Ilyasova earns promotion into starting lineup
November 19th, 2009 | by adamburnett |The Bucks have tweaked the starting lineup with the insertion of Ersan Ilyasova at power forward. Ilyasova has provided energy off the bench with his willingness to mix it up underneath and his shooting from outside. His .379 percentage from downtown has helped space the floor. Hakim Warrick is an athletic player that doesn’t mix it up as well underneath or have the shot to help space the floor. Warrick skill set is better suited to come off the bench. In 20.3 minutes per game, Ilyasova’s averaging 9.4 points per game and 6.6 boards.
His first go-round with the Bucks was in 2006-2007 as he appeared in 66 games averaging 14.7 minutes per game. He started 14 games and looked completely overmatched. I remember he looked slow as a 19 year-old NBA rookie. Ilyasova didn’t have the body to play underneath or the shot to contribute outside. Coming back to the NBA this season at the age of 22, he looks like a player that has worked on his craft and matured physically. He’s able to handle contact now instead of getting mauled.
In the Bucks 99-85 win over the Nets, the second year forward played over 32 minutes scored 9 points, grabbed 8, boards, dished out an assist, and swatted a shot. One of my concerns with him playing against starters is will he get into early foul trouble and take himself out of games. Ilyasova needs to be more careful on the defensive end in avoiding ticky-tack fouls. I hope he’s given an extended look in the starting lineup to develop his game even more.
Tags: Bucks, Ersan Ilyasova
