Bubba Walther is learning that he doesn't need to score in double digits to help the Bobcats win.
Walther, who averaged a career-high 12.4 points last season, has seen his numbers drop since coming back from a concussion against Akron.
He's OK with that.
Last year we really only had the five or six guys who played a lot of minutes
and each guy had to score Walther said. I think I was still in that mindset and I was taking better shots but I was like
'I have to score.'
Rather than focusing on his 3-point shot like last season, the senior guard said he has judged his performances on his assist-to-turnover ratio, a category he currently leads the team in at 1.7 assists for every turnover.
(Scoring) six or seven or eight and then (picking up) four or five assists is just like getting 16 points
Walther said.
Since Walther returned from his injury, coach Tim O'Shea has opted to bring him off the bench, which O'Shea said he would continue tomorrow against Northern Illinois.
You don't break up a winning combination
O'Shea said. Bubba's been playing really well in that role
and for now that seems the way to go.
Walther said that he embraces this new role as the Bobcats' sixth man.
I actually enjoy coming off the bench
Walther said. I feel more relaxed when I'm out on the court. As a starter
everyone is really hyped up in the beginning
and I can get caught up in the emotions probably more than anybody.
Fellow senior Leon Williams said that Walther gives the team a type of energy off the bench that can pick the team up with just one 3-point field goal.
He's a spark plug
and he's a great shooter who can help us off the bench when we're struggling on offense
