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I miss Nicholbombs.

I had the instinct that Matt has been more foul prone than last year. Which could be explained by being a step slower. Which, in turn, would explain a lot about his performance being a tad disappointing this year at all levels:

22/23 - 21.0 mpg, 2.0 fouls - 3.81 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

Does not seem like a big difference. Until you consider this year we have yet to face the bulk of the "real" teams and a lot of the fouls are against cupcakes. Last year the average is for the entire year. Bit hard to make it apples to apples. But, through 10, we had faced MSU instead of PU in conference. We had played Pitt, Auburn and Georgetown as power opponents, this year we played MS State and "Dayton". #10 game was against the same DePaul team. Matt was not a starter to begin the year, now he is.

Anyway, through 10 games, the numbers are below.

22/23 - 18.1 mpg, 1.5 fouls - 3.31 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

So, yeah, there's a difference, he's more experienced but fouling more. He's slower.
 
I had the instinct that Matt has been more foul prone than last year. Which could be explained by being a step slower. Which, in turn, would explain a lot about his performance being a tad disappointing this year at all levels:

22/23 - 21.0 mpg, 2.0 fouls - 3.81 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

Does not seem like a big difference. Until you consider this year we have yet to face the bulk of the "real" teams and a lot of the fouls are against cupcakes. Last year the average is for the entire year. Bit hard to make it apples to apples. But, through 10, we had faced MSU instead of PU in conference. We had played Pitt, Auburn and Georgetown as power opponents, this year we played MS State and "Dayton". #10 game was against the same DePaul team. Matt was not a starter to begin the year, now he is.

Anyway, through 10 games, the numbers are below.

22/23 - 18.1 mpg, 1.5 fouls - 3.31 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

So, yeah, there's a difference, he's more experienced but fouling more. He's slower.
The match up against Edey definitely hurts the stats. I think it was 5 fouls in 12
I had the instinct that Matt has been more foul prone than last year. Which could be explained by being a step slower. Which, in turn, would explain a lot about his performance being a tad disappointing this year at all levels:

22/23 - 21.0 mpg, 2.0 fouls - 3.81 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

Does not seem like a big difference. Until you consider this year we have yet to face the bulk of the "real" teams and a lot of the fouls are against cupcakes. Last year the average is for the entire year. Bit hard to make it apples to apples. But, through 10, we had faced MSU instead of PU in conference. We had played Pitt, Auburn and Georgetown as power opponents, this year we played MS State and "Dayton". #10 game was against the same DePaul team. Matt was not a starter to begin the year, now he is.

Anyway, through 10 games, the numbers are below.

22/23 - 18.1 mpg, 1.5 fouls - 3.31 fouls per 40
23/24 - 20.8 mpg, 2.3 fouls - 4.42 fouls per 40

So, yeah, there's a difference, he's more experienced but fouling more. He's slower.
5 fouls in 12 minutes against Edey hurts the stats.
 
The match up against Edey definitely hurts the stats. I think it was 5 fouls in 12

5 fouls in 12 minutes against Edey hurts the stats.
Sure does. But it’s not like moving last year’s Purdue to the sample would yield other conclusions. He had 2 fouls in 27 minutes in that game.
 
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Sure does. But it’s not like moving last year’s Purdue to the sample would yield other conclusions. He had 2 fouls in 27 minutes of that game.
I think he’s looked a little quicker the last few games. Hasn’t translated to results yet, but seems to be coming into shape.

I don’t think he showed up this year in the best shape and ready to play. Hopefully it’s a wake up call for him next year.
 
I think he’s looked a little quicker the last few games. Hasn’t translated to results yet, but seems to be coming into shape.

I don’t think he showed up this year in the best shape and ready to play. Hopefully it’s a wake up call for him next year.
Also, wonder if he’s having a thumb problem he seems to be taping the thumb may be had an injury preseason that may preclude him from dunking
 
I think he’s looked a little quicker the last few games. Hasn’t translated to results yet, but seems to be coming into shape.

I don’t think he showed up this year in the best shape and ready to play. Hopefully it’s a wake up call for him next year.
I agree with that - he looked heavier and slower in November. He was more defined last year.
Hoping it was something forgivable like "nagging knee injury" that can go away.

What may motivate him is more playing time for Luke Hunger.
 
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