Joel
So 19-2 looks pretty fine next to the team's name. We're probably looking at a really solid seed on Selection Sunday. When you look at what we do, what kind of matchup don't you want to see? Last year I would have said a team with athletic bigs, and that's what got us. What would scare you this year?
Bryan
Teams with multiple knock down shooters for guards, I guess. We couldn't cover everyone against Nova and Campbell's game against us meant we had to worry about him and DSR. That seems to be the common thread in the the games we lost to me.
Joel
I say this in the context of watching LSU gag away a 14-point lead against Oklahoma. As much as we need someone else to eliminate Nova, I think the same goes for the Sooners. Buddy Hield terrifies me; we couldn't zone them at all.
Larry's ORtg in conference play is now over 108. His assist rate is nearly 30% and his TO% is just a tick over 20%. Basically he's the perfect reserve point guard right now. He's getting 10 minutes a game right now. You wouldn't give him a bigger role, would you?
Bryan
I am hoping Ed isn't hitting a wall, but he was not at his best this week, so having Larry at his best is nice right now. I don't know how much more we need from LAJ right now, but what we gt from him today was perfect.
Joel
The freshman wall for Ed is a good point. I was thinking he might be recovering sluggishly, but the length of the season catching up can't be helping. With St. John's and Marquette visiting Cintas this week, now might be the time for ol' LAJ to get a couple of 20-minute games so Ed can keep some miles off his legs. We need him down the stretch.
Brad
He looks like he's hitting the wall but he at least had the sense not to force it today. He and Jalen shot the same from the floor, if Ed gets a couple more calls, he's in double figures as well. That said, the way he plays has to take a toll on his body, even on good days. That dude hits the floor a lot.
Bryan
Not to derail here, but what was DePaul's plan yesterday? They started one guy over 6'6" against one of the best offensive rebounding teams in the nation. They got off to a hot start, but it was clearly unsustainable.
Joel
Is it clear at all the Leitao knows how to coach? It boggles my mind that DePaul brought him back. They're working on a nice new arena up there, why wouldn't they make a run at Bryce Drew or Archie Miller to come in and energize the program? The "come play for the former coach of the Maine Red Claws" pitch isn't bringing in the McDonald's All-American recruits.
Bryan
It's not just in attracting talent though, he also gave a guy who had 11 points in the first meeting 2 minutes yesterday and gave a start and 17 minutes to a guy with a 44.3 ORtg in conference. That is pretty befuddling mismanagement of already limited resources. Maybe they know something we don't and are holding out for someone who is yet to become available, but right now it looks like an awful hire in both the short and long term. He is a more likable Mike Pettine.
Brad
And with a mention of Mike Pettine, I'd say you've wrapped this up on a negative note as can be managed after a 21 point road conference win.