Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
Diarra didn't look like a Power 5 basketball player.
I liked his energy, but he didn't move like a top level player. The handles weren't there and he just seemed to be less fluid than you need from an energy guy.
And that three he made was a flat-footed prayer. That guy will struggle to hit 30% of his shots.
He's built like a 3 and D power forward. He looks like a stretch 4 who needs to add 25 lbs. But his feet aren't graceful enough to stay in front of wings and he's not sturdy enough to body off 4s. He's a pretty clear 'tweener right now, IMO.
And man, this team isn't gonna do anything of note if Nick Honor is in your crunch time lineup. I don't understand what that guy brings to the table at all.
They need some development from Shaw and Mosely. And if they can get that to develop a crunch time lineup of:
Brown
Gholston
Shaw
Mosley
East
They'll struggle a bit with teams with size, but they'll be so sound with the ball and do such a good job of clogging the passing lanes that they can simply go score for score, IMO. That needs to be their best lineup, IMO. If they develop that way, this is a Sweet 16 team. Maybe you get Carter in there for Shaw if Shaw's not ready and you're still solid.
But seeing Diarra at least provide some quality energy was nice. I think as an 10th man in the rotation you can get by with him. And fortunately Mizzou has the depth to manage that.
But right now Brown, Honor and Hodge are this team's top 3 guys and I just can't see that being a recipe for meaningful success against quality opponents.
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I mean, Diarra isn't ready to be a meaningful contributor... but his comfort level took a major jump the past 2 games. Two games ago, he looked a year away from even being able to give you emergency minutes. Last night, he at least looked like a serviceable "oh crap, real foul trouble" option.
I think his length is a nice weapon and actually was pleasantly surprised at his lateral agility. Literal different read than you. I think he's helpful against Florida simply because Castleton isn't very athletic and Diarra's length bothers him.
Anyway. I think he's improved alot just in the past few weeks and that there's more in the tank. May be next year, but I think he'll be quality for them.
Re: crunch time lineup... Honor is steady and is a good outside shooter. I think that's his value on the floor. I don't know that qualifies him for the crunch time offense.
If Mosely stays on the court, that looks much different than options without him.
East
Hodge
Mosely
Shaw
Brown
would be a pretty interesting lineup. Lot of length and versatility and switchability there.