But when you compare this year’s numbers to last year’s numbers, there
doesn’t appear to be anything wrong. In fact, his numbers are up from last
season.
Neighbour averaged 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds as a sophomore and has
upped that to 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds this year. He’s on pace for more
blocked shots than a year ago and already has 20 assists in 13 games. He had
only 17 assists in 29 games last season.
But would he score more if he took more shots? Possibly.
This year he’s taking 8.8 shots per game, two of which came from the
three-point line. Last year he averaged 8.3 shots per game, but 3.5 came from
the three-point line.
Neighbour’s shot attempts are slightly up and so are his season
averages. If Neighbour got five or six more shots per game, would his averages
go up? The numbers say yes. But he’s clearly taking good shots right now. Would
the increased shots be of the same quality? That’s difficult to say. Neighbour gets
intense scouting from opposing teams. And his assist total is an indication
that he’s trying to get open teammates involved.
His teammates also have to recognize the mismatches he puts opponents
in. During Monday’s loss to Louisiana Tech, UALR took bad shots without trying
to get the ball to Neighbour, who was being guarded by a much smaller player.
One thing we do know for sure is Neighbour’s value on the court. This
season, UALR has scored one fewer point (2,599) than its opponents (2,600).
When Neighbour has been on the court this season, UALR has been 52 points
better than its opponents. With Neighbour on the bench, UALR has been 53 points
worse.
So what’s wrong with Will? It appears it’s nothing to worry about at
this point.
