IMO mgoblog nailed it: "There are signs of promise—today, from Wagner, MAAR, and Xavier Simpson—but this team so rarely puts it all together that it's becoming harder and harder to hold out hope for a strong run through Big Ten play."
Though I don't think MAAR having a decent game for the first time in weeks is signs of promise.
I agree with Walton needing to find Wagner more often. Wagner has a limited bag of tricks so far from the elbow-extended spot where he's doing most of his damage, and teams will figure out how to guard him soon enough. Overall, I guess I expected some ups/downs this year as they transition to a new system, but it's been mostly downs since that stellar weekend in New York. Maybe they gel in late February, but, for now, it's not too impressive save for Wilson and Wagner growing. Walton's half-court limitations are making Beilein earn his money, and Beilein isn't doing a fantastic job of that. And it's not as if Beilein couldn't see this coming. Spike Albrecht isn't healthy, but he's what we need if he was.
Very encouraging for next year, certainly. No leftover guys from the previous years of softness and passivity; and, assuming, excellent returning starters at 4 and 5. And Wilson will still stretch the floor. Man I wish we were in the hunt for an elite one-and-done perimeter player next year. Coming in to play with Wagner and Wilson should be really enticing. That would be a team.
Though I don't think MAAR having a decent game for the first time in weeks is signs of promise.
I agree with Walton needing to find Wagner more often. Wagner has a limited bag of tricks so far from the elbow-extended spot where he's doing most of his damage, and teams will figure out how to guard him soon enough. Overall, I guess I expected some ups/downs this year as they transition to a new system, but it's been mostly downs since that stellar weekend in New York. Maybe they gel in late February, but, for now, it's not too impressive save for Wilson and Wagner growing. Walton's half-court limitations are making Beilein earn his money, and Beilein isn't doing a fantastic job of that. And it's not as if Beilein couldn't see this coming. Spike Albrecht isn't healthy, but he's what we need if he was.
Very encouraging for next year, certainly. No leftover guys from the previous years of softness and passivity; and, assuming, excellent returning starters at 4 and 5. And Wilson will still stretch the floor. Man I wish we were in the hunt for an elite one-and-done perimeter player next year. Coming in to play with Wagner and Wilson should be really enticing. That would be a team.
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