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Xavier Johnson deciding
- Thread starter Buffnik
- Start date
MarkW
Well-Known Member
At this point I don't see how a return for the remainder of the season would be good for XJ or the team.
He wouldn't be game fit or have his timing and the team has established a rotation that seems effective. I think some have been surprised at how effective the team has been without him and I can understand how he would be itching to get back to the game.
On the flip side, should he redshirt this season next season he would most likely get a lot of time at the 4 rather than the 3. It seems he would prefer to play the 3, but the Buffs will be loaded with perimeter players all fighting for playing time.
He wouldn't be game fit or have his timing and the team has established a rotation that seems effective. I think some have been surprised at how effective the team has been without him and I can understand how he would be itching to get back to the game.
On the flip side, should he redshirt this season next season he would most likely get a lot of time at the 4 rather than the 3. It seems he would prefer to play the 3, but the Buffs will be loaded with perimeter players all fighting for playing time.
Who's minutes does he take? Tory? Wes? Fortune? King?
I don't disagree that XJ, when healthy and properly motivated, is a difference maker. I do question taking minutes away from guys who have performed well this far.
Buffenuf
massive tool
With XJ in the lineup, there's enough firepower to be a legitimate Elite 8 contender no matter the draw.
scoob
Well-Known Member
I was in the redshirt camp entering this season as it would help ease the loss of Josh. After seeing the potential of this team during OOC, I'm now firmly in favor of him returning, if healthy.
This team looks like it could be special, and with Josh graduating, this season is probably the best shot to make some noise in the dance. If healthy, XJ could push this team to a second weekend in the tourney.
I think we beat SMU with a healthy XJ, and there will be many more PAC12 battles that he can be that X-factor. Could he make the difference between a 10-8 PAC team and a 8 or 9 seed to maybe 12-6 and a 5 or 6 seed? Maybe, maybe not, but I'd sure like to find out.
Also, just because he redshirts, that does not guarantee he comes back next year.
I'm good with whatever is best for XJ, but I'm rooting for his return in January.
This team looks like it could be special, and with Josh graduating, this season is probably the best shot to make some noise in the dance. If healthy, XJ could push this team to a second weekend in the tourney.
I think we beat SMU with a healthy XJ, and there will be many more PAC12 battles that he can be that X-factor. Could he make the difference between a 10-8 PAC team and a 8 or 9 seed to maybe 12-6 and a 5 or 6 seed? Maybe, maybe not, but I'd sure like to find out.
Also, just because he redshirts, that does not guarantee he comes back next year.
I'm good with whatever is best for XJ, but I'm rooting for his return in January.
Yes. Especially Tory - who has kind of sucked this year (although he has had a nice uptick the last few weeks). Use him all over depending on matchups. Stats say he's better at the 3, but we can get him minutes at the 4 as well and go small around Josh. He brings more defensively than King, so we can play him over GK at times when we need a stop. Hell, Dom-Fortune-Fletch-XJ-Wes is a freakin' scary lineup on D.
If he wants to play in the NBA, and he's said that he does, he'd need one hell of a complete, healthy season to get on anybody's radar. I don't think playing half a season at less than 100% will get it done. That said, if he thinks he can push this team over the top into being a legitimate Pac-12 title contender by coming back I'm not gonna tell him to think of himself.
gone native
Club Member
I'm wagering redshirt so he will have a complete season next year. Either way, hopeful and excited about seeing him back as a Buff.
i dunno.
Seems like one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of deals to me. The team is playing well. Everybody knows his role. The team goes three deep on the bench already.
Don't get me wrong, I love XJ and the intensity he brings to the team. I just feel like bringing him back now could cause more problems than it solves, and there aren't any glaring problems that need to be solved.
Seems like one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of deals to me. The team is playing well. Everybody knows his role. The team goes three deep on the bench already.
Don't get me wrong, I love XJ and the intensity he brings to the team. I just feel like bringing him back now could cause more problems than it solves, and there aren't any glaring problems that need to be solved.
I get your point, but perimeter defense is a HUGE problem. That's something XJ can help with. He & Wes give us two guys who can guard lots of people 2 through 5. Fortune too if it ever "clicks".
I don't like choosing between winning the pac 12 this year versus winning it next year
I assume that you look at 11-2, RPI #16 Oregon, see that they're adding Dylan Ennis this week (graduate transfer from Villanova) and think to yourself, "Awesome! That is so going to screw up their team chemistry!".
Of all the things I worry about, becoming more talented isn't one of them.
Oregon isn't a squad that's built on chemistry. They have new parts every year. I don't think that's a good example.
At the end of the day, I have zero input into this decision. I just feel like the upside is limited for a return this year, but much greater for a return in 2016-2017.
scoob
Well-Known Member
I don't think you have to. Josh will be gone next year. CU will hopefully be good, but I can't see them being winning the PAC 12 good. Probably not this year either, but if there ever is a year, this is it, I think.
Great point if in fact XJ, 6 months off Achilles surgery, can move well enough to defend the perimeter. I just can't believe that's true.
Serious question, do you think the team will be good enough next year without Josh to contend? I would say its a good strategy to wager the house when the deck is in your favor. If CU won the p12 this year a middling season next year would be seen as rebuilding.
The program needs momentum now.
Always win now if you can.
If XJ decides to play, we'll have 2 scholarship openings. CU will be a great place for any JUCO or grad transfers or late signees if the Buffs have a big season. I've got no problem with rolling with the best possible team and then figuring out how to reload.
Not that I think tad is on the hot seat, but in the games I've watched the team it feels special except for people being able to drive into the lanes (and that was against very good teams). If the team were to magically make the elite 8 or sweet 16 then we should be able to reload, season ticket sales would be up (I'd probably get some) and CU would have to back up the Brinks for Tad. Everyone wins and we get more national tv next year.
Do eet. Do eet now.
This interview with an orthopedic surgeon discusses NBA player Wes Matthews' Achilles injury. I'm not aware of the specific treatment XJ has received but here are some interesting points from the article:
What's the first thing you tell an Achilles patient when you first get them and preparing for surgery?
The first thing I tell them is, "It's bad luck you've injured your Achilles tendon. Let's use this as an excuse for you to train and come back fitter, faster and stronger six months from now than you've been in years."
- An Achilles injury is more difficult to deal with than an ACL injury because it is typically a more invasive surgery (open vs. arthroscopic), the Achilles is designed to stretch and absorb power (ACL's do not stretch), and some athletes can even perform without an ACL (not possible with an Achilles).
- Recovery is six to nine months but an athlete may not recover full power at their previous level for over a year.
What's the first thing you tell an Achilles patient when you first get them and preparing for surgery?
The first thing I tell them is, "It's bad luck you've injured your Achilles tendon. Let's use this as an excuse for you to train and come back fitter, faster and stronger six months from now than you've been in years."
aik
Well-Known Member
XJ fitting at the 4 next year is going to be out of position for what he would project as in the pros. He may take what he can get this year knowing he could always get hurt again. If he's able to give CU even 15 minutes a game without looking hobbled out there and he wants it then Tad has to do it. His skills make the team better and they're deeper this year up front with J40 that he won't be expected to shoulder the offensive burden near the basket. Think of the double teams his movement could draw away...
Most players are not the same until their 2nd year back after this surgery. If he takes some of Fletch's minutes, I am fine with that, but not King's. The same scenario goes for next year, an overload of wings, and you can add White to the mix (and he should be scary good as well). I have been and am a big fan of XJ's (I watched him play all four years in HS as well). I would rather he split minutes with Gordon and Fletch, IMO. I believe King and Fortune do a lot of things beyond the stats: Energy being one key and they both make players around them better. Fletch just has not turned the corner (i.e. a simple swing pass is at the players knees, which disrupts the flow of the offense and he disappears at times). Gordon is improving slowly, perhaps with XJ dipping into his minutes, he will take it as a challenge and improve to the next level. If XJ chooses to return next year, does Gordon become the C and XJ at the 4? If so, CU does not drop off that much with the loss of Scott and the addition of White and MORE freshmen wings.