Triche vs. Waiters- Fordham Rams

Every season there's always at least one battle between a starter and a reserve over who should be starting.  A couple years ago, it was Triche and Scoop.  Last season it was Fab and BMK.  This year's debate looks to me Triche vs. Waiters.

Let's be clear that I'm not bashing one or the other.  I'm comfortable with either one having the job.  They both have their pros and cons.  Triche is a 3-year starter and a solid player but lacks consistency.  Waiters is the more talented of the two but had a tendency to play selfish ball.  And this isn't a "(Fill in the Blank) should be starting" rant, either.  Just a dialog on what's likely to be a season long story.  This will be the first of game-by-game comparisons to see who the Orange nation thinks should be the starter.

First, the stat lines. (Full Boxscore)

                                                                          MIN         FGM-A       3PM-A     FTM-A  OREB REB AST STL BLK TO  PF   PTS

Statistically, this one is a no-brainer.  More points on a much better shooting % and no TO is more than enough to account for Waiters getting more minutes.  Of coruse, in a game like this, minutes are going to be pretty evenly distributed anyway, but I'll be intersting to see who gets the bulk as the season goes on.  I'll give Triche credit, though, for his rebounding and FT shooting.  Again, it was a fairly weak opponent, but if Triche can rebound like this (especially on the offensive glass) on a regular basis it might be enough to keep my starting vote.  And I find the fact that Waiters didn't even attempt a FT to be unacceptable.  He should have abused whoever was guarding him and tried to get to the rim, especially in the second half when Fordham played man.  He shot the ball well, but that doesn't mean he should settle for jumpers either.

As far as intangibles go, both Triche and Waiters showed improvement on the key complaints against them.  Triche didn't shoot well, but he was assertive.  As long as he can maintain that mindset, the shots will begin to fall.  He just needs to make sure they're good ones.  And Waiters played much more within the flow of the game.  At this time last season I remember seeing him dribble around for half the shot clock looking only to get a shot for himself.  There were a couple of instances where he used his driving ability to create chances for others (a drive and kick for a 3pt and the pass to MCW who then paid it off to Rak come to mind).  Much like with Triche, is a matter of Waiters keeping that team-oriented mind set and making sure that the shots he does take are good ones.

As of right now, Triche is keeping my vote as the starter.  It's only one game and even though Waiters played head and shoulders better, I'm not going to discount Triche's experience enough to relegate him to the bench.  Cast your vote who who you think is best suited to start...so far.