Wheeler
- Thread starter andtile
- Start date
MarkRedman
Well-known member
My guess is that CMA has sent him a message
Play the way I need you to play or you won't play
He's the most disappointing player on our team so far this season
I had high hopes that he would help shore up our interior play
So far, it looks like he's allergic to being inside the lane
Play the way I need you to play or you won't play
He's the most disappointing player on our team so far this season
I had high hopes that he would help shore up our interior play
So far, it looks like he's allergic to being inside the lane
Mullins Revenge
Well-known member
Him and Coburn were outright benched last night. They both have been awful so Im ok w/ it.
that said, I hope both get to where they need to be to contribute when needed during a brutal BE campaign.Duke of Earlington post=446327 said:
Wheeler seemed very engaged on the bench and was sitting near the coaches, which could be a good sign, FWIW.
I think if this team is going to be successful we are going to have to get something positive out of Wheeler soon. He’s long , athletic, runs the floor well and has more offensive skills than either Niywe, Soriano or Stanley. He just needs to buy into what we are doing defensively and needs to play less on the perimeter offensively. He can jump out there a couple of times a game and take some shots to open things up a bit but that’s it.
IMO Wheeler is one of those athletes whose "looks" like a much better athlete and player then he actually is. Yes he is long, but I don't think he's particularly athletic or fast, and his footwork leaves a lot to be desired. We assume that CMA brought him here to be a predominantly low post player, but he may have brought him here with the promise of giving him the opportunity to play away from the basket. The kid doesn't seem to have any particular skill set(s) that stands out, but still hoping that CMA finds a suitable role for him as we head in to conference play.Mean Gene post=446332 said:
MakingPlays
Well-known member
He's gotta bring it if he wants to play for CMA. I said a few games ago he just runs around out there all nonchalant. You look at Stanley when he's out there, he's making mistakes, but he's also diving on the floor, he's running up and down the floor full speed, he's moving his feet well on defense, and he's bringing a lot of energy. Wheeler is older, more athletic, quicker, and better offensive player than Stanley, there's no way he should be letting a freshman take his spot in the rotation.And Til post=446316 said:
Soriano is also going to have to step it up. He made a lot of mistakes last night as well, him getting the ball pulled away from him by a smaller and weaker opponent was just embarrassing. He's the biggest guy on the floor 90% of the time, he should never let anybody out muscle him for the ball. It's going to be an interesting couple of weeks to see who among the big men makes the rotation by conference play. Right now looks like Wheeler is the odd man out.
MarkRedman
Well-known member
And Stanley has all the attributes that you wish Wheeler had - he's athletic, plays with a lot of energy, is willing to mix it up inside AND he's only a freshman so he has a lot of growth potential. Yes, he makes some freshman mistakes but I believe that he has a great deal of upside and could a very good four year contributor to our program.
Unless Wheeler wakes up and smells the roses real soon, I'm all for giving Stanley his minutes
Unless Wheeler wakes up and smells the roses real soon, I'm all for giving Stanley his minutes
All 3 of Soriano, Nyiwe, and Stanley are much more equipped to play at the 5. You could make a reasonable case that Wheeler is the best option at the 4 out of those guys but we don’t need a 4. At least not nearly as much as we need a 5.
I personally would rather see Stanley get whatever minutes Wheeler could or would get, and playing OS those additional sparse minutes at the 4 might also get him more comfortable playing the 5.
But I wouldn’t bet too much $ that Wheeler won’t win us a BE game or 2 down the road. As much as someone off the bench can win a game.
I personally would rather see Stanley get whatever minutes Wheeler could or would get, and playing OS those additional sparse minutes at the 4 might also get him more comfortable playing the 5.
But I wouldn’t bet too much $ that Wheeler won’t win us a BE game or 2 down the road. As much as someone off the bench can win a game.
Anthony Mattia
Well-known member
I wouldn't mind seeing a line up of Posh, Dylan, JC, Wheeler and Soriano. Let Wheeler play the 4 on the perimeter on offense. Let JC play at the 3 like he needs to show so he can get to the next level. And maybe, maybe we can actually start securing defensive rebounds with the bigger line up and stop giving up so many second opportunities. Heck, if he buys in you can even press with that line up with Wheeler at the top of it.
beast of the east
Active member
Yesterday was a study day. Final exams are from the 13-18
If Smith can stick wide open threes, he is an important piece on the floor. Mathis is a hard nosed defender, and he can put the ball on the floor. CMA has a few options depending on who is playing well and who we are playing - Nyiwe has inched ahead of Soriano for now, Stanley has the potential to improve dramatically, Soriano is an aircraft carrier, and Wusu is going to get his minutes as a starter or off the bench.
If Smith can stick wide open threes, he is an important piece on the floor. Mathis is a hard nosed defender, and he can put the ball on the floor. CMA has a few options depending on who is playing well and who we are playing - Nyiwe has inched ahead of Soriano for now, Stanley has the potential to improve dramatically, Soriano is an aircraft carrier, and Wusu is going to get his minutes as a starter or off the bench.
Last edited:
MakingPlays
Well-known member
That lineup seems cool on paper, but what has Wheeler and Soriano showed you thus far that them being on the floor together would do anything?Anthony Mattia post=446352 said:
Both have had their spots taken for underperforming against mid-major competition. If they can't rebound and dominate the paint against FDU and St. Francis Brooklyn they sure as heck can't do it against BE level competition. CMA has given both of them several opportunities to show up. I actually think Soriano got more minutes than he deserved last night, Stanley played 10x better than he did.
MakingPlays
Well-known member
As someone who got into arguments with Purdue fans about Wheeler, I sadly don't see it. Hope you're right though.Amaseinyourface post=446347 said:
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!Making Plays post=446358 said:
I agree with all your points. To this point, Wheeler has shown flashes mixed with inconsistent non physical play. Soriano was lucky in my opinion. Stanley is earning all those minutes right now.
MA has always been about if you show up, you’ll play. That’s the message. No freebies. We gotta get ready for BE.
Wheeler is not a banger. That's not his game, and I don't think that's why he was brought here. He's also not quick enough to play or guard the 3. His stats here are similar to what they were at Purdue for 3 years. That's a substantial sample size under a pretty damn good coach. Sometimes a player is who his stats say he is. Still hoping he can be useful down the road, but tempering expectations.
fat johnnie
Well-known member
L J S A post=446344 said:
Anthony Mattia
Well-known member
Making Plays post=446358 said: