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I'm certainly not capable of speaking for others, but don't think it is a love affair. I don't want Matt to place in jeopardy a win for extensive playing time for Spike. That said, Dakota is chasing the best offensive player on the other team generally and that takes a lot of energy. He needs a rest and running the point, even in motion requires some energy. Many want Carsen as a scorer and to not give him the team reins for any extended time, but to simplify his role so that he may grow at Purdue with his solid base as a 2 guard from high school…he was NOT a 1 in high school. Those are the only two to rest PJ since I don’t think people want Ryan bringing the ball up the court with a quick 1 defending the ball. To date, Spike may not enhance things over PJ, but what is the magnitude of the perceived loss in getting PJ rest as well as not confusing the roles of the others? Generally speaking, I have no worries with Spike other than the “potential” on ball defense decline and any effects as a result. By the same token, I think Spike does a good job off the ball. Spike may have the best anticipation of the next play …many times a pass… as any on the team. Spike is not as athletic as PJ and to date has not shot as well as PJ, but he has taken sooooooooo few of shots it is hard to get in the groove. It is my belief that PJ needs some rest and that Spike “could” be a person that keeps the offensive consistency of PJ….IF Spike gets some of his shot back. I also think that an extra ball handler that can hit FT’s “could” be huge someday.
I have no love affair, but do see a need to get Spike playing time…while not jeopardizing a game with the potential long term benefits if he finds his shot soon. Until his shot appears, I hope for sufficient on ball defense and heady play and generally I think that has been provided.
