Here is an alternate opinion that will be more accepted and agreed on.
Baxter is being utilized appropriately at this point in the season, but it is clearly evident that he should have been utilized in this manner a long time ago, like the start of the season. It is evident in his play, in his talent and skill set, etc.
On the other hand you cannot say the same thing about other freshmen, Connor Harding and Kolby Lee. I can see those two being brought along more slowly and taking more time to gain experience and maturity. Baxter is obviously a different level of talent and he has shown as much. I didn’t know this before but now that I have seen him when he gets decent minutes (Rose waited too long this season) I KNOW it was a mistake. Listening to Rose say that Baxter wasn’t ready is nonsense. It is an excuse for the error of not playing him more early on. I am sorry, but looking at the big picture and taking everything into consideration I can say with surety and confidence that you are wrong on this. I also have the Dastrup situation last season to use as an example to back up my opinion. Others will see it this way as well. It doesn’t take consensus in opposition to your perspective and defense of Rose to make it right but it certainly helps to prove my perspective correct.
You will garner some respect by acknowledging that you are wrong on this but I know you don’t care about that. You would rather be delusional in thinking you are right.
You assume his skill set was operable at the beginning of the season. It wasn’t. I happen to remember him in all the wrong places on the court and didn’t make those plays. It took a while to get his mission legs back, his timing and his mind. But you see him as Superman. That’s on you. It isn’t what Baxter was 4 months ago.
I’m sorry, but people who know WAY MORE than you do about basketball disagree with you. He isn’t superman, he isn’t as good as he will be (as long as Rose doesn’t mess him up) and there is nothing on me. Interesting comments there.
You still think Luke is a better player… and that’s on you.
I didn’t say Luke is a better player. I said early on Luke knew where to be on the floor. I also said Baxter was out of position when he got on the floor giving up layups to opposing teams. And, not boxing out and getting rebounds. I said Baxter’s mission legs had not returned yet nor the muscle memory to play him.
Today, he has finally caught up and is where he needs to be most of the time. Therefore, he should get more minutes and Luke less. And that is what is happening.
As far as those you say know more, they are tainted with hatred towards Rose. Therefore, their comments are slanted.
All nonsense. Those are all things a player with his experience already knows. Giving up layups? Not boxing out? And the comment about mission legs and muscle memory? That’s a load of crud. You are just saying stuff to be controversial and disagreeable. None of that is valid or legitimate.
I can’t dignify this comment with a response. You have no idea what I am talking about and I am wasting my time again. Everyone else understands, why can’t you?
Hopper, do you really know as a fact that he was not fit after his mission? Read this article, he has been working out a little every early morning and some basketball during Mondays off days. I guess he did gain 20 lbs but he has been working out during summer with this team. GB should have played at the start of the season and he would have develop a lot earlier. If you did read this, read it again about himself and his family. Amazing Baxter family. And I know you will repeat your nonsense stuff over and over which you don’t need to bring it up again.
I don’t hate Dave Rose and he is a good guy. But he needs to get other players more playing time to develop and more disapline. I can’t tell what DR was doing and why he let go his other good players. I know Dastrup was over weight but he was a better shooter just like Baxter. But DR can’t go on forever in coaching and we need a change at HC basketball position with energetic coach.
Are you people illiterate? How many times do I, the coaches, the analysts and Baxter himself have to say it. He wasn’t ready when play started! All of them have stated it. But, I guess you all are so superior brains and psychic that you know better.
I’ll write this again too. He was not in the right places on the court. He was not able to do what he can now. It’s as simple as that. Why won’t you believe him and those who were a part of the decision making including Baxter himself?