I just rewatched the Duke game (bc I'm a nerd and my day job is slow) to see what the team's stats were when KJ touched the ball vs when he didn't. The announcers talked a lot about getting KJ the ball at least once every possession, and the stats back it up.
When KJ got a touch, VT scored on 17/25 possessions (68%).
When KJ did not get a touch, VT scored on 15/29 possessions (51%).
To top it off, KJ finished the month of February (8 games) averaging:
20.5 ppg
9.3 rpg
2.4-1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio
60% FG
83% FT
47% from 3
Talk about player of the month, especially on a team without a point guard for all 8 of those games.
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That 3 point percentage led directly to that shot fake drive and dunk last night.
also the shot-fake drive and lay up earlier in the half
(that's a 1.4 assist-to-turnover ratio btw for those of us used to the traditional representation)
Been carrying the squad since JRob went down. Gonna need it the rest of the way to make any noise in the tourney (ACC and NCAA).
Got three questions for you kids to ponder:
1) Do you think our "point forward," (KJ) will keep up his production when 5 returns?
2) How do we accomplish 1)?
3) ...and I hate to ask, but feel like I have to, what are the chances that KJ goes pro after this year (please give me a reason not to worry)?
1) Maybe. I'm assuming he's shooting more because Bede may be passing more.
2) Have J-ROB dish it.
3) 0.0
His production doesn't have to stay up if 5 returns and can score and dish like he did before the injury.
But the threat of it will make our whole team that much more effective.
Bingo
I don't think there is any chance that KJ goes pro after this season.
I will say, I am very surprised that it seems like NAW's stock has gone up with J-Rob out. It seems like his production has gone down when he really was handed the opportunity to shine.
I thought his stock might have dropped a bit and we could maybe hope for one more season.
He is a very good on ball defender with quickness and length. Has proven he can handle some ballhandling load to create his own shot and is a cagey and smart passer when doubled. He is exactly what the new NBA is looking for: a positionless long rangy scorer who can cover any position 1-3.
I wouldn't consider KJ a point forward. He doesn't handle the ball in the backcourt.