Devin Booker

[SilentsAreGolden]

I agree that part of it the fact that Cal started stressing getting the ball to a big on every single play, which has caused the shooters to hesitate or pass up shots they would have taken earlier in the season, especially Booker. For a guy who went through a stretch where he was basically automatic, Booker is now the 3rd option at best. The ball is almost always on the opposite side, and the points he does get now come from fast breaks, flashing into the lane, or mid-range pull-up jumpers.

I don't see it changing the remaining games either. We just don't look to Devin for scoring anymore. Also, he gets in foul trouble, and his defense is not great, so he's getting fewer minutes. It's really unfortunate for Devin given how his season was going, but it is what it is I guess.

This post was edited on 3/20 10:18 AM by SilentsAreGolden

 

[Sawnee Cat]

There are very few reasons for Booker to turn pro after this season and a whole lot of reasons he should return.

 

[W_Heisenberg]

Care to name the reasons he should come back? I can think of none.

 

[hangin#8]

Seasons are long, and roles change as teams evolve. Look at Terrence Jones in November of our championship season and compare it with the TJ of March. He shot the ball much less, and instead became a physical defender and rebounder who scored most of his points on dunks and putbacks. That happened because Davis began scoring more, and Davis was better playing helpside defense to rotate over and block shots, so TJ adapted.

I think as Andrew's shot has come on and lessened our reliance on Booker from outside, combined with Towns really taking off as our top offensive option, the need for Booker to pour in the points on the perimeter is lessened and allowed Cal to go with better defensive lineups. Look at the minutes played last night: I'm pretty sure Ulis led us in minutes. We've been doing alot more Ulis/Harrision/Harrison lately, and it's working.

Also think Booker having a little target on him now is making it harder for him. Early in the year Aaron was viewed as the "shooter" on this team. Booker got hot, defenses adapted, and now they're making it harder for him to get open.

Devin will be fine. The NBA doesn't really care a ton about production. He's already shown enough to make scouts like him, it's going to take a lot more than 7 a game on an undefeated team to drop his stock drastically.

 

[js40484]

"Draft Clutter" Ever since those mock drafts started moving his name up on the board, his percentages have been dropping. It's all mental with him according to Kenny Payne, unfortunately Devin's letting it affect his defense now too which is why you are most likely seeing Ulis play 35 minutes a game now and more comments from Cal about Ulis needing to quit passing on open 3's.

 

[Abomb502Cat]

Devin doesn't seem to work hard enough to get open in some games. I always refer back to the game at Missouri, Devin was content to be a decoy. We don't need a decoy we need him to keep the defense from packing it in every game.Devin will adjust but it's going to take some time. There will be games in this tournament that Devin will get some open looks, hopefully he knocks them down. Hell, he is due to start hitting some shots imo.

 

[Smashcat]

Draft Clutter" Ever since those mock drafts started moving his name up on the board, his percentages have been dropping.
Yes. And you forgot his admiring porn star.

 

[John Frusciante]

What is crazy is thinking the teenage Booker is a finished product. If that were the case he couldn't get drafted in the 2nd round. However, the NBA does not draft according to what you are at draft time, but what they think you will be a few years in the future.

 

[Wildcat-in-STL]

if Aaron Harrison is smart, he'll realize he has to come back. Andrew should leave though and its all due to shooting. Shooting guards have to be better shooters than 35% fg and 30% 3pt . Andrew is shooting something close to 40% and 40% and is dominating the last month so if he keeps it up, he'll make a team next year.

as for Devin Booker. He was playing like a lottery pick for a long time, but not any more thanks to the last 3 weeks of poor shooting. I think he was going to come back for another year anyways because he and Ulis are best friends and the fun Booker is having with his team mates.

 

[W2R]

Originally posted by CBBCrazy:

Without the outside shooting of Aaron and Devin it will be more difficult each round to advance. Once a team picks up that we are having a 2010 W. Va. moment it may resemble that performance. I don't want to see another one like that, lets just blame it on the late night and move on......fingers crossed

The main difference in this team is they don't force a bunch of threes and keep,shooting them. We only took 10 last night hit re of them. Two of those were late in the game.

our close games this season we have not shot a bunch of threes, we keep feeding the post and driving and getting to the line. When we have been hot from three, it's like icing on the cake