Something To Remember About Hicks's Slow Start

[shadow force]

"It's been really tough, to be honest," Hicks said. "My teammates have been so supportive, and my family lets me know I'm there for a reason. But it's a long season, so just keep sticking at it. I never want to tell myself that I'm rusty because I haven't played for a year, but it's a reality that I have to face. I'm coming along, though."


I did forget that he hadn't played in a real time basketball game for a year prior to this season. Not trying to make excuses for the guy, because I think he'll end up being a valuable off the bench guard later this season, but just putting that out there that this probably contributed to this slow start. You can't adequately simulate real game time.

 

[Cue Card]

He's game rusty. That's for sure. He can't shake the rust off until he earns playing time though and that starts with defense in Pitino's world. He did fairly well in the last game. Played 10 minutes, had 7 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. He can build on that.

 

[shadow force]

Agreed. I think last game could be a solid building block for Hicks. It showed that he can give Pitino what he wants coming off the bench and that he can score within the offense instead of despite it. The rebounds, steals, and assists are arguably even more important at the moment.

 

[REDFISTFURY3]

Biggest problem besides lack of game time for a year. is that he came in after the two previous grad players that contributed immediately. So people are being a bit hard this guy. I think by mid Jan he will be a solid back-up . And come Conference and Ncaa tourney we get some valuable play from him. He has too learn a lot in a very short amount of time.

 

[rentalman]

We really need this guy to progress. He is the only PG we have with any quickness. The small quick point guard from Grand Canyon lit us up for 42 points because Snyder/McMahon could not stay in front of him. Hicks was not available that game because of injury. RP even put Adel on him for a few possessions. In the Texas Southern game Snyder struggled defensively against their quick guards.
There are going to be big defensive possessions where we need a stop that I think RP is going to need to put Hicks in for Snyder. That can only happen if Hicks gets more in tune with what we are doing at both ends.

 

[nccardfan]

He's also important from the perspective that Q understands that CRP has another option on the bench. I'm not so sure Q had any concerns.

 

[beasleythecard]

"It's been really tough, to be honest," Hicks said. "My teammates have been so supportive, and my family lets me know I'm there for a reason. But it's a long season, so just keep sticking at it. I never want to tell myself that I'm rusty because I haven't played for a year, but it's a reality that I have to face. I'm coming along, though."


I did forget that he hadn't played in a real time basketball game for a year prior to this season. Not trying to make excuses for the guy, because I think he'll end up being a valuable off the bench guard later this season, but just putting that out there that this probably contributed to this slow start. You can't adequately simulate real game time.

we need him because playing Q more than 30 minutes a game hurts us.
Hopefully Rick stops his mind games and plays the kid more because the kid doenst need to be broken down and rebuilt like ricck likes to do. He needs clock. WE NEED HIM

 

[Ipartiedwithhopgood]

I don't think it's mind games in this instance.

I think he is still trying to figure out what combinations he likes.