This is why several of us were saying he should sit for the JMU game. It really did not seem Tony-like to risk playing him, esp for such an inconsequential game where the rest of the guys should have been able to win without him (and did!). Hindsight is 20-20 and all that, and here we are…
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But did they really?
Reece stole the opening tip after Shedrick lost the tip and then assisted Armaan on a 3 on the same possession.
Then he had a hockey assist on the next possession.
Then had the breakaway layup at he 16:35 mark.
That’s 7 points produced and an unofficial steal in a 5 point win. 
One could also say the others would have been more emotionally prepared if they knew from the start there was no Reece. 
I am guessing he is out until January. Why risk the entire ACC schedule? 1-2 losses will not damage the season but a nagging injury would. We’d look more or less just like we did last year. Clark smothering the ball and driving desperately for something, Franklin hoisting contested late cycle shots, double teams in the post … no thanks!
You mean like we looked vs JMU without him?
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I could be totally wrong, but when I watched the play, it looked like he was OK through the fast break and layup but as he took a step forward after the layup his toes came down on the JMU defenders foot and his leg got jammed up weirdly. Maybe the hammy was already shot before that, but at first glance I thought that’s what caused the issue, as opposed to it just giving way because of over compensation or something. But somebody would have to look at the replay again, cause I could just be making all of this up.
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I didnt see the play at all (yet) so imma go with your story
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As someone who’s going to be there for a top 5 showdown, I’d love to have Beekman back for that game. But it’s far more important to have him healthy and 100% from New Years on in ACC play. I remember we talked before the season about how most of us expected 1-3 and would be thrilled with 2-2 in the 4 big OOC games. If we are 3-1 and the 1 loss was without Beekman, I’ll count that as a massive success.
Assuming no Beekman against Houston: I think our best chance is to get Kihei in the lane and dishing out to shooters and pray our guys get hot outside(Franklin, Mick, BVP, Dunn, even Kihei himself). I think it’ll be low scoring either way, so I think we still have a chance if we get hot from 3. Going to be tough though.
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I read Tony’s comments as it was there along with the ankle injury and Reece aggravated it on the fast break play.
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LOL, ok scratch the “and did” part!
Without Reece I dont see any way we can stay with their guards. We will have to keeo the paint clogged and give them the 3. Just hope they are cold
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Yep. Certainly don’t love our chances, but low scoring games make it more possible to squeak one out if we hit a few down the stretch and they miss a few. IE. Bama Houston this past weekend.
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Hope y’all are right. I think the Hoos need Reece for his defense against Houston as much if not more for what he can do on offense. And I think that’s why he has to be very healthy to go. Reece at 70ish% can keep the ball moving enough to help the offense avoid the stagnation we saw against JMU. But Reece at 70% is gonna have his hands full with the Houston backcourt and could become a liability if he’s getting blown by and Kadin is shot block happy.
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I think the hoos’ defense will be able to get it Dunn against Houston. I want Reece ready for the back half of the schedule and for March
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Houston is phenomenal at:
-Offensive and defensive rebounding
-Forcing turnovers
-3 point defense
Houston is not great at:
-Getting to the line
-Preventing other team from getting to the line
-Shooting
This is one where having two ball handlers is essential. If we can protect the ball and rebound and hit FTs, we can muck it up enough to win. This is the only way.
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Nobody wants to hear this, but at Miami a mere 3 days later is a more important game
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Heal up young man. While I prefer a health Reece playing, if he can’t go, think what a growth experience for the two first years. The ACC will seem tame in comparison.
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He gave up a 3-pointer, a post-entry pass that led to a basket, and his breakaway was started by a loose ball created by other defenders. The hockey assist you gave him went to Gardner who dribbled then passed to Franklin who then dribbled and passed back to Gardner for a baseline jumper. Three touches after leaving Reece.
Yes, they won without Reece. Credit to them for adapting.
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We are so fucked
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22 FTA vs Alabama though. But only made 12.