Arch and CF,
I’m in your camp wrt YF: good, not great and with potential to be great…so far not developed. The Yogi-lovers’ don’t want to hear that. I’ll change my opinion when he garners double-teams and help defenders. Regardless of opinions of his status (good/great) I’ll enjoy watching him play. Specifically, I’ll watch for: 1) his on the ball defense (given his quickness it should be pure h*ll to be guarded by him); 2) his ability to drive and pass or shoot. His skills in the paint are underdeveloped through last year (he shoots only what, 32% in/around the paint per an excellent analysis by Alex here on ITH???) but he has the ability to command attention in the lane if he can improve his ability to both pass and finish. Lots of potential in this part of his game; 3) does he let JBJ and RJ and perhaps a few others blossom and lead? I’m particularly encouraged that both RJ and JBJ had numerous assists in the recent games. That’s a real strong positive in my opinion. Also, JBJ stated that he is preparing to play a lot of PG. That’s a strong positive in my opinion.

We shall see. UNC is clearly above IU at this point.

Paige is clearly above Yogi at this point.

None of those that you mention are clearly above Yogi. A PG is like a QB, it is all about the W’s. But the team supporting him is important. UNC had an average year with great talent at every position. IU with Yogi had a sub-par year with a poor supporting cast. VanFleet had a great year with a once in a lifetime roster for WSU.

Thus “arguably.” Zero games played…

Edit: Not being controversial. Just pointing out the way it was phased. Which I find to be accurate.

Maybe not the best, or an all American — but definitely one of the top ones in my humble opinion — probably to 5, maybe best in B1G

Love your enthusiasm, but Yogi is hardly the best in the country. Begin with Marcus Paige at UNC. VanFleet at WSU will have an argument. Keifer Sykes at Green Bay shouldn’t be overlooked. Yogi is an excellent PG and I’m glad we have him; but there’s a lot of competition for the best.

I’m certainly one that has argued the point with you and others. Mainly, because I believe in the skill set, not necessarily in the outcome from a team like we had last year (even those his numbers stack up very well). But the proof is in the puddin’. Pun intended. Should be a great year for Yogi…

Well stated. I’ve maintained that Yogi doesn’t have to change his mindset this year. It’s well illustrated in the quotes. They take the drive, he can dish to formidable shooters. They don’t respect the drive, Yogi will burn them. They leave him open on the perimeter, he will shoot over the top. It’s simply the way the offense is intended to work. Take what the defense is giving you.

The difference ultimately is better conversion on dishes and less reliance on a last second contested shot, with improved ball rotation and overall ability to handle the ball amongst his teammates. That being said, on an individual level, I look for mid range game to improve as well as decrease turnovers.

I don’t think Yogi will have any problem being a “distributor.” As a matter of fact, I don’t think he will have to adjust his game much at all. Remember, no matter how great that kick-out pass is, you don’t get credited with an assist if the player bricks the open jump shot or, even worse, disregards the open shot entirely. He could get three or four more assists per game with the very same passes, this season.

Last season was ugly enough- now imagine it without Yogi!!
With other viable options I think he’ll be a monster.