Its a simple fact of college basketball; If you cant stay on the court, you cant help your team win.
Thats been a constant battle for sophomore forward Aloysius Anagonye.
In his freshman season, where he averaged a foul every 4.9 minutes, it seemed he was whistled just for stepping on the court.
Not much has changed since this season began. Anagonye was averaging a foul every 5.1 minutes until head coach Tom Izzo removed him and senior guard David Thomas from the starting lineup.
Ive always believed in CD, which is coachs decision, Anagonye said about his move to the bench. Right now Im just doing what coach wants.
Not only has Anagonye taken to the new role positively, his production has noticeably increased.
Averaging 17.9 minutes a game as a starter, Anagonye posted 5.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, but is averaging 19.5 minutes a game off the bench with 6.5 points and 3 rebounds per game.
Those numbers dont tell the whole story. Constantly in early foul trouble as a starter, his minutes were scattered throughout the game. Coming off the bench has allowed Anagonye to play with more consistency.
Hes done a great job since the day I told him he wasnt starting, Izzo said. Not only has he accepted it, but hes really grown to it. Thats not an easy thing to just accept.
To Izzos surprise, the move has made Anagonye more comfortable. He said Anagonye has become more vocal and brought more intensity to practices.
Izzo said the foul trouble was becoming such an issue that Anagonye asked for tapes breaking down how he fouled.
Thats kind of sick, Izzo said. Who comes in and watches how you foul, but he did those things. He really took that to heart.
Thomas said coming off the bench relieves the pressures of starting and allows a player to get an early feel for the game. He said that has really helped Anagonye stay out of foul trouble.
The refs try to set a tone early, he said. Now when he comes in, the tone has already been set and he can play his game.
Thomas said he and Anagonye have the ability to provide a spark coming off the bench. He said its a new role to adjust to, but added its a valuable one.
Izzo said how far the Spartans go in March will depend on how comfortable everyone becomes with their roles. As the first players off the bench, he said Anagonye and Thomas are critical to the team.
I still say hes the one guy who brings a lot of emotion to this team, Izzo said of Anagonye. I said four years ago hed be a great leader some day and I still say he will.