[caption id="attachment_547" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Photo by Nathan Gray"]
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Clemson's struggles this year can be attributed mostly o the youth of the team. With only 2 seniors and no juniors freshman have been expected to step up. One of those freshman is Jordan Roper. Roper has done well in his role and has showed the ability to carry the team at times. Roper as a staple of the starting lineup is long overdue.
This year, Clemson has struggled to find a player that can create his own shot and consistently hit outside shots. Roper has displayed the ability to do so. He has a quick first step that has enabled him to break down defenders and penetrate to the basket. He uses that quickness to create his own shot or to find the open man. He also can stretch the defense by hitting shots from the perimeter. Roper is 40% from behind the arc for the year. His numbers are even better when he starts.
Of his 23 career games 6 of those have been starts for Roper. In those games he has started Roper has done most of his damage. In those 6 starts he has averaged 10.8 points per game while shooting 57% from 3. Roper has managed to take care of the ball as a starter turning the ball over just 5 times in those games. He's also been very good on defense with 2 steals per game and containing his man. Roper plays his best when he starts and gives the team some energy especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Roper has displayed the ability to be consistent and most importantly make his team better. Roper has shown that when given the opportunity he can give the team a boost. With only being 7th on the team in minutes per game he has still managed to be 4th on the team is scoring. He's gotten the nod lately to be a starter. He has shown that he deserves to be a started and should be for the rest of the season.
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