I look at the overall quality of guard play as a step down from last year. I don't think either Baraka or BOC have to displayed the ability to situationally change speeds like Mincy and Long. That feature for both guards gave vcu and SLU fits last year.
My concern is that if this team can only play fast and not change speeds. We will see more unforced turnovers against teams in close games.
Yes Baraka got his 20 and 5.. but Stetson still went 12-21 last year.
Mercer went 19–13 last year, so I think that's a pretty bold claim after just one game, although it's certainly possible. Yes, Baraka put up 20 and 5 at Mercer, and yes individual production and team success aren't necessarily the same thing.
If we're going to use past success as a measuring stick, BOC has played in a conference championship game in all three years of college. Obviously, two of those came in a different conference, but you introduced that comparison.
I also disagree with the idea that the overall quality of guard play is a step down from last year. Mincy and Long were excellent at changing speeds and controlling tempo, which gave teams like vcu and SLU fits last season. But I don't think we've seen enough to determine whether Baraka and BOC can do the same with THIS GROUP.
The concern that this team might only be able to play fast, leading to more unforced turnovers in close games against better competition, is fair. But we're only one game into the season. It's far too early to conclude that these guards can't control the pace or adjust to different situations.
We're also forgetting that Baraka, as a freshman, scored 19 second-half points to lead Mason past No. 16 Dayton in the program's first-ever home win over a ranked opponent. He has already demonstrated that he can take over a game against elite A-10 competition. I'm not sure where the idea that he can't control a game is coming from.