The best part of the article about his relationship with Jimmy Butler is the revelation that Jimmy Butler drives a minivan.
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I am very happy we now have a solid backup PG that has played 4 YEARS, is known for his handle and FT shooting, and should be confident the minute he steps on Crisler hardwood, game or practice. Immediate upgrade over 2019-2020 Nunez, especially during end-of-game pressure (still hoping Nunez improves greatly under Howard, especially on D). His floor is reliable, and with less volume and others to relieve pressure, his ceiling may be a ānext best fitā for our team. GoBlue!
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Feeling good about this after learning more about him.
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Iām sure that played a part but the step up in competition is probably more challenging than the change in system.
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You hit the keys there - solid floor, solid open shooter, very good ball-handler at worst (for a team lacking them), and potential upside as a late-clock emergency.
After reading the article Dylan shared there is no doubt in my mind that Smith believes he can come in and start. If Christopher comes then I believe Eli will start next to Josh, as I think most of us do, but I think Mike Smith oozes confidence. It sounds like he has the Jimmy Butler work ethic, and, if there are those who donāt think he will/can start he will take that as a personal challenge just as he has always taken the āsizeā thing as a challenge. Having said that, I believe he will be an excellent teammate who will love playing for Juwan and who will put the team first. He sounds like a really smart, high character young man! Iām pretty excited with this addition.
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Man I hope Zeb can play some point guard.
Itās a WHOLE different game when youāre no longer dominating the ball at monster usage numbers.
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I hope he does think he can start and I hope his game translates enough that he can fill a major rotation role whether he starts or not. Even if Eli and Chrisopher are both on the roster and playing 30mpg thereās an opening for 20mpg and ball handling. Iām excited for Zebās future and I hope he gets a few minutes from time to time next season, but heās not even playing for his loaded HS team so I donāt expect him to be ready for a meaningful role. Give me a 4-year D-1 player whoās had to do everything for his team that is a natural PG. Iām most excited that heāll keep defenses honest with his shot, be a great ball handler (Eli is just okay), and look to set up teammates (Eli hasnāt done much of that).
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Please do a 20 thoughts post
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I love his pull up jumper. That shot reminds me of Spike Albrecht. Quick release; just needs a smidgen of space, and he is very adept about creating the space. Really impressive. This guy can score. Heās like Spike, but quicker 
also two good hips.
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I hope he helps lead us to a BIG Championship and a Final Four, but I realistically expect a good role player that plays 10 to 20 situational minutes a game.
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With how many good players we should have on roster itās not inconceivable to think Smith can be a player who helps lead us to championships while only playing 10-20 mins a game.
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Availability has always been Aikenās biggest problem. Canāt help, if you can;t stay healthy.
I like that comparable - even if heās more athletic than Spike. The comparable is nice because of the role Spike played. Iāve watched a few of the classic games these past few weeks and you can see the role - 15-25mpg, shoot 37-40% from three, limit the 2pt attempts, distribute, etc.
A lot of dominoes left to fall (Livers, Todd, Christopher) but if all three are on the team next year then I think the 9-man rotation is set. Obviously all of this changes daily at this point, but I like the idea of this rotation:
- PG: EB (20), MS (20)
- SG: JC (30), EB (10)
- SF: FW (30), IL (10)
- PF: IL (20), IT (20)
- C: BJ (15), HD (15), AD (10)
- BN (<7mpg): ZJ, TW, CB, AN
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With the assumption that those three guys at center will change game-to-game based on fouls, match-ups, performance, etc. None of them are likely to play more than 20 minutes or less than 10.
You forgot Jace Howard.
looks good, still holding out hope bajema can find 10-15 mins and maybe we dont need to play brooks 30 mins a night
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I didnāt forget him, I just summarized the 13 guys on scholarship. I think we will see Jace play later in his career, but not for a while.
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I agree. I think the team is going to need shooting and I am optimistic he will be able to do that. To me heās insurance at the 2 and 3ā¦but hard to project him to take minutes from anyone on that list. I would like to see him get the PT that Nunez got this year and see if he can take more advantage of those few minutes.
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You may be surprised. Wonāt probably be in the regular rotation though. You are correct on that.