This makes no sense. He committed to play for Mullin and his system. Did LJ not look like a great addition his first yr? He did not commit to this staff. It's that simple. I do not understand why this is even a debate.
L.J. statistics over the last two years are virtually identical, with the primary difference being a lower overall FG% (down to 38% from 51%). I chalk that up to two things. One, going from being one of several secondary options to the primary option team could focus on. Two, going from playing with one of the best playmaking guards in the country (Ponds) -- that everyone focused on -- to playing with inferior offensive PGs and less outside scoring options around him. Myles Powell was as good a shooter as there was in college basketball last season, and saw a 5% drop across-the-board in FG%, FT%, and 3-point percentage, despite playing with a much better supporting cast than the prior year. So I don't buy this "blaming Anderson" stuff, particularly when he showed the ability to squeeze much more out of some kids than others could. Sometimes guys have a worse year (like Powell did), even with the same staff and a better surrounding team. Sometimes a significant change in a kid's role -- like LJ experienced this year -- results in growing pains. With our squad next year, I think LJ is primed to have a better season.