I liked this article but when I read this line and pondered it's meaning I was quite troubled. Enough to come on here after doing some research and discuss it.
"The coaches do want me to be even more of a leader this year, and I'm going to take that role," he said. "Last year, Armon took pressure off me. Now, more is on me. I have to step up, take more big shots and lead."
I can see a coach saying to his aspiring point guard certain things but what was said and what was heard is so often different. It has been my experience to observe on occasion a team with a Point who is thinking "take big shots" is indeed in trouble. Shooting guards and Point Guards are aptly named and only in the Ohio Valley Conference does the team that has a Shooting Point Guard ever thrive. I do so hope that Mr Cooper realizes he has the support and playmakers to get the job done and keep the pressure off himself. Washington , Freeman, Keely, Baltic and now Msrs Hall and Johnson.
Point Guards that distribute often find that their own shots become easier when the opposition has to guard all five players. Notably, I found that Mr Cooper is in the Top 10 in the
record book for 3 point FG attempted in a season already. Mr Walther made it twice with greater accuracy at 34% compared to 31 for our still young PG and much ruckus was made regarding Mr Walther's shot selection. Perhaps he will be there all four years? Rather ignominious acheivement if you are not also on the 3 pt FG made list. In the exhibition games his % has been much improved but I fear the "make big shots" mentality may be our downfall if teams learn to concentrate on the shooter rather than the team led by a distributor who can also knock down big shots. A fine line indeed.