Late addition, I can only speak for myself as a hardcore fan, basketball coach, and someone that has always backed Hasquet. I also know Jordan away from the court, and think very highly of him personally. So if you or anyone take my opinion of his play as bashing him, for that I am sorry. For me, it is more suggestive of things that can be done to help Jordan and "HIS" team(he is the veteran GRIZ, and has earned the right to have that player label, it is a complementary label by the way.)
What the "knowledgeable" basketball fans are saying are multiple things that may be coming off as bashing. No matter how things are being stated here, we all realize there is something wrong or not right with what we are observing on the court regarding Hasquet and/or coaching.
(1) Our other bigs are nowhere as effective inside the paint offensively as Hasquet. His supporting cast cannot do what he can do inside.
(2) Physically, at 6'9" , 245 lbs, strong, and good hops for a guy his size (not an anchor on the court) , skilled, etc. There is no reason for us not to utilize him inside when "his" team is struggling inside.
(3) The past 3 years we have all seen Hasquet be a matchup nightmare, and at times be outright dominating inside and outside. Size and Talent wise, there is not a reason he cannot be that nightmare again.
(4) He is struggling from the perimeter, and does not have the picture perfect shot Stauds does. (Stauds with reps can snap out of a slump much quicker.) Not only is his percentage low, but his misses this year have been "ugly". With that said, I did notice his perimeter shot is starting to look smooth again. He should have been 3 of 4 against EWU, one miss was down and came out, the other was an ugly 1 dribble forced shot. (when a perimeter shooter misses like that, it is a good sign. Make or miss, if his misses continue be like the EWU game, he may snap out of his slump soon.
(5) Basketball 101 regarding a struggling shooter, especially bigs. Get said player in areas for easier baskets. That can be done in many ways. (a) post up on smaller, weaker players. (b) 1 on 1 isolation or 2 on 2 clearouts (c) use screens to get open shots (in my opinion the least effective way, being it is hope that player suddenly starts hitting bombs, but usually adds to the problem further. (d) If struggling player does not do A through C, cut minutes to wake the player up for motivation.
(6) Being he is our most tenured GRIZ SR, coaches, players, and fans expect him to lead by example with the same attitude he had to become one of the top 10 players in GRIZ history.
(7) I understand the frustration in working your ass off in the paint (which he does), getting banged, and not seeing the ball. However, what I do not understand is, how could he grasp that concept as an underclassman, but not as a SR (something is wrong with that)? That alone adds to this equation more than it helps it. If that is the case, is it coaching, lack of team play, or lack of patience by a player? Which is it?
(8) As for Jordan's defense, I have complimented him many times this year for his defense. To be honest , I think our inside defense as a whole is much much better as a team this year. Also on that end of the court, Hasquet's rebounding holds up there since getting healthy again. I challenge anyone here to find one time I have ever bashed Jordans Defense this year, or any year.
My outlook with Jordan is similar to my outlook with Martin. Find out early if he has it outside or not. IF the shot looks ugly, that is time to say "Jordan, relax let's free you up inside. You can help us there tonight."
I for one feel if Hasquet would or could be utilized inside more, there is not a reason in the world he could not average 15 plus points, 8 boards, 2 plus assists, a block per game, and shoot 50% from the field. Jordan is blessed basketball wise to do most anything he wants in the BSC. We all know that and see it. For us to collective expect better from him is a compliment to Jordan. 5 years ago, very few here or anywhere gave him a chance to succeed as he has. He did that through determination, hard work, desire, and dedication. That same make up has us all believing he should not be struggling the way he is.
I for one believe by season's end Hasquet will be the main reason for the GRIZ playing in the Conference Championship. His play is the difference this year in this team being average or outstanding! Jordan, please prove me right like you have in the past.
