Hoosierhoopster Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Al is getting recognized for his offensive growth, but for whatever reason seems to continue to be somewhat overlooked, or underappreciated, imo, in comparison with some of the other guys. Started this quick thread to give him some props. He is playing at a high level and is an integral part of this team, for sure. Against Troy: He played the most minutes (28), and had the highest plus-minus (29). Shot 5-10 FGs, 3-4 from the arc, and 4-4 from the stripe -- that last line takes him to 14-14, as in perfect, so far on the season. His 4 assists tied the game high. He is a big part of our offensive push game - he is getting the team downhill. His outside game was already decent, it looks better, he's spreading the floor. Offensive stats in these first four games: 3 PT: 53% FG: 63% FT: 100% 16.8 PPG 2.3/1.8 assist-turnover ratio Heck of a start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5fouls Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 As a general rule, college basketball fans are more drawn to style more than substance. Guys like Al will always be underappreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGleas Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 IMO, Al has been the best player on the team through 4 games. He's been the player setting the tone, setting the pace and really making everything go. TJD and Smith have been tremendous as well, but quite often it's Durham making all of it go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rico Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Unsung heroes win ball games and they fly under the radar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluegrassIU Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 He is oozing confidence right now. He is the tone setter on this team imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brass Cannon Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 5 minutes ago, bluegrassIU said: He is oozing confidence right now. He is the tone setter on this team imo. Him, Smith and TJD are the driving forces of this team right now. If Phinisee can be who we hoped team will be very good next year. Hopefully Garcia sees that and wants to the final piece Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zlinedavid Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 There's a reason he was voted captain. We're starting to see why. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Fantastic start for Al. I figured he would be improved this year, but not to this extent. Will be interesting to see how he does again better competition (same can be said forr most of the team) , how is minutes shake out when Rob and Green are at full health and whether he starts over Green or pushes Burunk to the bench in a 3 guard lineup. For depth purposes, and for the development of Jerome, I hope we are not using three guards too much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Ballin Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 31 minutes ago, Reacher said: Fantastic start for Al. I figured he would be improved this year, but not to this extent. Will be interesting to see how he does again better competition (same can be said forr most of the team) , how is minutes shake out when Rob and Green are at full health and whether he starts over Green or pushes Burunk to the bench in a 3 guard lineup. For depth purposes, and for the development of Jerome, I hope we are not using three guards too much. I know he's not a "guard", but if we stick to a 3 guard lineup, I think Hunter can play as the 3rd guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 35 minutes ago, 3Ballin said: I know he's not a "guard", but if we stick to a 3 guard lineup, I think Hunter can play as the 3rd guard. Yes, won't rehash the types of a 3 here. Waiting for Jerome to have his breakout game. I think he is thinking more than reacting at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IUFLA Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 36 minutes ago, 3Ballin said: I know he's not a "guard", but if we stick to a 3 guard lineup, I think Hunter can play as the 3rd guard. One of the lineups we had against Troy was De'Ron, Race, Jerome, Damezi, and Devonte. I thought that was the most interesting lineup Archie put out there. And Jerome can handle the ball. Would I want him to be the primary ball-handler against a Nolan Richardson "40 minutes of hell" team? No, but he looked like he had a good handle in the open floor to me. As for Al, I expressed my appreciation for him in the Troy game thread, but I still think he's the 3rd best guard we have. Love the kid, his leadership, and his attitude, but that's how I see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FKIM01 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 ...and yet, he just keeps outperforming the two in front of him...time will tell I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IUFLA Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 20 minutes ago, FKIM01 said: ...and yet, he just keeps outperforming the two in front of him...time will tell I guess. A little unfair at this point as Rob has half of Al's minutes and Devonte 1/6th... But believe me, this is one of those opinions I could be wrong on and gladly eat my crow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoosierFaithful Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 I think we are starting to see "Archie's players" and his system come out a little bit. I was very impressed at the defense at times during Troy. Our close-outs on 3p were picture perfect -- quick, choppy steps -- and made me smile. Active hands, getting in the face of the offensive player, etc. As fans, we get excited by the new 5* freshman as they walk in the door but just as valuable is the development a player sees during their summers. Players seem to be improving under Archie. Let's see how we do against real opponents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Ballin Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 1 hour ago, Reacher said: Yes, won't rehash the types of a 3 here. Waiting for Jerome to have his breakout game. I think he is thinking more than reacting at this point. Ya, i debated saying anything because i didnt want to get that started here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FKIM01 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 44 minutes ago, IUFLA said: A little unfair at this point as Rob has half of Al's minutes and Devonte 1/6th... But believe me, this is one of those opinions I could be wrong on and gladly eat my crow. I hear you, but it's not just the volume...it's the efficiency. It's not unfair to assume that a junior Al Durham would be a little better than a sophomore Rob Phinisee. I'm also not saying that he won't end up being better than Al over his career. I simply don't see him better right now and I have doubts he'll be better even over the entire season, but we'll see...long way to go, but Al looks really, really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3Ballin Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Ive made 2 posts in this thread so far and neither were about Al. Al has been our best shooter so far this year and has been playing out of his mind. I cant wait to see how the rest of the year goes for him as I think he will keep it up even after we eat all the cupcakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGleas Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 43 minutes ago, FKIM01 said: I hear you, but it's not just the volume...it's the efficiency. It's not unfair to assume that a junior Al Durham would be a little better than a sophomore Rob Phinisee. I'm also not saying that he won't end up being better than Al over his career. I simply don't see him better right now and I have doubts he'll be better even over the entire season, but we'll see...long way to go, but Al looks really, really good. I think they're two different players for two different roles. If I had to pick between the two and the role was for a point guard, floor general to run my offense, get everyone involved, defend the other teams point guard, etc., etc., I'm picking Rob. If the role is as a combo guard, secondary ball handler, but also a scorer/slasher on the wing that helps with some pg duties, then I'm picking Al. The good thing is, IU doesn't have to choose. IU has both roles available and both guys to fill what suits them best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IowaHoosierFan Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Liking what i see so far from this team. Really wish it was against better competition. Hard to judge guys when playing teams in the 300s ranking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IU878176 Posted November 18, 2019 Report Share Posted November 18, 2019 Al is the epitome of a 4 year player and illustrates the benefit of working hard. He seems to have a 100% team-first attitude and I have enjoyed watching him improve year after year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reacher Posted November 19, 2019 Report Share Posted November 19, 2019 CAM said on his radio show that the team focused on FT shooting this summer and led the team at 91% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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