I want to explain this, so it doesn't appear to be knocking on a player, but there are players who absolutely do not function on their own, or have the ability to generate their own offense, they don't have the hunger or drive to want to be dominate players. It doesn't mean they can't contribute, it means that they are complimentary pieces, that are reliant on other playmakers, to set them up.
Reiber is right now, the one player that is suffering the most, without Mulcahy on the floor. It doesn't necessarily mean Mulcahy is going to elevate the entire rest of the roster, but certain players need to be put in the right situation and need the perfect pass and space to score.
I think we are seeing severe limitations on Reiber and a bigger aspect, without Simpson and Mulcahy playing extended minutes to move the ball or create off-script plays. Reiber is a catch and shoot big man.....that is his strength in HS, it's what's worked for him in spots at RU.
The ball has to move faster than the defense to find Reiber open, for him to score.
For Spencer, with Pike seemingly not willing to play Simpson and let him learn with the veterans around him and with no Mulcahy, you have Spencer handling the ball way too much. He is supposed to be a spacing, spot up shooter, that stretches the defense. It is clear to me, that if you go 1 of 5 vs Temple from 3 (the only 3 made by Spencer at Mohegan, was when the game was decided in the late stages) and now 0-5 last night, Spencer is a complimentary piece.
Until Pike gives Simpson the ball and let's him sink or swim, learn and grow, Reiber is going to struggle, Spencer is going to be handling the ball way too much and BOTH players will remain out if sync.
I will also caution fans who are thrilled with 95% FT shooting from Spencer, to understand, YES that is a key stat......BUT, it has to be within the time and score of the game...can Spencer pump fake and draw a foul to get to the line?? What good is being a great FT shooter, if you don't demand the ball, generate a shot or draw contact??
If you are a 43% shooter from 3, which is WAY better than Geo Bakers stats, but you don't take and make difficult 3s, against the shot clock or to stop a scoring run by the opponent, then stats become hollow.
Reiber is the 9th or 10th player if RU is going to be consistent. Spencer needs Mulcahy and McConnell/Simpson generating space up shooting opportunities. Pike will sort this out and get Reiber into the role that maximizes his matchups. But I believe Woolfork offers more of a chance to be more consistent of a player. It is a big ask to lean on Simpson and Woolfork, when Pike should be leaning on upperclassmen like Reiber, but I don't see that working unless everyone on the roster is available and clicking.
