Stirtz is killing this team

[Paul Blart]

It was no accident that the lead was cut when he and his defensive indifference were on the bench.

Offensively, he's super limited because he lacks aggression and doesn't like to be touched in any way shape or form. The Illinois players guarding him had the easiest assignment ever. He would rather defer to others to make things happen and puts them in horrible positions because he can't or won't ever try to turn the corner. He should live at the FT line but he doesn't because that would mean that he might need to initiate contact.

The only time he wanted to be the man was when he hoisted horrible off balance 3s at the end. HERO ball.

BMC is gonna have to sit him down when he's being passive. Not fouling at the end with the clock running out was idiotic. The team can win without him on the court whether he wants to believe it or not.

 

[scotihawk]

It was no accident that the lead was cut when he and his defensive indifference were on the bench.

Offensively, he's super limited because he lacks aggression and doesn't like to be touched in any way shape or form. The Illinois players guarding him had the easiest assignment ever. He would rather defer to others to make things happen and puts them in horrible positions because he can't or won't ever try to turn the corner. He should live at the FT line but he doesn't because that would mean that he might need to initiate contact.

The only time he wanted to be the man was when he hoisted horrible off balance 3s at the end. HERO ball.

BMC is gonna have to sit him down when he's being passive. Not fouling at the end with the clock running out was idiotic. The team can win without him on the court whether he wants to believe it or not.

You have great insight.

Maximum sarcasm alert.

 

[texashawkeye87]

He is certainly a frustrating player to watch right now. I do think BMac needs to sit him more throughout the game, especially when he is making some very poor decisions.

The team clearly showed they can put together good possessions with him on the bench. I had a feeling with how he played today that coming back into the game with around ~4 mins left might do them in.


The team needs him to get out of whatever funk he's in if they want to make noise come March.

 

[RagnarLothbrok]

It was no accident that the lead was cut when he and his defensive indifference were on the bench.

Offensively, he's super limited because he lacks aggression and doesn't like to be touched in any way shape or form. The Illinois players guarding him had the easiest assignment ever. He would rather defer to others to make things happen and puts them in horrible positions because he can't or won't ever try to turn the corner. He should live at the FT line but he doesn't because that would mean that he might need to initiate contact.

The only time he wanted to be the man was when he hoisted horrible off balance 3s at the end. HERO ball.

BMC is gonna have to sit him down when he's being passive. Not fouling at the end with the clock running out was idiotic. The team can win without him on the court whether he wants to believe it or not.

 

[Paul Blart]

So, some of you guys think he was a net positive today?

He was horrible in every meaningful facet of the game.

I am impressed that he walked into 1 rebound in all of his minutes. That was very gritty of him.

You're not in the MVC anymore and you're the worst athlete at PG perhaps in the entire league. You might have to do some things you think are beneath you or that make you uncomfortable (defense, rebounding, hustling).

 

[Hawklove]

It was no accident that the lead was cut when he and his defensive indifference were on the bench.

Offensively, he's super limited because he lacks aggression and doesn't like to be touched in any way shape or form. The Illinois players guarding him had the easiest assignment ever. He would rather defer to others to make things happen and puts them in horrible positions because he can't or won't ever try to turn the corner. He should live at the FT line but he doesn't because that would mean that he might need to initiate contact.

The only time he wanted to be the man was when he hoisted horrible off balance 3s at the end. HERO ball.

BMC is gonna have to sit him down when he's being passive. Not fouling at the end with the clock running out was idiotic. The team can win without him on the court whether he wants to believe it or not.

 

[Hawklove]

Don’t know why my reply didn’t post above!!!
——-
Respectfully, I wouldn’t say that he’s killing the team, but for a guy who was a preseason All-American, he doesn’t play with a killer instinct, he passes the ball too passively, doesn’t lead the team, doesn’t direct the players, seems to lack a sense of urgency… I wonder if this two PG set up is hurting his play. He sometimes plays the shooting guard role. Maybe if he was the only PG on the court, and they had a real shooting guard, that could change things for him.
He has shown that can be an All-American caliber player! I think he is great. He’s young, and he will turn this around.
To Stirtz: Ge get them son! Play like the champ that you are.

 

[Paul Blart]

Has he played in a game in a conference game when he hasn't been the worst PG on the court?

Maybe Maryland? I don't remember that game.

Is he even in the top 10 PGs in the Big 10?

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I'd just say the jury is still out on this. I did notice today that the come back was when he was on the bench, which is the same thing that happened at Minn. Your always going to skeptical when a D2 guy, then with one year in the Mac gets the AA label before ever playing in a top conference. Theres no doubt he's facing some real athletic challenges right now. He forced some horrible shots the last couple of minutes and then missed a bunny right under the basket. Its also possible he's got the same issue as Banks and Cam and has been sick. We'll see going forward.

 

[Jonesy5960]

So here's the thing. He's without question the most talented player on the team. The real question is whether the team is playing better when he is on the court. Anybody have the plus/minus for the last 2 games? I think the answer can be found there.

 

[ObeseMuffins]

He’s sick and getting double teamed.

 

[Hawkfan_08*]

Nobody let's the dude breathe. Have to find ways to get him open.

 

[Paul Blart]

He's without question the most talented player on the team.

I want to agree with this but I'm not sure he is. He's not really elite at anything.


Ball handling: B- (handles aren't great. got ripped today which you never see happen with an elite PG)

Penetration: F (he hasn't beat anyone off the dribble once we stopped playing horrible competition. plays completely upright)

Passing: B- (pocket passes usually putting teammates in horrible positions, can't penetrate so can't setup teammates)

Shooting: B (Can sometimes get hot from 3 and the occasional runner)

Rebounding: F

Defense: F-

Athleticism: C-

Leadership: Who knows. Seems like the offense goes stagnant when he's in and we're playing a good team. Not fouling when down with :20 left in the game...seems not overly cerebral for a PG. Has a too cool for school air about him which is why he isn't as gritty/blue collar as everyone else.

If he keeps playing like this he's not gonna get drafted. The lottery pick thing is obviously now completely off the table.

 

[HAWKNESS]

The starting lineup needs to change imo as I said in the game thread. Starting Combs, Banks, and Manyawu together really let's teams zero in on him. Nobody respects the spacing we try to create with our sets. He also does need to play better but he's still a great player.

 

[Garzatough85]

BMac will have to come to terms with a different role for Stirtz
Maybe a starter but sits sooner in the rotations

 

[Garzatough85]

Also needs to push him to do the little things better

 

[Paul Blart]

Also needs to push him to do the little things better

This for sure. He should have his *** ripped 10 times a game for effort/stupidity, but maybe his feelings get hurt if he's coached hard.

I wonder if he would've been better off staying at Drake. He seems like he's getting exposed.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Nobody let's the dude breathe. Have to find ways to get him open.

Combs handles the PG duties at times to "Take some pressure off of Bennett". Ben will figure it out. Work on screens and DHO's.

 

[Hawkfan_08*]

Combs handles the PG duties at times to "Take some pressure off of Bennett". Ben will figure it out. Work on screens and DHO's.

I think it is fine when Combs runs the offense.

 

[Hawksfor3]

I think it is fine when Combs runs the offense.

I do too. Seems like if we just had better off-ball movement, maybe the offense could flow as it should and not stick so much when the guards have the ball.

 

[WestCoastHawkI]

Nobody let's the dude breathe. Have to find ways to get him open.

This is where a true big or a secondary 3 point shooter like Pryce Sandfort would help take some pressure off of Stirtz. We don’t have the athletes so teams play us so tight on defense. I really don’t see any signs that this team hit the weight room any harder than Fran’s teams. We look like boys against men more often then not.

 

[kwik44]

He seemed almost disoriented or off today. The forced threes happened at two crucial moments of the game, not to mention the blown layup to get to within two. He’s probably sick too but have to make better decisions regardless.

 

[scotihawk]

So, some of you guys think he was a net positive today?

He was horrible in every meaningful facet of the game.

I am impressed that he walked into 1 rebound in all of his minutes. That was very gritty of him.

You're not in the MVC anymore and you're the worst athlete at PG perhaps in the entire league. You might have to do some things you think are beneath you or that make you uncomfortable (defense, rebounding, hustling).

Good to see you doubling down on stupid.

 

[scotihawk]

Has he played in a game in a conference game when he hasn't been the worst PG on the court?

Maybe Maryland? I don't remember that game.

Is he even in the top 10 PGs in the Big 10?

Sorry...is it possible to triple down on stupid??

 

[Buffalo43]

Don’t know why my reply didn’t post above!!!
——-
Respectfully, I wouldn’t say that he’s killing the team, but for a guy who was a preseason All-American, he doesn’t play with a killer instinct, he passes the ball too passively, doesn’t lead the team, doesn’t direct the players, seems to lack a sense of urgency… I wonder if this two PG set up is hurting his play. He sometimes plays the shooting guard role. Maybe if he was the only PG on the court, and they had a real shooting guard, that could change things for him.
He has shown that can be an All-American caliber player! I think he is great. He’s young, and he will turn this around.
To Stirtz: Ge get them son! Play like the champ that you are.

They do have a real shooting guard but he is on the bench 99.9% of each game

 

[shrinkhawk]

So here's the thing. He's without question the most talented player on the team. The real question is whether the team is playing better when he is on the court. Anybody have the plus/minus for the last 2 games? I think the answer can be found there.

• vs. UCLA: +13 (Win)
• @ Minnesota: -1 (Loss)
• vs. Illinois: -13 (Loss)

 

[Sett1997]

Our wrestling and men's BB team are sick more than my 82 year old mother, fact! These are D1 athletes in the prime of their lives in peak physical condition.
Tired of hearing the excuse.

 

[Hawkfan_08*]

Our wrestling and men's BB team are sick more than my 82 year old mother, fact! These are D1 athletes in the prime of their lives in peak physical condition.
Tired of hearing the excuse.

Women have been sick the last two games but won them anyway.

 

[jwgohawks]

BM needs to not automatically give Stirtz 40 min every game if he can play it. Only reason he's sat is foul trouble. This isn't DII or the Valley anymore, make him earn those minutes again at this level. Needs to light a fire under Stirtz again, clearly BM makes him a priority to play and lead, so the Hawks need him to be good.

 

[Jonesy5960]

I want to agree with this but I'm not sure he is. He's not really elite at anything.


Ball handling: B- (handles aren't great. got ripped today which you never see happen with an elite PG)

Penetration: F (he hasn't beat anyone off the dribble once we stopped playing horrible competition. plays completely upright)

Passing: B- (pocket passes usually putting teammates in horrible positions, can't penetrate so can't setup teammates)

Shooting: B (Can sometimes get hot from 3 and the occasional runner)

Rebounding: F

Defense: F-

Athleticism: C-

Leadership: Who knows. Seems like the offense goes stagnant when he's in and we're playing a good team. Not fouling when down with :20 left in the game...seems not overly cerebral for a PG. Has a too cool for school air about him which is why he isn't as gritty/blue collar as everyone else.

If he keeps playing like this he's not gonna get drafted. The lottery pick thing is obviously now completely off the table.

You're a tough grader.

 

[TrojanHawkeye]

Stirtz is probably sick. He's also trying too hard to be "the guy". He's much better when he lets the game come to him and he's a distributor. Teams are focusing on him solely and he's not handling it very well right now. Again, may be sick too.

 

[TailgateTom]

I want to agree with this but I'm not sure he is. He's not really elite at anything.


Ball handling: B- (handles aren't great. got ripped today which you never see happen with an elite PG)

Penetration: F (he hasn't beat anyone off the dribble once we stopped playing horrible competition. plays completely upright)

Passing: B- (pocket passes usually putting teammates in horrible positions, can't penetrate so can't setup teammates)

Shooting: B (Can sometimes get hot from 3 and the occasional runner)

Rebounding: F

Defense: F-

Athleticism: C-

Leadership: Who knows. Seems like the offense goes stagnant when he's in and we're playing a good team. Not fouling when down with :20 left in the game...seems not overly cerebral for a PG. Has a too cool for school air about him which is why he isn't as gritty/blue collar as everyone else.

If he keeps playing like this he's not gonna get drafted. The lottery pick thing is obviously now completely off the table.

Thread started: F-
Subsequent posts: F-

 

[Tailgater371]

They do have a real shooting guard but he is on the bench 99.9% of each game

I had hoped with a coaching change we may not be scratching our heads on personnel usage, but here we are again.

 

[SB_SB]

It seems to me like everyone has been told that Stirtz is the #1 option when he's in the game, and the other players shouldn't shoot unless the clock starts to get low. There were many times where a guys was open but they weren't even looking at the basket, they were looking for Stirtz. Once Stirtz goes out, the guys seem to be more willing to shoot.

 

[eyesofhawk]

They do have a real shooting guard but he is on the bench 99.9% of each game

Ben doesn't know his team or know basketball.

Jirak should be playing 35 mpg.

The only reason Peyton doesn't play is because he's Ben's son. Blatant nepotism

 

[doughuddl2_rivals]

Thread started: F-
Subsequent posts: F-

Clown fan trolling.
6 posts since 2006, all here.
Circle jerk.

 

[Pharcyded]

It was no accident that the lead was cut when he and his defensive indifference were on the bench.

Offensively, he's super limited because he lacks aggression and doesn't like to be touched in any way shape or form. The Illinois players guarding him had the easiest assignment ever. He would rather defer to others to make things happen and puts them in horrible positions because he can't or won't ever try to turn the corner. He should live at the FT line but he doesn't because that would mean that he might need to initiate contact.

The only time he wanted to be the man was when he hoisted horrible off balance 3s at the end. HERO ball.

BMC is gonna have to sit him down when he's being passive. Not fouling at the end with the clock running out was idiotic. The team can win without him on the court whether he wants to believe it or not.

Quite the sixth post. I’m going to take a wild guess that you’re not an Iowa fan.

 

[fivecardstud14]

Only time the Hawks score any transition points is when he’s on the bench.

 

[oldxbbc]

I am not one to over criticize Stirtz at this point. He needs a solid supporting cast and the wear and tear of the BIG is a lot different than when he and others were at Drake. Overall size is an issue but I think this team will qualify for the tournament, not the NIT. Just my opinion.

 

[Paul Blart]

Only time the Hawks score any transition points is when he’s on the bench.

This is 100% fact. The beauty of that is that we kind of suck in the 1/2 court, so it's a recipe for disaster and we get the stagnant turd offense we see far too often.

LOL at anyone being critical of the most overhyped player we've ever had must be a clone fan.

Ben needs to figure it out. The player he thinks he has isn't the same one who plays in the games. The talent difference between Stirtz and his teammates is not nearly as wide as he thinks it is.

Can you even call his two 3's late in the game actual basketball shots you've seen a star player shoot...ever?

I want him to be as advertised as much as anyone, but even with his obvious athletic shortcomings, I think the biggest problem is between his ears and our coach is feeding into that by treating him like he's something he's not.