Where was Jordan?

[UNIMIS2001]

Does anyone know why we didn't play Jordan at all on Friday?? He was playing great coming into the game and I was just confused on why he didn't play. I don't think we utilized him enough this year, hopefully next year we will use him more, maybe even start him with Coleman. Probably just wishful thinking though.

[unigriff]

I think we went over this a lot after the regular season bradley game at BU. He is just not quick enough to get up and down the floor with a 4-5 guard set that BU runs. This = easy transition points and sets for BU. Jordan would only be a hazard in some cases.

I do agree he was playing well though. Personally I would have done the same thing. Koch, Stout, Coleman rotation.

[Panthers to the Bone]

It was less the transition game, and more of the fact that if UNI were to play Jordan, they would have to go 2-3 zone with their 4 guards. The problem is that Bradley is the best 3 point shooting team in the nation...not exactly the team you want to 2-3 zone. If we play Man, and keep switching, it won't take long before Jordan is matched up off a screen with Ruffin or Franklin. That wouldn't be good. It was a matchup problem, but next year Jordan will have a much larger role.

[Matt Trump]

I am getting sick of people asking why Jordan doesn't play against Bradley. Its been covered several times. Not to mention that Taui (sp??) has always given our best player fits!!! How the hell is Jordan supposed to guard him if Coleman struggles against him?

[bigticket]

my 2 cents, for what its worth

the matchup on defense for big J is horrible against Bradley and playing in a zone against them is a concern, however, this was a 50 pt game. This was not a 70 - 80 pt shoot out.

If our offense has shown the ability to score late in the season, yes sit him, however, he gave UNI an advantage on the offensive end in a game where 55 pts would have won the game. I say you take the chance.

[OhNewby]

I am getting sick of people asking why Jordan doesn't play against Bradley. Its been covered several times. Not to mention that Taui (sp??) has always given our best player fits!!! How the hell is Jordan supposed to guard him if Coleman struggles against him?

I agree that Jordan could never match up against Tauai, BUT, Salley played 22 minutes for Bradley. Nobody can tell me Jordan couldn't play and dominate against that guy!

IMO, when UNI puts up 48 points, you have to question why Jordan doesn't play. I few easy buckets from Jordan and we win the game. We really struggled getting it into the post (and specifically, in good position in the post) which cost us the game. Coleman was forced to take too many very tough shots. Our guards were playing from half court, which was a big problem, but as great as I think Coleman is, nobody is easier to get the ball to in the post than Jordan, partially because he's so tall (and wide!), but also he's very skilled at posting up.

[UNIAlum95]

I think where people are going with this is that in two years, are we going to leave Jordan on the bench when we play a four guard team? I know his defense will improve, but he'll never match up against a mobile forward. Sometimes, we have to create the mismatches. Even Gary has said this on OPR. I'm not saying this was the right time to do it, but we are going to have to make that decision in the future.

[Matt Trump]

The guards were and have been the problem all year. Jordan's "lack of playing time" was not.

[UNIAlum95]

The guards were and have been the problem all year. Jordan's "lack of playing time" was not.

I agree but the point is still valid that some time we are going to have to create rather than react to the matchup problems.

[BCPanther]

I agree but the point is still valid that some time we are going to have to create rather than react to the matchup problems.

We will be able to do that once Jordan gets familiar with the speed of the game. Jordan's going to be great... Wait until you see him next year, then you will realize how much work his game needed...

[GoCats05]

Jordan is going to start working with the track coach to work on speed and his vertical. He is going to work very hard in the off-season and if that doesn't get him major playing time next season, then I wouldn't blame him if he left UNI.