Justin Smith played very well in a career best game vs Michigan State, and in a win earlier in the week vs Wisconsin. I have never seen Justin Smith play this well, if he has refocused himself mentally and continues to play hard on both ends of the court and make shots without turning the ball over, this Justin Smith can be a difference maker. Hopefully this Justin Smith is the new normal and he has elevated his game to a vastly improved level. If Justin can make perimeter shots on a consistent basis, everything changes for him and the team. Izzo and Michigan State left Justin wide open on the perimeter which allowed his man to clog the lane or double on Romeo or Morgan when they get the ball. Justin need to focus on his confidence in his ability, and in his shot mechanics, and hopefully IU can finish the regular season strong with more wins and take this momentum and confidence into the BTT and the Post-Season.
Justin Smith great game!
- Thread starter ufo33
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It would be great if something clicked and he'll be able to play like this consistently. However, he started playing well at the end of last season but lost that over the summer instead of building on our at least staying at that level of play.
Amazing how sitting on the bench an entire half makes you re-focus. That said, he did play well. Yeah he made shots but he was aggressive in going to the basket which he needs to be not fading away. He missed shots around the basket but at least he went strong.
Smith had some good games at the end of last year.. I forgot for a moment it was Smith and thought he was OG in the final home game against OSU. I had hoped he would have built on the late season performances.
Like Green, he has the tools to be a good player and consistently average 10+ points per game. I would like to see Smith ride this momentum past the end of the year into next year. We will see Thursday if it was a single spike in performance. At least Illinois will have to pay more attention to him.
