El Duderino wrote:Johnlac1 wrote:
My intent was that I think Ryan views Jackson and Koenig as about equal. I don't think that Koenig is overall better than Jackson, although his ceiling is higher. I'm not in the group who believe Jackson is a negative. He's been a key player for the Badgers for two seasons.
As has been stated, Jackson is the tougher-better def. player, Koenig is the better off player. In the current situation where the Badgers can get off. from their frontline, pts from the guards are sort of a bonus. The loss to Rutgers was an obvious aberration as Kaminsky was missing and Gasser was really off his normal good outside shooting.
I don't think that right now at least that Koeing is clearly a better offensive player than Jackson is, they are just different.
Jackson is more prone to make the head scratching turnover, but he's shown a better ability to beat defenders off the dribble and score in the paint compared to Koeing who takes most of his shots from the perimeter. Watching Koeing since he arrived, i've wondered why he rarely even tries beating his defender off dribble penetration to get into the paint and either score or pass. What i don't know is if he's simply not skilled enough at that yet or if Bo frowns upon Koeing attempting it like Jackson does?
For as good/efficient as the Badgers offense usually is, they are still pretty heavily reliant on the three point shot outside of when Kaminski and/or Hayes is scoring well inside. Granted, there are a number of good jump shooters on the team, but Jackson is really the only guy on the team who fairly regularly attempts dribble penetration, especially when the shot clock is running down. That Purdue game being a prime example. The team wasn't shooting good from outside and in the last few minutes, Jackson hit two or three huge dribble drive shots in the last few minutes as the shot clock was running down and the overall offense was looking stagnant. Not sure Koeing could have done that given he rarely does it.
You make some good points about Jackson's driving ability. He's definitely stronger than Koenig and able to take punishment and finish better. Plus, he's a very confident player. He's willing to be the take charge guy running the offense. He's shown the ability to make game-winning plays. I trust him as much as any Badger to take the last second shot.
One knock I do have with Jackson is his at times inability to see the floor and make the right play. You can tell at times that he's determined to get his shot off with other players open.
I think part of Koenig's earlier problems this year, as a soph. playing with juniors and seniors, was trying to fit in. He has to show more initiative. However, remember he's playing with one of the best frontlines in the country. I think he was clearly trying to defer. I've seen most of the Badger games, and it's clear that there were a number of times Koenig had his man beat but passed off. He's got to take his shots when they occur.
Offensively he can do it all. He can hit threes, has an excellent off the dribble jumper, and can get to the basket. Plus, he's has superior vision and passing ability compared to Jackson. Again, not a knock on Jackson as he's played very good ball for the Badgers last year and this year. Hopefully, Koenig can play with the confidence needed at his position.
