``I’m done depending on him," Martin said. ``For three years we’ve been trying to get him to be...

``I’m done depending on him," Martin said. ``For three years we’ve been trying to get him to be more consistent, more mature – and he hasn’t done it."

``If he’s right, he’s right," he added. ``If not, we’ve got other guys in place."

Frank Martin, on Jamar Samuels.

I thought this was spot on from Frank, and deserved it's own discussion.

11 months ago K. Scott Bailey 7 comments 0 recs |

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Sounds like part of the continued effort to push the last button left available to him, which started in TDWMNBN's blog.

by BracketCat on Jul 14, 2011 11:31 AM CDT reply actions

I hope it works.

There’s a basketball beast in Jamar, that if it’s ever unleashed, it will rain hellfire and damnation on the Big 12. But, I’m with Frank on this one: he’s had 3 years now. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Innovators look at the same thing as everyone else, yet see something different.

by K. Scott Bailey on Jul 14, 2011 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions

so....

all Jamar has to do is show up and play, he doesn’t have to lead, just play.

That actually might help him.

The time for calm and rational discourse is past, now is the time for senseless bickering -Anonymous the Younger

by Anon_the_younger on Jul 14, 2011 12:58 PM CDT reply actions

I think so too

He’s a fun goofball to have around, but I think they make lousy leaders. Let Will and Rod lead, and let Jamar be himself. Also, if he can figure out WTF he’s supposed to be doing in the new offense, that would help hugely!

"If you don't want to work, become a reporter. That awful power, the public opinion of the nation, was created by a horde of self-complacent simpletons who failed at ditch digging and shoemaking and fetched up journalism on their way to the poorhouse." - Mark Twain

by Sean T on Jul 14, 2011 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

The new offense really does not seem to suit his limited set of skills ...

Jamar’s offensive game is basically getting isolated within 15 feet and taking his man to the rack. Unless we run sets to do specifically that, he’s kind of just a guy looking for an offensive rebound.

The pinch post looked very well suited to our roster last year, to me. We had a lead guard (Jake) that could use a ball screen to get deep into the paint and finish or create a wide open look for guys who could knock down a 3 (McGruder, Spradling). Or he could dish it off to the screener (usually CK) who could knock down open elbow jumpers, or roll to the basket and finish.

Jamar has no ball handling skills and, to be realistic, no jumper. And he’s not exactly making a wall when he screens. He thrives when he can athletically dominate his guy one-on-one in isolation. Otherwise, he is a seriously limited offensive player. And I doubt that’s going to change much. He can still be a very valuable contributor if he brings it on D and on the offensive boards every minute. But, I had such high hopes for him.

by Itchy n Scratchy on Jul 14, 2011 7:56 PM CDT up reply actions

Perhaps

Jamar will go back to being the first guy off the bench and not start. Some guys really have different mentalities when starting or when coming off the bench for some reason.

If he’s not going to lead then he can come off the bench. Lead, Follow or Get the F out of the way – right Wally.
Who then would be the five starters?

I will also add that I believe Jamar was asked to play a lot more defense – that is getting tougher defensive assignments last year than the previous year and for the most part his defense really did improve last year.
Maybe this year he can put it all together – Defense and consistent Offensive output.

by Daverone on Jul 14, 2011 3:27 PM CDT reply actions