The discussion among many fans as the University of Louisville takes on Cincinnati is how will the return of Chris Jones affect the chemistry so evident in three consecutive wins while he was nursing an injury.
Jones is, after all, the third leading scorer, averaging 11.3 points per game, and had started 15 games, sharing point guard duties with Russ Smith. He will be back, but not in the starting lineup, according to Rick Pitino.
Pitino will continue to go with Terry Rozier who was essentially filling in at point guard. He did such an impressive job of directing the offense during Jones’ absence that many fans believe he may earned a starting spot. Over three games, Rozier had 11 assists, seven steals, 22 points and six turnovers.
The question is how Jones will react if he’s on the bench at tipoff time. Pitino, of course, says it doesn’t really matter who starts but who plays the best, particularly on defense. Those who know Jones says starting is really important to him.
The UofL says he doesn’t start players returning from injury so we may have to wait for the answer to the question until Sunday when UofL faces South Florida at the KFC Yum! Center.
Rick Pitino doesn’t expect it to be an issue. We hopes he’s right.