[NewarkCatholicFan]

What's everyone's thoughts on this?
Do you think this is hurting things espeically when it comes to the recruiting game?

[creeksider]

Don't EVER criticize the way Matta does things.....you'll be run out of town by the scarlet colored glasses guys that frequent this site, telling people how you should act. You have to do it their way, or you're not a true fan. Matta is never wrong, and his teams perform highly in all situations. If you say otherwise, you are stupid, according to them. How dare you.

[TV1985]

Creeksider - I usually disagree with you concerning Matta, but I feel that this is a legitimate criticism. He does not use his bench enough and it will eventually hurt his recruiting.

There is a big difference between questionning the use of his bench and saying something like a middle school coach could do a better job (one of your famous statements).

[NewarkCatholicFan]

lol I hear you loud and clear.

[meercat_manor]

You can only play 5 at a time. If he feels that his best chance to win are with the guys on the floor then that's his philosophy. If that sways kids from not going to OSU that's their choice. Really doesn't look like it hurts him in recruiting. People keep barking about not having a incoming freshman. There was only 1 scholarship going to be available anyways, which became 2 when Sullinger announced he was leaving. Granted 2 are now transferring, so that makes next years freshman class very very important

[jimmacqueen]

Originally Posted by NewarkCatholicFan

What's everyone's thoughts on this?
Do you think this is hurting things espeically when it comes to the recruiting game?

Not really. His overall record at both recruiting and sending players on to the BIG paycheck is outstanding, so no complaints there. Sometimes I think he could do more to develop the players who will be coming back the next year, but unlike many, I don't think the short bench actually hurts the team winning or losing specific games in the current season. I think he plays the players who give the best chance of winning each game.

[creeksider]

Originally Posted by TV1985

Creeksider - I usually disagree with you concerning Matta, but I feel that this is a legitimate criticism. He does not use his bench enough and it will eventually hurt his recruiting.

There is a big difference between questionning the use of his bench and saying something like a middle school coach could do a better job (one of your famous statements).

I never said a middle school coach could do better. I said that I have seen more complex offenses in middle school, and I stand by that statement.

[jimmacqueen]

As for recruiting, I would rather have a team composed mostly of 3-year and 4-year players than a "rent-a-team" "national champ" like this year's Kentucky.

[SUN&FUN]

I agree Jimmacqueen, except when the guy is making $4 Million. These salaries (DI Basketball & Football) are so out of touch today. Why shouldn't people expect National Championships; be it with one year "rented pro's" or 3-4 year college players. It's not about them getting their education/degrees anyway. Should either get rid of the rule and let them go pro out of high school or go to the same system of DI baseball.

[east_ohio]

Originally Posted by jimmacqueen

Not really. His overall record at both recruiting and sending players on to the BIG paycheck is outstanding, so no complaints there. Sometimes I think he could do more to develop the players who will be coming back the next year, but unlike many, I don't think the short bench actually hurts the team winning or losing specific games in the current season. I think he plays the players who give the best chance of winning each game.

Agreed, I kind of think his freshman class this past season might be a little over-rated. When UK can win the NCAA Championship with 5 star freshman and OSU 5 star freshman can't shoot 40% from the line something is wrong.

[SCVB]

just heard on 97.1 the fan that the Italian kid has committed to the Bucks. Might help next season if he can get into the game.

[NewarkCatholicFan]

Hopefully he will be as good as I am hearing he is.

[roll_red_roll]

The kid from Nevada?

[creeksider]

Yes. He is a great catch and shoot player. He will get playing time immediately. He can really shoot. Long-haired Ricky Rubio type player.

[roll_red_roll]

Well with the topic header, are we so sure he will come in and get immediate playing time? The only thing I can knock Matta on is his lack of using the bench.

[jimmacqueen]

Is he a guard or a forward? We are already guard-heavy, but a shooting forward would take the load off the inside game and free up Thomas even more.