I don't think anyone (or much of anyone) is saying Spradling isn't a well below average Big 12 starting guard. He absolutely is and it'd be pretty much impossible to argue otherwise. But expectations or not, the reality is we don't have better options.
Tay's numbers extended to equivalent minutes as Will come to:
6.7 points
3 rebounds
4.18 assists
1 steal
1.5 TOs
Obviously they don't play the same position with the same four players alongside them often, which no doubt has an effect. But it's not like Tay has shown indications he'd be a major improvement. His FG% is the same, his FT% is worse, and he has a 2% higher 3 pt. The assists rate is better, which further suggests Tay should be getting all of the backup PG minutes instead of Will. And since Will isn't doing much of value, I have no problem with a more even share of minutes until one actually proves to be better. But the reason Will plays so much, and has now for three seasons, is as big an indictment on Tay as anybody. Love the guy, but just not a particularly good basketball player and even with more minutes don't expect him to suddenly turn the corner and be a step above Spradling. I still don't get why oscar ran The Jet. Almost as bad as Orris over Gray. Would have been a valuable asset for this shooting challenged guard unit.