If he was so injured, then why did HC Pike keep running him out there for 30+min a game?
Especially since it was evidently effecting his play.
Was there any consideration of potential long term damage?
The three of you could not announce any louder that you have no clue what it is like to coach or play on a team like RU.
Number 1 - we are already a team with depth issues. If you sit Paul out, who exactly are you going to ask to replace his minutes - Dean, Oskar, Miller - great kids, but how well do you think they will compensate for Paul's contribution?
Number 2 - Simpson is a low -percentage shooter at this point in his career. He can break down opposing offenses, but what happens after that? He is a freshman, trying to learn to make the best decisions. It is a huge positive that he stepped up to deliver some key shots when we needed them most, but he is not yet the guy the other players look up to when it comes to competitive spirit. He is still bricking his shots more often than not.
Number 3 - Paul would not be seen as the toughest guy on the team if he suddenly decided to sit out because he was hurting. The guys look up to him because he is the most competitive person on the team, willing to give whatever it takes to win. As far as permanent injury is concerned, I guarantee you his coach is giving him the best possible info from his medical staff. It is ultimately up to the player to decide, and Paul's personality will not allow him to be cautious.
Teams take on the personality of their leaders, both players and coaches. Everyone knew that Paul (and Caleb) were out there giving their best in spite of the pain and limitations. Most times, the rest of the team cannot compensate for the loss of production when their leaders are struggling physically, but they are going to be trying their best.
You seem to think the team would have done better if Paul had not played. Good for you, but anyone who has been in that situation realizes the results would have been even worse. If Paul and Caleb had decided their injuries were just too much to deal with and sat out, most fans can understand that the results would have been far uglier than what we saw.
You can't completely compensate for injuries to key players. Coaches and teammates understand that when their leaders on the field try to deal with injuries, it is going to be far harder to get a positive result. You can preach all day about someone needing to step up to compensate, but few players suddenly blossom simply because bigger contributions from them are needed to compensate for injuries.
RU looked marginally better with Simpson as the point guard and Paul as a wing, but that was because Paul's injuries were less debilitating to him as a wing.
I am not sure how many posters have competed in sports with a debilitating injury, but I can assure you it limits how well you can perform. You can suck it up, but it is still so mentally tough to try to compete at the same level as before. You are not going to look like the same person you were before you went out there nursing an injury.
