Justin Tillman wasted no time in becoming a fan favorite his freshman season at VCU. The Detroit native dropped an easy 14-point, 10-rebound double-double in his 17-minute debut in last season's exhibition opener against Cal U. But it wasn't the stats that made him standout, or the impressive afro, it was the way he delivered those numbers, connecting on a handful of highlight-worthy dunks that set the tone for what the talented freshman was capable of.
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Yet despite the flash and promise the 6'7 forward demonstrated, Tillman was unable to really grab the minutes needed to become an Atlantic 10 rookie star.
Under the previous coaching staff and their limited role for traditional bigs, Tillman checked in at ninth in minutes played (12.3) and usage (15.6%) on last year's team. What's more, at 6'7 200lbs Tillman would often relieve center starter Mo Alie-Cox, giving up considerable size to opposing bigs.
Expect that to change this upcoming season.
For starters, Tillman has added 15 pounds to his frame and should enter the season even heavier than that -- Will Wade has said he'd like Tillman to gain another 5-7lbs to help with in-season weight loss. When asked recently if he had any hints at players who could see big minutes next season that fans aren't familiar with, old or new, Wade told VCURamNation.com that Tillman and fellow big Michael Gilmore are two names that could see expanded roles.
This is great news for VCU and here's why: Hassan Martin.
Hassan Martin has become an Atlantic 10 star as the defensive identity of another set of Rams, the Rhode Island Rams. He was a Second Team All-Conference selection in last season's A-10, an All-Defensive Selection and a huge part of Rhody's rise from conference bottom-feeder (3-13 the season before he arrived) to third place finisher in last season's league play (13-5 in the A-10).
The similarities between Martin and Tillman are abundant.
Tillman came to VCU as an ESPN top-100 power forward at 6'7 200lbs. Martin found his way to Rhody as a top-125 Rivals recruit at 6'7 190lbs. But wait, there's more!
ADVANCED STATISTICAL COMPARISON (freshmen seasons)[/HEADING=3]
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/111337340" width="600" height="337" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
Yet despite the flash and promise the 6'7 forward demonstrated, Tillman was unable to really grab the minutes needed to become an Atlantic 10 rookie star.
Under the previous coaching staff and their limited role for traditional bigs, Tillman checked in at ninth in minutes played (12.3) and usage (15.6%) on last year's team. What's more, at 6'7 200lbs Tillman would often relieve center starter Mo Alie-Cox, giving up considerable size to opposing bigs.
Expect that to change this upcoming season.
For starters, Tillman has added 15 pounds to his frame and should enter the season even heavier than that -- Will Wade has said he'd like Tillman to gain another 5-7lbs to help with in-season weight loss. When asked recently if he had any hints at players who could see big minutes next season that fans aren't familiar with, old or new, Wade told VCURamNation.com that Tillman and fellow big Michael Gilmore are two names that could see expanded roles.
This is great news for VCU and here's why: Hassan Martin.
Hassan Martin has become an Atlantic 10 star as the defensive identity of another set of Rams, the Rhode Island Rams. He was a Second Team All-Conference selection in last season's A-10, an All-Defensive Selection and a huge part of Rhody's rise from conference bottom-feeder (3-13 the season before he arrived) to third place finisher in last season's league play (13-5 in the A-10).
The similarities between Martin and Tillman are abundant.
Tillman came to VCU as an ESPN top-100 power forward at 6'7 200lbs. Martin found his way to Rhody as a top-125 Rivals recruit at 6'7 190lbs. But wait, there's more!
