The nominees are pretty obvious: Geo Baker, Paul Mulcahy, Jalen Miller. Who's going to get the keys to drive the RU bus stacked deep with talent?
Baker? He has done it before but I'm pretty sure he came back to play and showcase the 2 position he will likely play professionally somewhere. On top of that he is better as a 2G. I think we'll see Geo bring the ball up court a lot and play man-to-man defense matching up against opponents PG's that are offensive threats. Geo was only 3rd on the team in assists last year but he is a very capable passer, ball handler, defender, short clock shot taker/maker. But, he probably doesn't want that role and Pike will probably listen a bit to a 5th year man and legendary player who as much as anyone helped transform RU into a tourney team. I wonder if having a healthy hand will mean that he plays more PG.
Mulcahy? He's got great court vision (though only one more assist than Baker last year), but is lacking in almost every other department. His handle is about average for a B1G starting point, but he dribbles a little too upright and lacks foot speed. Yet, he doesn't turn the ball over a lot and I think that is a big issue for Pikes. (I didn't think Young was a turnover machine, but I thought hiz turnovers came at bad times and were often unforced.) If he shot more he'd have a better feel, but he doesn't shoot a lot and usually requires a wide open look to put the ball up. I think he'll be okay -just okay- when he get ball with 3 seconds to shoot. I've seen him drive and wonder why he doesn't do that 5 times a game, but .. he doesn't and he's probably not going to. I'd love to see him more hungry, mean, pissed off. Not sure that's a part of his make up.
Miller? A bit of a wild card like most freshman. He's 6'3". That's not an issue for me but Pikes seems to prefer length. Geo is 6'4" and Paul is 6'6". He's a three star recruit with no major offers outside of RU. While he played high level DC/Maryland ball, the step up to B1G is a major transition that is not guaranteed.
Guess it will be Mulcahy with Geo taking the reins here and there like he did sometimes but not enough with Young last year. Miller will be learning the trade. If January comes and Miller gets the nod over Mulcahy it will mean he can play.
Baker? He has done it before but I'm pretty sure he came back to play and showcase the 2 position he will likely play professionally somewhere. On top of that he is better as a 2G. I think we'll see Geo bring the ball up court a lot and play man-to-man defense matching up against opponents PG's that are offensive threats. Geo was only 3rd on the team in assists last year but he is a very capable passer, ball handler, defender, short clock shot taker/maker. But, he probably doesn't want that role and Pike will probably listen a bit to a 5th year man and legendary player who as much as anyone helped transform RU into a tourney team. I wonder if having a healthy hand will mean that he plays more PG.
Mulcahy? He's got great court vision (though only one more assist than Baker last year), but is lacking in almost every other department. His handle is about average for a B1G starting point, but he dribbles a little too upright and lacks foot speed. Yet, he doesn't turn the ball over a lot and I think that is a big issue for Pikes. (I didn't think Young was a turnover machine, but I thought hiz turnovers came at bad times and were often unforced.) If he shot more he'd have a better feel, but he doesn't shoot a lot and usually requires a wide open look to put the ball up. I think he'll be okay -just okay- when he get ball with 3 seconds to shoot. I've seen him drive and wonder why he doesn't do that 5 times a game, but .. he doesn't and he's probably not going to. I'd love to see him more hungry, mean, pissed off. Not sure that's a part of his make up.
Miller? A bit of a wild card like most freshman. He's 6'3". That's not an issue for me but Pikes seems to prefer length. Geo is 6'4" and Paul is 6'6". He's a three star recruit with no major offers outside of RU. While he played high level DC/Maryland ball, the step up to B1G is a major transition that is not guaranteed.
Guess it will be Mulcahy with Geo taking the reins here and there like he did sometimes but not enough with Young last year. Miller will be learning the trade. If January comes and Miller gets the nod over Mulcahy it will mean he can play.