[LUconn]

I know he's being touted as the greatest thing since the tuna sandwich was invented, but honestly, what can we expect from someone who hasn't played basketball at this level in 2 years?

Before, when I thought we'd be an average to slightly below average team without him, it didn't matter how long it took to shake the rust off. Getting him the time to do so was the important thing. But here we sit at 6-1, with a sound team. Do we expect Dwight to come in and make us 40 points better than Longwood? Or will we be 20 points better while he gets back into it? (either way we're better than Longwood)

[TDDance234]

He's probably going to be good for anywhere from 10-15 a night with 6-7 boards. We have a good rotation set, I'd imagine that Rell is probably the odd man out of the starting lineup and either Justin or BJ's minutes are going to go down a little. Tough call.

[jcmanson]

I was thinking this over the weekend, how much should Brew play in his first couple of games? I think we should just ease him into the mix. I wouldn't say that if we were sitting at 4-3 or worse. The guys are really playing well, and I think that this Saturday he should only play between 10-15 minutes on Saturday and then increase him 5 minutes per game after that until he gets where he will be playing around 30-35 mpg.

I know he is more talented than many of the other guys, but since he hasn't played in nearly 2 years, and we are playing so well right now. I really think we should ease him into the rotation.

[TIMSCAR20]

Brew has been practicing with these guys for nearly a year. He is ready to play and he is ready to start. He will contribute immediately and I would guess he will play about 25 minutes on Saturday. This is not coming from Coach D but just my opinion. Everyone will play a little less but as long as J Holland, Rell, BJ, Tyler and Russell show they are going to play well, they will all continue to play a lot. Larry doesn't have to play 35 minutes a game anymore and neither does Smitty. Those guys along with Hubbard ran out of gas last year late and it was evident in the final Coastal game and the big south tournament. That shouldn't happen this season. Guys need to be ready when called.

[jcmanson]

SCAR, I know that he has been practicing with them for a year, but we all know that is not the same as playing under the lights. If you say he can step right in and play 25 minutes, then I take your word for it. I was just thinking that since we are playing so well, it would be much safer to ease him into the rotation rather than just throwing him in for 25-30 minutes on Saturday. These guys have been playing with each other for 7 plus 2 exhibitions, and Brew hasn't played in a game with them yet.

[PAmedic]

No DOUBT he has been ready to go all fall- I'm thinking practice just aint cutting it for him anymore- the guy is a competetor.

The big question will be, what influence will his minutes have on the already established group dynamic of this team?

I agree with Ron Radio- Coach has to give him his minutes. Will we lose the productivity we've been getting from BJ and Holland as a result? How about Rell's newfound game?

I'm thinking continued success on the scoreboard will make everyone feel warm and fuzzy- but if the new starting 5 don't gel quickly and/or we drop a couple in the early goings- look for potential attitudes to start cropping up. Its a completely understandable reaction, but an interesting problem to have!

[Hold My Own]

heck, cut the minutes as much as the score will allow with LB...I want a late push from him come late in the season...

[TIMSCAR20]

Medic, am I Ron Radio? I prefer Timmy Television

[PAmedic]

make it TimmyTV and I'm with you.

How'd you like my bronchitus-influenced baritone on Sat?

that was MY attempt at Ron Radio

[TIMSCAR20]

I thought Barry White was calling You sounded terrible. Hope you feel better man. Love hoe you always get through when I am on the air though. I'm like "here we go again"

[TDDance234]

I don't think there is anyway he doesn't start against St. Francis. Rell moves to the first sub and Baker now gets minutes spelling Alex.

[TIMSCAR20]

TD I don't know how much 5 position Tyler will have to play with Russell coming on and trying to get Armon into the mix. This is a tough situation but a good situation. That is why I said guys are going to have to just be ready when called upon. Some nights you won't play, other nights you might get 20 min. I know cause that is how it was for me when I was a sub early on in my career with a pretty deep team.

[WWJFD]

When you have a guy who can play the 1,2 and 3 like Brew can and as well as he does; he is only going to make the team better. Folks we are talking a guy who was starting in the Big East as a sophomore! It is great to have a 6-1 start, but the challenges are really to come. For one, going back on the road (all 6 wins at home). 2. Going against some much better competition like Bufflalo Lipscomb, and the tournament in Provo. Brew will get 15-20 pts per night. I keep dreaming about a potential backcourt of him and Blair this year and Brew (if he stays) and TJ Bannister next year. That is what I call WOW! The early schedule allowed the less experienced players to get into the flow and the confidence to believe that when called upon (like Scar says) they can contribute. This will be a good year!

[PAmedic]

I thought Barry White was calling You sounded terrible. Hope you feel better man. Love hoe you always get through when I am on the air though. I'm like "here we go again"

nothin' but love.

I don't want you to get homesick down there.

[LUconn]

I keep dreaming about a potential backcourt of him and Blair this year and Brew (if he stays)

Where is he going? unless that was directed at Bannister

[PAmedic]

Where is he going? unless that was directed at Bannister

assuming he was referring to a potential call up to the pros for Brew-pub

[LUconn]

after a half a year? Good luck. You need Oden-like hype to accomplish that, and he's not gonna get it in this league.

[WWJFD]

There is the speculation he may go to Europe and play professionally after this season. But that seems null right now, but with alot of college athletes, subject to change. I think the more people support and get to know Brew, the more he will appreciate the Liberty experience. TJ is going no where.

[LUconn]

seems to me like if that were the case, he'd have been gone by now. He's already been here for a year.

[WWJFD]

Not necessarily. I am sure if teams in Europe were interested they would want to see some stability. Sure he could have bailed last May, but that IMO that would have hurt him. He left PC in a bad way calling out his coach in the media. If Brew can get rid himself of the baggage of PC and have a stellar year at LU, you never know what he may choose to do.

[paradox]

...

[LUconn]

the imagined accomplishments of the Winthrop program and all of their almost wins in the NCAA's,

You are my new favorite poster.

[PAmedic]

all due to respect to our friend WEF- who I'm sure already smelled this thread and is honing in (the man is uncanny for that)- great stuff!

PARADOX with the post of the day.

cue REALIST/WEF stage right...

[Realist]

Call up Jay Bilas or Gottlieb, who have made Winthrop regulars on any piece they do on college basketball. LU is still just a church camp to everyone until they play somebody with an RPI below 260.

Happy to oblige

[PAmedic]

12 minutes!

not too shabby, REALIST.

you done good