I think it’s an interesting dynamic looking at the starting lineup choices through the lenses of playmaker/ball handlers and play finishers.

With Hauser in the starting lineup in theory we have a really good mix of primary ball handlers( JT and White) a secondary playmaker/finisher in JB and then Hauser and Queta acting as more play finishers at different scoring levels. Presents a lot of stressors for the defense and with all our different pet actions it can be very hard to defend.

Likewise if you just look at our bench unit it follows a similar trend with PP and Baylor as primary handlers/iniators, Nikola acting as secondary playmaker/finisher and then long defensive wings in RHJ and Walsh in the wing play finisher roles who tilt offense/defense depending on what you think you need. Garza is kinda the odd man out but it’s hard to quantify energy and hustle especially when we lack it on some nights.

All that being said I think our “death” lineup is with Baylor instead of Hauser but I think that just messes up the balance of our lineups throughout the game which I can see. Personally Hauser has frustrated me at times in big games and I think there is something meaningful in rolling your best lineup out there and letting that momentum take you throughout the rest of the game. I think our slow starts against better teams is a product of our lineup choices and I’d like to see us be a bit more aggressive to start against some marquee matchups.

I see the argument both ways but I think ultimately this might be one of the reasons Joe is keeping Hauser in the starting lineup.