Mitch or Dave, the starting lineup dilemma.

I take Bill Self at face value when he says the media and fans make way more out of the starting big man question than he and Mitch and Dave make of it. I’ would guess it is not an issue of no concern for them but I also believe Self that it is not a major focus. It actually seems pretty obvious that Self’s only focus is getting his guys to play at their best and if manipulating the starting lineup impacts that then that is what he will do. Was the deletion from the starting lineup the key that woke Dave from his Bad Dave mode? Who knows. It probably played at least some role. But Self is also spot on when he says it matter far more who is in the game in the end then at the beginning. It is also more important the total minutes. Mitch has earned his minutes and I would bet that he will continue to get 10-12 minutes per game regardless of whether he starts or not. When it comes right down to it, one of the most important talents of a head coach is getting the team and the individuals to play at their highest level. I was very fortunate to have run a sizable organization with staff of about 300. I had the chance to do a lot of formal and informal leadership training. One of the key things I taught to emerging leaders was that one of the primary yardsticks every leader should be measured against is do they make their people bette than they would have otherwise been had they not worked for them. In other words, great leaders make people and teams better than they could have been without the leadership. Heck, think about it, if you don;t do that why does your position exist. Bill Self has demonstrated for 30 years his ability to make his players better than they would have been without him as the leader. We see only a fraction of what he does but we sure see the fruits of his efforts and expertise. I track a series of “trending” stats for all teams and have done so for years. Self, as well as other great coaches consistently improve his teams well above the average from November to March. So as for David or Mitch starting, I really don’t have much opinion. I want them both to be the best version of themselves and Self has a 20 year record at KU showing he can do that.

I’m going with Mitch until Mac shows he can consistently produce and not cause others to regress. I think the offense runs much smoother with Mitch in, and he’s a better defender than Mac.

If Mac earns the spot back, then great. If not, his energy off the bench can be a plus.