Mbakwe in the starting 5? Smith might not want to fix something that isn't broken

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The starting/bench designation is really just in name only. Yes, Eliason "started" against NDSU, but he only played seven minutes while Mbakwe racked up 21. Is it a psychological thing? Maybe. It's clear that Mbakwe should be out there more often than Eliason, but does it really matter if he starts or not? No.

Personally, I like having someone like Mbakwe come in as the sixth man. It brings some energy and, frankly, is intimidating. In the end, Mbakwe is playing "starting" minutes, which is really all that should matter.

I think the bigger issue is Eliason getting completely exposed in the NDSU game. If he plays like that in the near future he's going to be seeing a lot of reduced minutes in conference play and might actually end up a liability filling the starting center role. Need him to play some solid 15-20 games to help shoulder the load.
 

If Eliason is starting and only playing 7 minutes. Shouldn't that signify that something is "broken"?
 

It's more about chemistry, if the starting unit produces with Eliason, then you can come with Mbakwe and provide a boost, it's actually kinda potent to do so. The only problem is, Eliason is a little hit or miss, which isn't surprising for a sophomore, but still, if you can start with someone more consistent in Mbakwe, it might be in the best interest to do so.

As far as minutes though, when we've needed him, Mbakwe's played plenty, when things are tight, he's the one on the floor. Basically, we play him when we need him, whether that's near 30, or whether it's only 12. For a guy coming back from knee surgery, that doesn't sound like bad strategy. The assumption is, when conference play begins, we will need him more, and in turn, we will see him more, like 25-30 almost every game unless we're just rollin teams. In that case, I don't think anyone will be complaining about his minutes.
 

Will be interesting to see how long Rubio comes off the bench for and has a minute restriction in comparison to Mbakwe's.

Not the same injury, I know, but will still be curious to see how long the Rubio thing continues for as well.
 


I get the feeling Teague likes to tell people exactly what they want to hear.
 

I used to complain of Iverson not getting the start over Sampson at the 5 spot even after badly outplaying him. Mbakwe is badly outplaying EE, yet I don't feel the same. Is part of it Mbakwe's injury, his indiscretions, is it lack of EE consistency and Mbakwe brings energy and presence off the bench and with EE you wouldn't know. With Sampson I wanted him to not start as he needed to play with more passion and earn it. With EE i see him playing pretty hard and aggressive and almost need him to slow down especially when he gets the ball down low or has to play post defense. Weird situation.
 

This is one of the most overrated topics on GH. It doesn't matter who starts, it matters who logs the most minutes and finishes the game. I think Tubby likes bringing Trevor off the bench because it's a huge advantage over every other team's 6th man and it's not like our starting lineup necessarily needs him. Plus, it gets EE some much needed experience and confidence going into next year, even if he has struggled at times this year. We will finish every game with Dre, Austin, Joe, Rodney and Trevor and that's all that matters.
 

I'd like to see Mbakwe in the starting lineup sooner rather than later, but until the Gophers lose a game or two or struggle out of the gate, Tubby has a reason not to make the switch.

Yes, I understand it's more important who finishes the game (barring foul trouble that will be Hollins, Hollins, Mbakwe, Williams, and either Coleman/Welch in crunch time), but why not start your 5 best players, especially when conference play begins?

Beat State.
 



Sometimes a coach likes to have his second or third best scorer as a 6th man. Other coaches like a defensive stopper off the bench. Some of the greatest players have been 6th men at times. I don't think it's a bad thing.
 

Points count the same early in games as they do later in games. Start Mbakwe unless there is a match up that you believe Eliason can help out more with defensively early on.

Finishing with your best doesn't matter if you're getting your butt kicked. Ideally, you finish with Kendal Shell driving to the hoop because you're comfortably in the lead.

If your goal is to win basketball games, I'd start Mbakwe and get him considerably more minutes.
 

The main benefit of having EE start is that you don't risk getting Trevor in foul trouble early. EE can be ultra aggressive on D against other bigs while the game is still being felt out and he also brings good size to the table to start off
 

lets bring Andre of the bench than we could have a really huge advantage off the bench... Trevor not starting is Tubby's wrist slap for him being a bad boy.
 



If Tubby is going to continue to do line changes, that I actually prefer Mbakwe off the bench. At least then we have some kind of go-to guy when the second team is on the court.

I'm fine with Tubby playing 10 or 11 guys, but think at least two of these four should be on the court at all times: Hollins, Hollins, Williams, and Mbakwe.
 

GophersInIowa said:
If Tubby is going to continue to do line changes, that I actually prefer Mbakwe off the bench. At least then we have some kind of go-to guy when the second team is on the court.

I'm fine with Tubby playing 10 or 11 guys, but think at least two of these four should be on the court at all times: Hollins, Hollins, Williams, and Mbakwe.
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+1

I'd rather he tightens the rotation, but if he keeps doing 5-for-5 subs, keep Mbakwe in the second unit so they have someone who is capable of scoring.
 

Thank goodness. It sounds like Tubby is gonna make the right move according to some recent tweets.
 

Gold Vision said:
I get the feeling Teague likes to tell people exactly what they want to hear.
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WOW! You have really studied the physiology of people in authoritative positions diligently in junior college days. #No*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#Sherlock
 


9194Gophs said:
WOW! You have really studied the physiology of people in authoritative positions diligently in junior college days. #No*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#Sherlock
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WOW! Interesting outburst. You may have to school me on the physiological differences between authoritative figures and peons like myself.
 

9194Gophs said:
WOW! You have really studied the physiology of people in authoritative positions diligently in junior college days. #No*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#*&^!#Sherlock
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Physiology? What the hell are you talking about?
 

I could care less who starts, I care who is in the game when it is crunch time. If starting EE makes the rotations better and Trevor can help bridge the gap to some of the backups, then so be it. I just hope he can handle playing 30-34 minutes in the B10 season. I have a feeling MN is going to need 30+ good minutes a night from him to be able to work towards a top 5 finish...
 

IMO it is important to start the best 5. Trevor should be starting. Get the early momentum and get our home crowd involved or take away the other teams crowd advantage. The front line offense is much more effective with Trevor. The first set of subs should be only 1 or two players (EE and Welch). There is too big of a drop off to substitute 5 at a time.
 

Rethinking this - is Trevor big enough to guard MSU's Payne? If not EE may be the best option to start against MSU. Gopher's need Trevor to handle Nix and make sure the Gophers do not get pushed around. Better starting match up against MSU may be (EE, Rodney, Trevor, Andre, Austin).
 

Gopher in Texas said:
Rethinking this - is Trevor big enough to guard MSU's Payne? If not EE may be the best option to start against MSU. Gopher's need Trevor to handle Nix and make sure the Gophers do not get pushed around. Better starting match up against MSU may be (EE, Rodney, Trevor, Andre, Austin).
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EE can't even guard NDSU. And he's at the end of the bench today behind Mo. Right where he belongs.
 

Payne is not a low post scorer, Nix is. Nix isnt athletic, yet Payne is. Trevor matches up well with Payne. If Trevor can front Nix he should dominate that matchup. Those two don't play together consistently. But if they are both on, we will need one of:EE, Walker, or Ingram to have a strong game.

Gopher in Texas said:
Rethinking this - is Trevor big enough to guard MSU's Payne? If not EE may be the best option to start against MSU. Gopher's need Trevor to handle Nix and make sure the Gophers do not get pushed around. Better starting match up against MSU may be (EE, Rodney, Trevor, Andre, Austin).
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