Watkins instead of Durham all day every day please!!!

[UNCLE BACK]

That is all.

[SPAL]

Lol....everybody loved JD just a couple nights ago.

[Fayettechill14]

Man, I thought Kikko graduating would end the "Kikko should play 30 minutes a game!" argument.

Watkins is a more athletic version of Kikko. He's a change-of-pace energy guy. He's a bit more reliable on offense than Kikko was (way too early analysis), but that's the kind of guy he is.

[RunHogruN]

Man, I thought Kikko graduating would end the "Kikko should play 30 minutes a game!" argument.

Watkins is a more athletic version of Kikko. He's a change-of-pace energy guy. He's a bit more reliable on offense than Kikko was (way too early analysis), but that's the kind of guy he is.

The kid is a blue collar, hard working, balls to the wall kinda player.  He knows his purpose when he steps in the hardwood.  No questions asked. He will be as vital as any player on the starting lineup if you ask me.  He reminds me of Modica only less athletic.  Modica was a leaper but played sound defense.

[-Blu]

Lol....everybody loved JD just a couple nights ago.

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament. 

[Beaverfever]

I like Durham.  When the game was at a complete frenzy against WF he looked as comfortable as could be.  Watkins looks like he's been playing for Anderson his entire life.  He came in and immediately set the bar for the rest of the team.

[RazorMack]

Watkins is awesome, I love his intensity, and I expect him to play a lot of minutes for us this year. But, Durham has a swagger about him that I really like, anyone that is willing to throw a alley oop off the glass has my vote. If Watkins got out of the way Williams throws that down. Bottom line I think both will be big part of the team this year and I'm glad we have them

[poloprince]

Nope I think not, Durham is still transitioning to this level of basketball. I expect mistakes from time to time. I also expect him to be much improved by conference play.

[UNCLE BACK]

Durham is not ready IMHO.

[Big Nasty 34]

That's as bad of a game as durham will have. Won't get you beat I don't think

[TNhawgfan]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament. 

You're probably right and the fact that smu has already lost twice will be plenty of reason for people to think we should win easily

[The_Bionic_Pig]

Durham is not ready IMHO.

He's averaging over 4Asst. per game

[Letsroll1200]

The question of who is better shouldn't be a discussion because both are needed on this team. Durham and Watkins both have value and bring what we where missing last season. I'm very impress with Watkins attitude and effort on the floor. Durham point guard skill set will help this team.

[TheRazorbackGuy]

Durham trying the off the glass pass was pathetic. I hope CMA gives Beard is spot for that move. You prepare for games and Durham wants to be cute. CMA didn't play him after that back board pass when he could have had an easy lay up.

[ErieHog]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament. 

So very, very, very much this.

[Swinesong1]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament.

So true!  Golf clap for you sir!

[popcornhog]

That is all.

Love Warkins, but no. His role is to be an energizer down the bench.. He fits it perfectly.

[tophawg19]

Durham trying the off the glass pass was pathetic. I hope CMA gives Beard is spot for that move. You prepare for games and Durham wants to be cute. CMA didn't play him after that back board pass when he could have had an easy lay up.

dude is there anything positive with you ? . why do you watch them if they bother you so much ? always negative all the time but you are consistent

[VirginiaHog]

Durham trying the off the glass pass was pathetic. I hope CMA gives Beard is spot for that move. You prepare for games and Durham wants to be cute. CMA didn't play him after that back board pass when he could have had an easy lay up.

Yeah. Sure. And Pistol Pete should have been benched for the behind the back passe. He was just a showboater. (sarcasm.)
If that was executed as a massive dunk it would be on sportscenter and not a gripe on this board. I do not approve of it personally, but come on guys.  If anything give his credit as a true pg who has the court awareness to even attempt that play. He is a true pg. It will just take a few games to get settled into our system.

[-Blu]

Yeah. Sure. And Pistol Pete should have been benched for the behind the back passe. He was just a showboater. (sarcasm.)
If that was executed as a massive dunk it would be on sportscenter and not a gripe on this board. I do not approve of it personally, but come on guys.  If anything give his credit as a true pg who has the court awareness to even attempt that play. He is a true pg. It will just take a few games to get settled into our system.

Well said.  I didn't agree with the pass, but Durham was just trying to get the crowd fired up, and went about it the wrong way.  CMA benched him for the rest of the game, to send a message to him, and I think he'll come back next game focused and ready to play.  One thing I really liked about him, even though he didn't get put back into the game, he was one of the first guys off the bench giving high fives and he was engaged in the huddle.

[Cinco de Hogo]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament.

You freaking extremist!

[Tomhog™]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament. 

You've visited this site before, haven't you? Spot on.

[Hawg Red]

Re: Durham, the guy had one bad game. He has 12 assists to 3 turnovers going into last night. Just a bad game, though Watkins obviously needs to be on the court.

[The_Iceman]

Re: Durham, the guy had one bad game. He has 12 assists to 3 turnovers going into last night. Just a bad game, though Watkins obviously needs to be on the court.

The great thing is, we are so deep that we don't have to rely on one or two people.

I'm sure when Watkins has a bad game, some people will come out screaming "Why are we playing a walk on?"

[mbgrulz]

I like Durham fine, but Wakins has looked better so far, and you could argue that Beard has looked better too.

[mhuff]

I like Durham fine, but Wakins has looked better so far, and you could argue that Beard has looked better too.

What I hear you all saying is there is not really a drop off when another guard enters the game. As long as they keep distributing the ball and taking high percentage shots.... I hope they never graduate..... ....... Of course, you know what I mean.

The first thing I look at in the box score is the Assists and then the Steals..... then FT%..... rebounds.... points

[MGB1229]

It's just nice to know that we have Watkins, Babb and Beard for the next few years. Durham will have some bigtime games this year.  I like what he brings to the table. Babb is the guy I think has the most upside of any of the current guards though.  That guy will be something special before he leaves.

[The_Iceman]

It's just nice to know that we have Watkins, Babb and Beard for the next few years. Durham will have some bigtime games this year.  I like what he brings to the table. Babb is the guy I think has the most upside of any of the current guards though.  That guy will be something special before he leaves.

Babb's potential went way up when he grew from 6'3" to 6'5".

[Atlhogfan1]

It's like some in this forum are growing up and learning.  We'll see if the usual non conference homerism goes unchecked and criticism is met with unnecessary, childish, defensive replies. 

The guard rotation should be worked out by SEC play.  No need to overreact to one game with one player.  What Watkins brings can be counted on to be consistent so we have that going for us. 

[MGB1229]

Babb's potential went way up when he grew from 6'3" to 6'5".

No doubt.  He seems to be really unselfish as well.  Will be pretty salty adding Whitt and Hannas to the rotation as well as whoever else they sign next year. One thing that is a huge plus is every one of our guards can shoot!!

Be nice to nail down a really good SF and PF to finish out the class. Allen wouldn't be too bad either.  :razorback:

[Porked Tongue]

Much ado about nothing.  Starting means so little overall.  It is nice  to get the notice but it's all about your PT.

Watkins is doing an outstanding job with his spot.  I wouldn't change a thing.  If anything, bring him in earlier.

There will be a lot of ebb and flow of PT.  That's a good thing.

[rzrbackramsfan]

Big fan of Watkins so far but I don't get the comparisons to kikko.  Manny is big and athletic.  I think he's a better player than kikko at this point... Manny brings all of what kikko brought to the table and more except maybe kikkos shot. 

[Hawg Red]

Comparison to Kikko comes from walk-on + heart + energy + hustle. I believe -Blu made the point after the first regular season game that Manny was like Kikko and Gulley combined, and that is how I see it. Manny definitely looks like an SEC-caliber athlete and player right now, and I'm sure it won't be too much longer until he's on scholarship. I get that his pops gets a great employee discount but it's more about the recognition for Manny.

[Danny J]

You know everything is to the "extreme" here.  Your the hero one game and the zero the next game.

Just wait until the SMU game, I think I may avoid the boards for a couple days until it passes,  If we win, people will be saying we're a sweet 16 team, and people you never heard of will be making threads about how much this years team looks like the 94' team and comparing Athlon Bell to Scotty Thurman and all types of other non-sense.  If we lose your going to see every single one of the haters come out in full force, giving Mike his deadline on when he needs to be out of Arkansas and he'll for sure be on the hot seat, and we'll be lucky to make the tournament.

I still think we could be a sweet 16 type team IF we have overcome our lack of mental toughness and "want to" when it comes to games away from BWA. That is all we are missing. As far as personnel I think we have a complete team. Sub patterns and chemistry as a whole is the only thing we need to work out which may take another 2 months.

[sadhogfan]

Comparison to Kikko comes from walk-on + heart + energy + hustle. I believe -Blu made the point after the first regular season game that Manny was like Kikko and Gulley combined, and that is how I see it. Manny definitely looks like an SEC-caliber athlete and player right now, and I'm sure it won't be too much longer until he's on scholarship. I get that his pops gets a great employee discount but it's more about the recognition for Manny.

I like Watkins a lot, and also like having high energy Fayetteville kids on the team who come in, hustle and make plays. They serve as immediate fan favorites who help to stir up the crowd.

[rzrbackramsfan]

Comparison to Kikko comes from walk-on + heart + energy + hustle. I believe -Blu made the point after the first regular season game that Manny was like Kikko and Gulley combined, and that is how I see it. Manny definitely looks like an SEC-caliber athlete and player right now, and I'm sure it won't be too much longer until he's on scholarship. I get that his pops gets a great employee discount but it's more about the recognition for Manny.

Ok I can see that, I just feel like the comparison kind of undersells manny.

[Rawker]

Durham and Watkins are not comparable.  They both have different roles.  Love Watkins (and wondering now if working him in last year would have gotten them to the tourney), but JD is just fine anyway, IMO.  It wasn't even THAT awful of a game, considering what he's supposed to bring to the table.  He basically just threw an interception last game with no TDs, and got benched, but the team won anyway.  S'all good.

[UNCLE BACK]

I only go by what I have seen and Durham to me looks nothing like what was advertised when we gave him a scholarship. He was scoring about 20 pts in 20 min last year. It may just be that he played in a very weak Juco classification. I hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling he will take Wagners spot on the end of the pine very soon. I know there is a transision period from Juco to D1 so maybe he will look better soon.

[JonClaudeVanHam]

I only go by what I have seen and Durham to me looks nothing like what was advertised when we gave him a scholarship. He was scoring about 20 pts in 20 min last year. It may just be that he played in a very weak Juco classification. I hope I'm wrong but I have a feeling he will take Wagners spot on the end of the pine very soon. I know there is a transision period from Juco to D1 so maybe he will look better soon.

14 assists in 3 games. We don't need a scorer, we need a facilitator.

[Hawg Red]

14 assists in 3 games. We don't need a scorer, we need a facilitator.

[ATU HOG]

I watched Durham play vs Wake for the first time this year.  I absolutely loved the way he played.  He's a pass first guard, that we've been looking for.  Would like to see him run the 1 and Madden run the 2 as a potential lineup. 

Now I didn't see him play this last game where he apparently made a pretty bad mistake, but hey it happens, and I bet he doesn't do anything along those lines again.

[TRUHOG718]

That is all.

Why not both? Why have iced tea or lemonade when you can put them both together and have a cool refreshing Arnold Palmer.

[-Blu]

Why not both? Why have iced tea or lemonade when you can put them both together and have a cool refreshing Arnold Palmer.

Because that makes too much sense that both can be contributors.  One of them has to be good and one of them has to be bad.

But, in all seriousness when responding to the OP keep in mind, he was the same guy after an exhibition game saying that Mardracus Wade and Ricky Scott were at home laughing because the guards we brought in were bad.

[yraciv]

I like Durham.  When the game was at a complete frenzy against WF he looked as comfortable as could be.  Watkins looks like he's been playing for Anderson his entire life.  He came in and immediately set the bar for the rest of the team.

Well he kind of has.  He has been attending Mike Anderson practices since way before he enrolled at U of A, and has grown up around college basketball players.

[Karma]

Durham is not ready IMHO.

So, he's played 3 games.  Maybe we keep playing him and he's ready by conference/march?

[The_Iceman]

So, he's played 3 games.  Maybe we keep playing him and he's ready by conference/march?

Some people are so unreasonable.

4.7 apg to 1.7 turnovers, yet he is not ready.

[Kevin]

depth is a great thing

[UNCLE BACK]

Durham looked great vs SMU. I was wrong.

[opineonswine]

Durham looked great vs SMU. I was wrong.

Big of you to admit.  BTW...I added a question mark in your subject line since you've changed your mind.

[UNCLE BACK]

Durham great again tonight!