Strategic adjustment for Coen Carr and Michigan State basketball

Coen Carr has an argument to be labeled the most athletic and exciting player in all of college basketball. In the open court, the crowd is locked in, anticipating something spectacular to happen when seeing Carr trail the play and ready to throw down a thunderous dunk showcasing his world class explosiveness.

Carr has all of the tools to be a modern day Charles Barkley. Undersized four man with elite springs, and has the ability to be an outstanding rebounder and a matchup nightmare against bigger, slower frontcourt players. A majority of Spartan fans would agree where Coen Carr fits positionally. But Michigan State likes to go to a big lineup, and I think I can offer a decent solution.

Optimal Positioning: The Case for the Four

I say “the Four” here, but he can slot in either post role, whether as the rim runner or trail forward. A key discussion among Spartans fans and analysts is always about Carr’s best role on the court. Evidence from last season and recent summer exhibitions suggests that Coen Carr performs more naturally and at his best in the frontcourt rather than on the wing. Playing him along the baseline or trail allows him to utilize his strengths more effectively, while masking his weaknesses.

The Coen Carr “two bigs” lineup can still exist

To maximize Coen Carr’s impact, it’s crucial to place him in a role that compliments his skill set. If the staff wants to go with Coen Carr and two bigs, an effective strategy would involve placing him alongside the highly skilled duo of Xavier Booker and Jaxon Kohler. Both Booker and Kohler have demonstrated the ability to stretch the floor with their shooting and perimeter savvy, making them ideal partners for Carr in a big lineup. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each player’s role in this lineup:

Coen Carr as the Rim Runner: With Booker and Kohler providing floor spacing, Carr’s role as a rim runner becomes even more valuable. He can capitalize on his athleticism to attack the basket, secure rebounds, and create second-chance opportunities. His presence near the rim highlights his strengths, and ensures that Michigan State maintains a strong rebounding advantage and poses a constant athletic threat to opponents. Do team’s matchup with a wing who doesn’t have a chance to compete from a physical, athletic standpoint? Do they matchup with a bigger player, meaning Kohler or Booker now has a matchup size advantage? It puts teams in a really tough spot.

Credit: @c0encarr on IG

Booker and Kohler roles with Carr

Xavier Booker on the Wing: Booker’s proficiency in knocking down shots from the perimeter and attacking off of 1-2 dribbles makes him a better fit for the wing position than Carr. This adjustment allows Booker to utilize his shooting ability and finesse playing style while providing spacing for the offense. His versatility and size at 6’11” will present matchup problems for defenders, particularly when the opposition has to choose how to matchup with him, which plays right into Michigan State’s hands.

Jaxon Kohler’s trail spacing ability: Kohler came in to Michigan State as an inside out versatile post with 3pt range. Last season Kohler didn’t get healthy until Big Ten play. There was just no time to ease into his role or get his shot timing and chemistry right. But Jaxon Kohler can really shoot the basketball which was evident against Valencia. His shooting can stretch the defense, creating driving lanes for the Michigan State perimeter while simultaneously pulling rim protectors away from the basket. As the trail, he can also be versatile in the ballscreen actions. He can have the option to pop, full roll to the rim, or slow roll to the midrange.

Implementing the Lineup

While the Coen Carr, Xavier Booker, and Jaxon Kohler lineup may not be on the court for extensive minutes each game, the strategic use of these three players can make a significant difference in the overall efficiency. Ideally, this lineup would see around 5-7 minutes of action at first. As the season progresses and the players continue to develop chemistry, the potential for extended minutes becomes more of a possibility. The approach to the two big lineup needs a change. These tweaks not only address Carr’s optimal position but also allows Booker and Kohler to thrive in their natural positions.

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