I've received a bunch of comments regarding the struggles of Christian Watford coupled with the emergence of Derek Elston.
Disclaimer: Yes, it's only been two games.
But this is a situation worth monitoring because the chirping for Elston could get louder if he continues this, especially if Watford also struggles like he has so far.
Now, it's worth noting that Watford is still coming off an ankle injury. I say coming off because while his ankle might be back to what it needs to be, his conditioning is not, as backed by IU Coach Tom Crean.
Watford, who was IU's leading scorer at 16 points per game last season, is only averaging 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in these first two games. Watford has shot a mere 21 percent (3-for-14) from the floor and has been virtually invisible in 45 minutes of play this season.
After not making a basket until over 17 minutes into the opener against Stony Brook, Watford's offensive struggles carried over against Chattanooga. The junior forward appeared to get off to a quick start with a put-back bucket 1:35 into the game.
Then he didn't score another point.
Watford is not a guy known for having a quick first step but it has been especially slow in these first two games. He isn't getting high-percentage shots because he can't create for himself. Even when he is open from beyond the arc, a shot he is reliable with when in rhythm, he doesn't look confident.
Crean isn't going to publicly address Watford's struggles, but one has to think they're on his mind.
On the other hand, Elston has looked like the player IU fans saw flashes of during his freshman season. Elston dealt with a slew of injuries last year, most notably a sports hernia that bogged him down at the end of the season.
But whatever issues Elston appeared to have last season have not affected him his season. The junior forward quietly had 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting in 14 minutes off the bench in the opening win against Stony Brook.
Elston benefited from Jordan Hulls and Verdell Jones utilizing the drive and kick. Elston would spot up from 18-feet on the baseline and knock down uncontested jumpers.
Yes, nearly all of Elston's made baskets have been from that spot, which means he hasn't been an interior scorer. Luckily for IU, they have this Zeller guy.
I bring up these points because this is a situation where if Elston continues to thrive playing alongside Hulls and Jones, Crean might not have a choice but to start him. Typically Elston has been used by Crean off the bench, but who knows if a change is in store.
Crean has said that he wants to get Watford's conditioning back, which these non-conference games allows him to do. If Watford isn't getting 25-plus minutes a night, then it's hard for him to get his conditioning back.
Watch how Crean handles some of these non-conference games if they get close. He'll stick with Watford as a starter, but don't be surprised if Elston is the one getting the minutes down the stretch.
