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Any opinions on what's going on with Och? His game has regressed steadily ever since his heralded appearance his freshman year when they took off his redshirt and he inexplicably showed determination that he apparently wasn't showing HCBS in practice.

Alpha dog he is not. But man he has become so timid out there lately. I noticed in the end of the Creighton game, with the game on the line and 12.5 seconds left, Bill had to stop Och from goofing around in the huddle. Agbaji was laughing and looking to his right at someone in warmups while Bill was giving out instruction for the final defensive possession. Bill had to tap Och on the chest and say c'mon man, listen up!

I'm ready for Agbaji's minutes to go to a more hungry player that will likely be more receptive to coaching and fighting for wins. Also, someone else getting those minutes, such as Bryce Thompson, will likely surge him past Agbaji by February in skill level.

Any ideas about what HCBS should do about this development? Get out the treadmill in practice? :)

He has had one bad game this year shooting in which he still contributed and played a lot. Effort and fighting for wins is not a problem.

Last Night was an off game from him offensively. But he guarded well as always, ball hawking Ballock and others all night.
4 Assists, 5 boards, 2 steals and 3 TO's. Not great but not a "the sky is falling" type game either.

Ochai's problem as Self alluded to in preseason is when he's not aggressive and makes shots he tends to disappear. That's why you tend to see Agbaji score often in the first half because it seems to keep his mind sharp and aggressive. He missed some shots he normally hits and their was a failed lob attempt that probably would have helped him out if they connected.

I do however disagree 100% that his minutes should go elsewhere. Shooting 41% from 3 with improved form. He's at a 2/1 assist/turnover ratio which is a big improvement from his first two seasons. Bet he bounces back big time Friday

If there is one thing the players DON'T need aftera ton of games every other day almost, it's the treadmill! Rest and recovery. Och will be fine. I imagine we will see a couple more games like this from him this year but like @BeddieKU23 said, his D doesn't really seem to suffer even when his shot isn't falling. The turnovers are pretty much there good game or bad for him. Just part of his game unfortunately.

@BeddieKU23 said in What's up with Agbaji?:

Last Night was an off game from him offensively. But he guarded well as always, ball hawking Ballock and others all night.
4 Assists, 5 boards, 2 steals and 3 TO's. Not great but not a "the sky is falling" type game either.

Ochai's problem as Self alluded to in preseason is when he's not aggressive and makes shots he tends to disappear. That's why you tend to see Agbaji score often in the first half because it seems to keep his mind sharp and aggressive. He missed some shots he normally hits and their was a failed lob attempt that probably would have helped him out if they connected.

I do however disagree 100% that his minutes should go elsewhere. Shooting 41% from 3 with improved form. He's at a 2/1 assist/turnover ratio which is a big improvement from his first two seasons. Bet he bounces back big time Friday

ya bad night. but Whaaaaa? - -no way should his minutes go elsewhere. - -I get frustrated when he vanishes and have expressed so - -but no way should his minutes diminish - - just got to step it up some but to good for minutes to dwindle/taken

Ochai is going to average 15 PPG this year, plays great defense, and is a selfless player. There is nothing wrong with him.

Agbaji is a very solid player. I have not necessarily been on board with him being a potential NBA player. I think he's a four year guy with a chance to stick after a stop in the GLeague. But that's not a criticism. That means he's a very good college player as a floor. He's probably not a star, but you could win a national title with him as your second or third best player. In a lot of ways, that's what made last year's team so dangerous. Agbaji wasn't under pressure to be the top dog (or even the second guy). He's just really solid.

Och's scored over 16pts every game til yesterday.

@justanotherfan said in What's up with Agbaji?:

Agbaji is a very solid player. I have not necessarily been on board with him being a potential NBA player. I think he's a four year guy with a chance to stick after a stop in the GLeague. But that's not a criticism. That means he's a very good college player as a floor. He's probably not a star, but you could win a national title with him as your second or third best player. In a lot of ways, that's what made last year's team so dangerous. Agbaji wasn't under pressure to be the top dog (or even the second guy). He's just really solid.

I agree with you that he is a good even little more then good COLLEGE player. I think he is going to be another player that's in between the NBA & G league - just not enough to be clear cut NBA player but very solid College player

Ochai has been very good. I see no reason to cut his minutes or take him out of the lineup.

Ochai, still great.

Who said that Agbaji needs to have his minutes cut?

@BShark said in What's up with Agbaji?:

Ochai, still great.

OP didn't age well

@BeddieKU23 good thing!

Ochai and Jalen are very clearly the best players on the team.

My vote so far this season:

MVP: Ochai

Most improved: Jalen

It's very possible we'd be like 3-5 without Jalen so I would go with him for MVP so far, with Ochai right behind him.

Also going to mention again that KU's crucial comeback stretch against Tech came with Garrett on the bench...