I don't think it's a made up narrative. Dad wanted assurances the ball would be in MS's hands and after 17 starts last year, you just can't make those assurances any more. Writing was on the wall.
As I read someone else explain it, when MS can't break down 260 pound Matt Bullock of Rutgers off the dribble no amount of work with a trainer or new confidence will change his inherent physical limitations.
MS wasn't just struggling as a freshman, he was one of the worst freshmen and players in the BT. He was 161st in Player Efficiency (6.9) in the Big Ten. 121st in Win Shares in the Big Ten. 158th (-1.7) in Box Plus/Minutes (points per possession). His Player Efficiency of 6.9 made him the 35th ranked freshman in the Big Ten. Lucas who is transferring and whose best offer is currently Milwaukee had a Player Efficiency of 11.7.
I truly like the guy and believe anyone can improve. He could be a different player in two years and the vast majority of Illini fans wish him luck. Will he be better in a different offensive system? Perhaps, but I don't think the system matters as much as some would like to think.
https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/conferences/big-ten/2018-stats.htmlEdited by tjwheeler at 08:23:48 on 04/16/18