Excellent point about the refs. How the refs call a game dictates who will be the better player in a matchup. Lard couldn't guard without fouling unless the refs weren't going to call fouls on anyone. If given free reign, they yeah, Lard would be the better choice.I loved the energy Lard brought and the way he played. I wish him the best for the future, and am glad he chose to start his college experience here. He has so much potential and I hope that he lives up to that potential some day.
Now this is your opinion. Everyone enjoys seeing the ball swatted into the seats, but Jacobson's defense and Lard's were completely different styles. Jacobson since he isn't as athletic tries more to deny entry passes, and for the most part it worked (which is why offenses got less shots against him generally), but this also put him in a difficult position if his man did get the ball and a difficult position to block out for a rebound. Lard relied on athletic abilities to get by and was better at contesting shots, but was constantly out of position when over committing on help defense or out of a pick and roll.
I am of the opinion that it is better to deny the high percentage shot in the first place than try to block it. As for the OSU game Cam did have a good game and his athleticism and strength is why. Wesson is a beast and Jacobson was getting man handled, and the refs pretty much swallowed their whistles which all points to Lard having a better game.
Lard would be great in Huggins system at West Virginia.