55:52 AM
that lay up yesterday tho
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: wetwillie on January 12, 2014, 12:09:06 PM
My data base tells me the only thing Will should do more is sit on the rough ridin' bench.


His minutes have started to shrink lately.  I think we are looking at 22-25 for him going forward. 
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 12, 2014, 12:23:57 PM
If an NIT is looking like a lock, Nigel should really be phased in or given more of an opportunity. :th_twocents:

We have a very good chance of making the NCAA and I don't think Nigel is very good.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: The Whale on January 12, 2014, 12:45:35 PM
Will should shoot more and drive more.



If he doesn't have the confidence to do either, he should sit.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: pvegs on January 12, 2014, 02:25:49 PM
Great thread, guys. First I've seen on the subject of Will not being very good. Really makes me reconsider his skillset and place on the team. Go cats.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: sys on January 12, 2014, 03:09:31 PM
Great thread, guys. First I've seen on the subject of Will not being very good. Really makes me reconsider his skillset and place on the team. Go cats.

i have some information about his voice that you're really going to go crazy over.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: TheFormerKCCat on January 12, 2014, 03:18:52 PM
that lay up yesterday tho
This! Didn't he drive to the hole twice? Raised my eyebrow for sure. Maybe he should do that more? To take a page our of the Cartier Martin leadership manual, he should at least offer to yield his starting spot to Jevon. It's the right thing to do.

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 12, 2014, 03:39:36 PM

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.

TO%
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 12, 2014, 04:04:46 PM

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.

TO%

Plus Will's experience/size allows him to guard physical guards in the Big 12, but yes his defensive performance yesterday was not very good.

I think Johnson will eventually be able to be a capable defender at this level, and if he accepts a Tay-like role as a back-up combo guard he'll be an effective player for K-State.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: pvegs on January 12, 2014, 04:46:00 PM

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.

TO%

Plus Will's experience/size allows him to guard physical guards in the Big 12, but yes his defensive performance yesterday was not very good.

I think Johnson will eventually be able to be a capable defender at this level, and if he accepts a Tay-like role as a back-up combo guard he'll be an effective player for K-State.

nigel's ability to finish at the rim has impressed me though it's kind of a redundancy with jevon. seems unlikely he'll ever be the 40% 3 pt shooter that Tay became but yeah similar career paths is a good projection.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 12, 2014, 04:48:45 PM

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.

TO%

Plus Will's experience/size allows him to guard physical guards in the Big 12, but yes his defensive performance yesterday was not very good.

I think Johnson will eventually be able to be a capable defender at this level, and if he accepts a Tay-like role as a back-up combo guard he'll be an effective player for K-State.

nigel's ability to finish at the rim has impressed me though it's kind of a redundancy with jevon. seems unlikely he'll ever be the 40% 3 pt shooter that Tay became but yeah similar career paths is a good projection.

Tay shot 24% from 3 as a freshman FWIW.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: sys on January 12, 2014, 04:50:41 PM
johnson is the most advanced defender among the freshmen.  he's just so small, tho.

btw, i agree that he's not that good.  certainly not good enough to take minutes from spradling or probably even thomas (though i don't really have a strong opinion on how good thomas is).
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 12, 2014, 04:52:45 PM
johnson is the most advanced defender among the freshmen.  he's just so small, tho.

btw, i agree that he's not that good.  certainly not good enough to take minutes from spradling or probably even thomas (though i don't really have a strong opinion on how good thomas is).

What specifically do you mean by advanced defender? He's not nearly the defender that Thomas is, but he doesn't have the speed/quickness either.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: pvegs on January 12, 2014, 06:57:12 PM

Regarding the comment about Nigel vs. Will - I think they're about even in observable skill level at this point. Probably means Nigel has more upside since he's a freshman and all. Argument for him to get more of Will's playing time as the season goes on, IMHO.

TO%

Plus Will's experience/size allows him to guard physical guards in the Big 12, but yes his defensive performance yesterday was not very good.

I think Johnson will eventually be able to be a capable defender at this level, and if he accepts a Tay-like role as a back-up combo guard he'll be an effective player for K-State.

nigel's ability to finish at the rim has impressed me though it's kind of a redundancy with jevon. seems unlikely he'll ever be the 40% 3 pt shooter that Tay became but yeah similar career paths is a good projection.


Tay shot 24% from 3 as a freshman FWIW.

no kidding, my fault. i always thought of tay as a 35-40% guy throughout his career. i like nigel and his stroke. think his poor shooting start was a product of bad luck and being asked too much more than anything. mostly just his size and jevon that will limit him in his time here.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: sys on January 12, 2014, 07:10:31 PM
What specifically do you mean by advanced defender? He's not nearly the defender that Thomas is, but he doesn't have the speed/quickness either.

i mean he knows what he's doing (on ball, haven't paid enough attention to him off ball to form an opinion).  i don't think i agree that he's not nearly the defender thomas is, but i haven't really watched thomas enough to comment intelligently on him.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: illBisonYourdele on January 12, 2014, 09:13:53 PM
What specifically do you mean by advanced defender? He's not nearly the defender that Thomas is, but he doesn't have the speed/quickness either.

i mean he knows what he's doing (on ball, haven't paid enough attention to him off ball to form an opinion).  i don't think i agree that he's not nearly the defender thomas is, but i haven't really watched thomas enough to comment intelligently on him.


He's pretty shitty off the ball. IMO prolly why oscar won't play him more often. Some people really struggle (at first) playing this type of team defense....he'll get better but it won't translate into reduced minutes for will (which pisses me off)
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Trim on January 12, 2014, 09:25:49 PM
https://vine.co/v/hLAOt6uL0LM
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Tobias on January 12, 2014, 09:34:16 PM
Quote
The side of the backboard is to Will's shot what a windmill is in mini-golf

:lol:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: bones129 on January 12, 2014, 10:01:37 PM

Let's cut to the chase:  How would Will answer the question of why he starts?   :dunno:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: joda on January 12, 2014, 10:20:26 PM

Let's cut to the chase:  How would Will answer the question of why he starts?   :dunno:

Squeaky
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: BostonPancake on January 15, 2014, 10:58:12 PM
Soren really laid into Sprads this afternoon.   17:30 of the podcast.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: ksupamplemousse on January 15, 2014, 11:00:02 PM
http://www.810whb.com/page.php?page_id=140 (http://www.810whb.com/page.php?page_id=140)

If you start listening to Soren's bit at 14:30 (Hour 1: K-State vs. OU) he really takes it to Will Spradling as a player, and then takes a shot at JC for running off Frank Martin to make sure Will didn't transfer. Really enjoyable radio.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: ksupamplemousse on January 15, 2014, 11:01:45 PM
It's really strange that I luked this radio segment by two minutes in a 3 day old thread. To be fair though, his rant on Spradling starts at 14:30, not 17:30.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: DQ12 on January 15, 2014, 11:03:29 PM
i liked him alright last year but it seems like he sucks way worse this year.  i'm done with him. 

who the hell even recruited this loser?

Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: AtlantaWildcat on January 15, 2014, 11:30:30 PM
The amount of people who went absolutely crazy when he hit his 3 ball yesterday :bball: were really let down when he decided to hand the ball to OU and really keep our offense running. Our MOTION offense was stuck in the cement and I'm getting really tired of watching that. Will is done after this year and we really need to start looking at JT as our PG of the future. Has anyone noticed that Will has gotten engaged and stopped hooking up with random girls. Maybe if he got back to doing that he would be able to play better. Just meet them in the Ville and then  :buh-bye:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: J on January 15, 2014, 11:56:32 PM
what if will had not the voice of a 12 year old and wasn't incredibly ugly? would he be a better at pretending to play basetkball? like, would we buy the act more?  :confused:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: bones129 on January 16, 2014, 12:00:08 AM
what if will had not the voice of a 12 year old and wasn't incredibly ugly? would he be a better at pretending to play basetkball? like, would we buy the act more?  :confused:

No. We know better than that.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: AtlantaWildcat on January 16, 2014, 12:07:13 AM
He can't lie to us anymore after 3 seasons and his excellent start he is off to this year.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Trim on January 16, 2014, 12:10:47 AM
https://vine.co/v/hL9KKDwritX
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: J on January 16, 2014, 12:11:52 AM
idk what if he looked like this and had a sweet accent?

(https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRk22shx81bOvIUT8_Z9DS9cwrq4BJXxOxUshPRVUXzbrl0LPEN)
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: ksupamplemousse on January 16, 2014, 12:12:42 AM
what if will had not the voice of a 12 year old and wasn't incredibly ugly? would he be a better at pretending to play basetkball? like, would we buy the act more?  :confused:

The tucks would be climbing over each other for a chance to touch the hem of his robe, which would probably make us hate him even more.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Trim on January 16, 2014, 12:18:27 AM
https://vine.co/v/hL9KKDwritX

Not sure why I didn't post a link to the whole clean video here.

http://bcove.me/pjj07kn1
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: schreds21 on January 16, 2014, 12:21:01 AM
God Damn he's a rough ridin' moron
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: KanSt43 on January 16, 2014, 09:08:27 AM
what if will had not the voice of a 12 year old and wasn't incredibly ugly? would he be a better at pretending to play basetkball? like, would we buy the act more?  :confused:

Meh, I feel like his voice/ugliness is one of the reasons I give Sprad's a pass every now and then. Although he's the abosolute WORST, he's just so ugly to look at and listen to. Combine that with his skill set? Poor guy.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Stevesie60 on January 16, 2014, 12:39:25 PM
Didn't realize he only had 24 minutes against OU.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Belvis Noland on January 16, 2014, 02:18:17 PM
Didn't realize he only had 24 minutes against OU.

don't read too much into it.  His bench minutes were largely due to foul trouble. 
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 16, 2014, 02:33:39 PM
Didn't realize he only had 24 minutes against OU.

don't read too much into it.  His bench minutes were largely due to foul trouble. 

Actually, there is a trend with Will this year. Most people will think his minutes went down when Jevon became eligible, but that's not the case.

The change came 5 games into the season after K-State was 2-3. In those games Will played 83.5% of the minutes available for him to play.

Since then the change has been dramatic; he's played in 65.6% of the minutes available. Only 2 games were over 26 minutes, 36 vs Gonzaga and 37 vs Oklahoma State.

It appears to me oscar and his staff are going to play Nigel and now Jevon as much as they can trust them. Granted, some of that has been foul trouble for Will, but while the staff has a trust level with Will, they know for this team to be successful the younger and more athletic players need to be on the floor.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 02:44:56 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: ltrain on January 16, 2014, 02:48:04 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

also zero airballs and zero side-of-the-backboard shots
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 16, 2014, 02:51:04 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

Yeah, he played fine. He usually plays fine. His whole career is playing fine.

I enjoy the funny nature of gE where we can trash Will all we want, but criticize Scott Drew's coaching ability and you have crossed the line.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 03:16:08 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

Yeah, he played fine. He usually plays fine. His whole career is playing fine.

I enjoy the funny nature of gE where we can trash Will all we want, but criticize Scott Drew's coaching ability and you have crossed the line.

Both the Will haters and Drew haters are a bit over the top.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 16, 2014, 03:17:47 PM
Both the Will haters and Drew haters are a bit over the top.

Agreed.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Tobias on January 16, 2014, 03:18:05 PM
where are the rick barnes haters?
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Cartierfor3 on January 16, 2014, 03:22:13 PM
I always feel bad when I hate on someone who has chosen to come play at KSU and represent my school, but sometimes I still hate a little.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 16, 2014, 03:25:26 PM
I always feel bad when I hate on someone who has chosen to come play at KSU and represent my school, but sometimes I still hate a little.

This is reasonable IMHO. :cheers:
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: kso_FAN on January 16, 2014, 03:26:11 PM
I always feel bad when I hate on someone who has chosen to come play at KSU and represent my school, but sometimes I still hate a little.

This is reasonable IMHO. :cheers:

I have always felt bad for the amount of hate I had for Frank Richards and have never hated another player at that level since.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Belvis Noland on January 16, 2014, 03:30:37 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

Yeah, he played fine. He usually plays fine. His whole career is playing fine.

I enjoy the funny nature of gE where we can trash Will all we want, but criticize Scott Drew's coaching ability and you have crossed the line.

Both the Will haters and Drew haters are a bit over the top.

The thing is that Will deserves as much scrutiny as any other player in this program.  And, in the world of an internet sports forum, the scrutiny will often be harsher than otherwise. 

But, personally, I think Will is entitled to most of the criticism he gets.  He's a "game manager" who gets playmaker minutes.  _Fan does note his decreased minutes with Jevon and Nigel, but he's still averaging the 3rd most minutes at 28.4.  He also averaged the 3rd (27.8) and 2nd (31.2) most minutes in the past two seasons, respectively.  With those types of minutes, fans expect more than just a good TO/A ratio.  I can't explain why he's a career 36% FG.  This year, he's been absolutely dreadful at putting the ball through the hoop. 

Guys like Will have a few jobs.  Don't turn it over.  Shoot the ball well.  Pretty simple formula.  He's good at the former, bad at the latter.  It is what it is. 

But, I disagree that Will haters are "over the top."  I think the haters are spot on.     
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: sunny_cat on January 16, 2014, 03:33:56 PM
where are the rick barnes haters?

Hopefully all dead.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 03:53:20 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

Yeah, he played fine. He usually plays fine. His whole career is playing fine.

I enjoy the funny nature of gE where we can trash Will all we want, but criticize Scott Drew's coaching ability and you have crossed the line.

Both the Will haters and Drew haters are a bit over the top.

The thing is that Will deserves as much scrutiny as any other player in this program.  And, in the world of an internet sports forum, the scrutiny will often be harsher than otherwise. 

But, personally, I think Will is entitled to most of the criticism he gets.  He's a "game manager" who gets playmaker minutes.  _Fan does note his decreased minutes with Jevon and Nigel, but he's still averaging the 3rd most minutes at 28.4.  He also averaged the 3rd (27.8) and 2nd (31.2) most minutes in the past two seasons, respectively.  With those types of minutes, fans expect more than just a good TO/A ratio.  I can't explain why he's a career 36% FG.  This year, he's been absolutely dreadful at putting the ball through the hoop. 

Guys like Will have a few jobs.  Don't turn it over.  Shoot the ball well.  Pretty simple formula.  He's good at the former, bad at the latter.  It is what it is. 

But, I disagree that Will haters are "over the top."  I think the haters are spot on.     

Spradling's a better player than Nigel, at everything. Nigel creates assists at a slightly higher rate, but he's so much worse at turning over the ball it isn't worth it. And like it or not, Will has the second highest three point percentage on the team. Would I like it if he shot better (and more)? Yes, but I don't think his percentage in any way justifies his losing minutes to an undersized Nigel Johnson.

Since Jevon's been available, Spradling's averaged 26.5 minutes/game while Jevon's averaged 23.5. I'd like those numbers to be flipped, but IMO it's completely reasonable given the circumstances.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Stevesie60 on January 16, 2014, 03:54:51 PM
Will doesn't have the highest 3pt% anymore, michigancat.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 03:56:27 PM
Will doesn't have the highest 3pt% anymore, michigancat.

that's why I said 2nd highest
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Stevesie60 on January 16, 2014, 03:57:25 PM
He doesn't have the 2nd highest either, which is what I meant to say originally.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 03:58:44 PM
He doesn't have the 2nd highest either, which is what I meant to say originally.

I meant to type that I don't believe Westicles's percentage will hold up over time.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: michigancat on January 16, 2014, 03:59:27 PM
Regardless, anyone who would take minutes away from Will is a worse shooter.
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: Mixed-Nutz on January 16, 2014, 04:02:42 PM
Will had 10 points, 5 assists, and 1 turnover against OU. I think that justifies 24 minutes. (At least).

Yeah, he played fine. He usually plays fine. His whole career is playing fine.

I enjoy the funny nature of gE where we can trash Will all we want, but criticize Scott Drew's coaching ability and you have crossed the line.

Both the Will haters and Drew haters are a bit over the top.

The thing is that Will deserves as much scrutiny as any other player in this program.  And, in the world of an internet sports forum, the scrutiny will often be harsher than otherwise. 

But, personally, I think Will is entitled to most of the criticism he gets.  He's a "game manager" who gets playmaker minutes.  _Fan does note his decreased minutes with Jevon and Nigel, but he's still averaging the 3rd most minutes at 28.4.  He also averaged the 3rd (27.8) and 2nd (31.2) most minutes in the past two seasons, respectively.  With those types of minutes, fans expect more than just a good TO/A ratio.  I can't explain why he's a career 36% FG.  This year, he's been absolutely dreadful at putting the ball through the hoop. 

Guys like Will have a few jobs.  Don't turn it over.  Shoot the ball well.  Pretty simple formula.  He's good at the former, bad at the latter.  It is what it is. 

But, I disagree that Will haters are "over the top."  I think the haters are spot on.     

Spradling's a better player than Nigel, at everything. Nigel creates assists at a slightly higher rate, but he's so much worse at turning over the ball it isn't worth it. And like it or not, Will has the second highest three point percentage on the team. Would I like it if he shot better (and more)? Yes, but I don't think his percentage in any way justifies his losing minutes to an undersized Nigel Johnson.

Since Jevon's been available, Spradling's averaged 26.5 minutes/game while Jevon's averaged 23.5. I'd like those numbers to be flipped, but IMO it's completely reasonable given the circumstances.
Jevon just had two bad games in a row, to the level of expectations he has set for himself. Imagine he will turn it around and gain more minutes. I also see will and Westicles fighting for more minutes in the near future when Will get shifted to the wing position. The best thing that can happen is this moves Omari out of the rotation.     
Title: Re: Why does Will Spradling even start?
Post by: DQ12 on January 16, 2014, 09:03:01 PM
I was okay with will last year because he hit a stretch during the season where he was consistently shooting above 40%.  Good Will!

This year he's shooting just over 30% -- it's on track to be his worst year ever.  And now he's old.  Time to make glue out of this broken down horse, imo.