What is his health status? Is he done? The few times lately he has been in he seems ok. Are they possibly saving him for later in season to preserve health? He will always be a fan favorite just hoping for him to get to play.

Sammy10 said:

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What is his health status? Is he done? The few times lately he has been in he seems ok. Are they possibly saving him for later in season to preserve health? He will always be a fan favorite just hoping for him to get to play.

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He has played sporadically when Missi or Josh get into foul trouble. The last I saw him play someone tried to throw him a lob and he had absolutely no lift. Sadly he has lost all his mobility and athleticism.

He is strong. He is smart. He can shoot. He rebounds. He makes free throws. He won't block shots but he can stop a big thick guy from backing him down in the paint (Missi tends to let big guys push him around). I think it's a mistake not to use him, especially against beefier centers. I think he helps us against KSU, he would have made 3 or 4 free throws vs Missi.

Not saying he is the answer to our problems or anything... just suggesting he can help situationally if Drew would let him.

I agree, he looked decent a few games ago. But seems like they know more about this than us. I would guess he only feels decent in spurts. The tea leaves are saying he just won't get it back. His strength is compromised by the loss of leverage from the lower body injury.

He can't clear out space and explode to rebound like before. I agree, if he feels healthy, run him some in the game. Has looked okay the last few times he's been out there. But seems like its day to day and mostly not.

Its a shame, because this team is missing one tough athletic forward and a steady second hand ball handler that can hit shots and plays really good defense. Old Jon fits this teams void perfectly and makes them elite, but it just isn't consistently there. Old Jon was more physical and athletic than any player I see in this league this year. He bodied really tough teams in conference and bodied Sampson's best Houston team with ease. Just a tough break.

Quinton said:

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I agree, he looked decent a few games ago. But seems like they know more about this than us. I would guess he only feels decent in spurts. The tea leaves are saying he just won't get it back. His strength is compromised by the loss of leverage from the lower body injury.

He can't clear out space and explode to rebound like before. I agree, if he feels healthy, run him some in the game. Has looked okay the last few times he's been out there. But seems like its day to day and mostly not.

Its a shame, because this team is missing one tough athletic forward and a steady second hand ball handler that can hit shots and plays really good defense. Old Jon fits this teams void perfectly and makes them elite, but it just isn't consistently there. Old Jon was more physical and athletic than any player I see in this league this year. He bodied really tough teams in conference and bodied Sampson's best Houston team with ease. Just a tough break.

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I get your point but I think you are selling him short. He looks quicker and stronger than last year imo. But we have 2 really good young guys so I understand the challenge of getting him minutes.

No, I agree. I had a comment a few games ago where he looked pretty good. His movement was decent and he got off the floor better than I had seen in a few years a few games ago. Really got up.

Im just saying I don't know the whole picture and Im sure Jon would be pushing the staff to get him out there if he was healthy. Which leads me to believe something is off and not just his now limited playing ability. I think the effects from the injury are consistently flaring up. I believe he also had a strain injury probably from overcompensation for the knee.

I agree he needs to be put in for stints when he gives the okay. I just don't think that is happening for whatever reason.

JP1037 said:

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He is strong. He is smart. He can shoot. He rebounds. He makes free throws. He won't block shots but he can stop a big thick guy from backing him down in the paint (Missi tends to let big guys push him around). I think it's a mistake not to use him, especially against beefier centers. I think he helps us against KSU, he would have made 3 or 4 free throws vs Missi.

Not saying he is the answer to our problems or anything... just suggesting he can help situationally if Drew would let him.

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Drew has said he has moved to more of a coach's role.

I agree with your suggestions of how he could be used but I've no idea what kind of impact playing has on EJ the next day. I don't think he has made appearances in consecutive games this season. I could be wrong about Nov-Dec games but not that I recall.

He started first few games. But other than that you're correct.
It's too bad because he's the PERFECT matchup for KUs beast of a center Hunter Dickinson

That would be a FUN matchup to watch. Too bad we won't be able to see it.

He's done. Great story, and I wish him nothing but the best. But, he'll never have a measurable impact on Baylor BB again.

You try to come back from that level of injury and be competitive in BigXII basketball. Exactly.....