JTT back changes everything

Yeah tech sucks but they've been in most of their games. They just beat iowa state even and could easily have 4-5 wins

But wow.

It's like last year. Likely national champs without all the injuries

And just slaughtered tech again at home

With Jon, Love, and Bridges this is an incredibly dangerous team.

Tech is not a bad team. It's a tough league right now.

It's just one game, but EJ can have a big impact moving forward. If he can establish himself as a threat from 3, would go a long way to open up the paint for guards and Bridges to do damage. But EJ's return really brought energy, aggressiveness, and confidence to the team. Great game all around!

Is it just me, or did our defense get dramatically better with Everyday Jon on the floor?

I posted on another thread - JTT right now is worth about 10 points on defense even though I estimate he's only at about 75% capacity due to how the injury still limits his lateral movement. He knows how Drew wants that man to man D to work (switches and help-side) and is able to orchestrate help to some of our weaker defenders. IF we can can 10-15 minutes a game out of him, it will add a much needed dimension to this team.

historian said:

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Is it just me, or did our defense get dramatically better with Everyday Jon on the floor?

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Yes. Our defense has been getting better throughout the season anyway. But yes, he's the best interior defender we've got.

No middle defense works so much better with him .he knows how to force the opponents to the sidelines with his active feet and hands.

Wife was not happy when I jumped up and yelled as he came on the floor. She was napping on the couch. 12 months later and what a sight for sore eyes. That boy can do it all. He was backing Tyson up under the rim and imposing his will. Dude has size, length, technique, finess, and charisma. Wow what a jolt he brings. So happy to see him back. One honest thought though was I felt like a nervous parent. Every time he steps wide, which he does a lot, I flinched. Worried cause I can't get that image from last spring out of my head when he back/side stepped and it all went to crap for him. There was one rebound or defensive play where he went down under the rim in the 2nd half and my heart stopped cause it looked like he might have reinjured but the beast got right back up and proceeded to mop the floor with that pizza delivery squad. GO JOHN!!!! SIC EM!!!

I had forgotten just how much a difference JTT makes. It's as if the team has gone from having below average defense (not for a lack of trying--just how the roster is constructed) to above average defense all because of the addition of 1 player. Also, he adds to the offense as opponents have to worry about his outside shot. I wouldn't be surprised if he created a plus 8 to 12 point differential over the course of a game. With him back, the team looks like an Elite 8 team. Without him, they looked like a "Lose in the 2nd Round" team, or perhaps 1st round if the shots aren't falling. I guess one guy can make a mountain of difference.

If EJ, Flagler, Cryer, Bridges, and Keyonte are on the floor together, that's a 3-point threat at all five positions at the same time, without giving much on defense, if any. Wow.