That one dimension has helped them kill the last few teams they played too. Not saying I disagree with you when it comes to the better players, but Diebler can become the second option in a hurry if teams aren't careful
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Exactly. Against quality opponents (i.e., either NCAA teams or Illinois, the closest bubble team in the Big 10), Buford has shot 35% from three point range since February 1. Diebler has shot 47% and has attempted 72 three pointers to Buford's 24. Diebler has hit more threes than Buford has attempted.
Yes, Diebler is one-dimensional. But if a team has to help on Turner, who would you rather leave for an open jumper, a guy who will hit 2, maybe 3, of the 8 he shoots or a guy who will hit 4 of every 8 he attempts?
And Diebler's percentage has been getting better, not worse. He's a 43% three point shooter who is shooting 47% against quality opponents in February and March and 49% in March alone. Buford is a 38% three point shooter who is shooting 35% against quality opponents in February and March.
Why is Lighty so dangerous? Like Diebler, his shooting has improved in the stretch run from a year average of 38% from three point range to 42% since February 1. And, even though he has taken 100 fewer shots than Turner, he has been to the FT line only 23 fewer times. With Chism's sometimes inexplicable decision-making when it comes to fouling, Lighty may get us in foul trouble (even though he is a bad FT shooter).
This is exactly why JP Prince is so dangerous. Someone who bases analysis on season stats and games they saw in December or January misses it completely. Dude averages less than 10 ppg, but since Kentucky visited Knoxville, he is averaging over 14 points a game.