NCAA Basketball: Buffalo star Ronaldo Segu has proven that fit is crucial

Segu hasn’t taken his offensive freedom too far

A lot of times, you will see a player who had a limited role in the past abuse their offensive powers when they finally become an integral part of their team’s offense. Why does this happen? Well, because some players become so fixated with the idea that they “earned” the right to enjoy a bigger role in their offense, that they suddenly forget how to play the game of basketball the right way.

If you take a look at Segu’s numbers from 2019-20 and 2020-21, you will notice that he shot above 38% from the field during both seasons. What attributed to this? Well, the answer is simple, Segu didn’t use his increased offensive role as an opportunity for him to take whatever shots he pleased.

Although Segu has been a valuable asset to Jim Whitesell the past two seasons and knows that he can afford to take terrible shots and still remain in ball games (because Whitesell relies on Segu to carry a good portion of the scoring load), he has demonstrated a keen understanding of when it’s appropriate to wave off a teammate and go to work, and when it’s appropriate, keep the ball moving around the horn (like at the very beginning of an offensive possession).

Averaging 8.1 points as a sophomore and 13.3 points as a junior wouldn’t have been as impressive if Segu’s efficiency was abysmal, and he consistently had to shoot a certain number of shots in order to reach a high point value (for example, taking 20 shots to reach 20 points).

Everyone who has watched Segu develop over the years should know that he is clearly a student of the game, who realizes how important it is for him to avoid the trigger-happy habit that comes with more offensive freedom and do most of his damage by taking full advantage of mismatches that he has on the perimeter.

It is great that Segu is a gifted isolation player, but it is even better that he understands not only when it is time for him to utilize that gift, but also how to keep defenses honest on a regular basis. Sure, he has had his share of slip-ups so far in a Buffalo uniform, but you can absolutely depend on him to frequently help his team get good looks on the offensive end.

If Segu continues on an upward trajectory this upcoming season, he will be able to say that he got better as a player during each of his four collegiate seasons and is in great shape to ink a professional basketball contract right after college.

I think that Segu is a prime example of a player that has succeeded because of his commitment to finding a school that would fit his skill set perfectly, and his positive approach to the game of basketball. Look for the shifty 4th-year guard to have a stellar 2021-22 campaign and show that his effective and intelligent play is deserving of some national attention.