Jalen Reynolds!

[BandAid]

It's been a while since we've had a player thread after a game, and even in a loss, Jalen deserves one tonight.

His second half performance was simply awesome. Yes, he missed his final free throw and the dunk in overtime, but he was the reason we were in overtime at all. Kudos to Stain for setting him up so often. The steal and and flush to bring us within a possession was a thing of beauty.

He finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

Jalen didn't quite win the steel balls award, but tonight I'll drink a beer in his honor.

[bleedXblue]

Tonight was the first time I've thought he needs to touch the ball on every possession. Now, once he learns to pass the ball occasionally he will be even better. He's improving and he needs to play as much as possible.

[xu82]

Given his style of game, a better FT percentage would be an enormous help. All the potential in the world. Now DO IT! Nice defense late tonight.
(Loved the 1-2-2 or whatever it was with JP up top and Jalen popping out to make plays.)

[X-Fan]

Totally agree. Hopefully this is a sign of Jalen becoming the beast we know he can be, and not just tease of his potential.

One thing I loved from tonight was JP at the top of the Zone and Jalen in the middle. They were giving PC fits. Gotta play two good halves though.

[X-Fan]

Given his style of game, a better FT percentage would be an enormous help. All the potential in the world. Now DO IT! Nice defense late tonight.
(Loved the 1-2-2 or whatever it was with JP up top and Jalen popping out to make plays.)

Great minds think alike. What'so crazy about Jalens missed FTs is that he's a really good FT shooter. I remember coach saying that Jalen almost never misses in practice.

[danaandvictory]

Jalen has great shooting touch and form, I think he just gets excited and intense and loses a bit of concentration. When the game slows down for him, look out.

[Milhouse]

Jalen could be 6'9" version of Ladontae Henton in 2 years. He has that outside game which he hasn't had to show yet. He's also got an ok handle for a big man. If Jalen doesn't end up on an All BE team in the next 3 years I will be greatly disappointed.

He's been quietly consistent for us through 7 BE games. Averagine 10.3 Points and 6.6 Rebounds both above his season averages.

Him and Myles have really adjusted to the BE this year...both struggled in it last year for a large part of the season.

[boozehound]

Still not starting though. WTF?

[nuts4xu]

Still not starting though. WTF?

No but he is playing starter's minutes. I agree he should be in the starting 5, he is too good not to be right now. The argument for him not starting previously was to keep him out of foul trouble. He has done a tremendous job with this the past several games. That doesn't seem to be an issue for him anymore, which is a good thing.

The man is a beast.

[RoseyMuskie]

No but he is playing starter's minutes. I agree he should be in the starting 5, he is too good not to be right now. The argument for him not starting previously was to keep him out of foul trouble. He has done a tremendous job with this the past several games. That doesn't seem to be an issue for him anymore, which is a good thing.

The man is a beast.

Add in the fact that we are starting off recent games poorly - IE Providence, Villanova, and Marquette to name a few, I'd rather gamble with foul trouble and remain competitive as opposed to "potentially" saving him for later and attempting to mount a comeback.

And if he is in foul trouble, and the game is competitive because he played many front end minutes, many other factors (such as opponent foul trouble guarding him, momentum leading to hot shooting) can come into play and help you still win.

I think it's time to unleash the beast from the tip!