Maybe he “got nothing” because they already knew what they had and when it was going to become useful.
Demarion Watson
- Thread starter jacobj
- Start date
His per 40 on blocks is pretty good, too.
I don’t think that this has been noted, but Watson had the highest +/- of anyone on the team yesterday at +20. Gilbert was +18 and Jones and Jefferson were +14.
It's not defense I am worried about. Our defense is awesome. Watson and Heise are both among the top 5 defensive players on the roster. The great teams have both great defensive and offensive efficiency. The concern would be that the improvement on defense does not make up for the hit on offense. Are you taking the position that having both of them playing at the same time has no negative effect on the offense? The concern would be that the bump on defense is not enough to overcome the hit on offense. If Curtis Jones goes full Steph Curry and hits tough shots at a high rate, Keshon Gilbert gets to the foul line effectively, our bigs can overcome double teams, and Tamin can hit timely shots, then sure, we can make it work. This would not be a discussion if we hadn't seen just how efficient our offense can be at full strength. Compared to the last couple years, the current lineup without Milan is still formidable. But to be a true #1 seed, it is my position that someone besides Jones needs to pick it up on the shooting front. Playing both Watson and Heise at once does not seem like an ideal way to make that happen.
The most important thing is Jefferson. He’s the biggest difference from a year ago. Well, that and Jones being even better than last year.
Unless we start playing Milan at the 4, his return means less of Jones or Gilbert or Lipsey. That’s not a net positive imo.
On that note, can we get Milan (and Watson) to play the 4 against most teams? Is Milan’s defense worse defending opposing 4s? I’d assume his offense actually gets better as more of a mismatch, and allowing him to play alongside the three guards. Obviously against bigger teams we need Jefferson and Chatfield/Jackson at the 5.
Yeah, Jefferson has been awesome. Curtis Jones is just so much better than he was even a year ago. Better in every way. He keeps this up and ISU keeps winning, he should get more attention for All-American. Definitely in the B12 POY race.
Watson and Heise are both in a once right now. Watson just sitting there wide open in the corner. Not getting the ball, ignored by the defense. Meanwhile others are taking well defended difficult shots. I would absolutely love to be wrong and offense be great with those two in. If his teammates had seen him knocking down 3s in practice, I would expect he gets the ball. For all his grit, there is a reason the coaches have been prioritizing more skilled players for most of the season. Hopefully the defense can create turnovers and get some fast breaks.
