ATH: Maynor and Shuler Still Lifting VCU

[districtballer]

I spoke with Strength and Conditioning Coach Daniel Roose today. He said that both Eric Maynor and Jamal Shuler have been hitting the weight room with the men's basketball team. Apparently, Maynor has been working Brandon Rozzell pretty hard. Roose wasn't around when Maynor played at VCU, but has been impressed, commenting that Maynor makes everyone around him better, on the floor and in the weight room.

http://www.vcuathletics.com/ramnote/ath-blog.php

It's great to see that our 2007-2008 First-Team All CAA backcourt duo are still at VCU putting in work with the team. Eric Maynor got a place in the West End and is going to be here in the offseason when the Thunder aren't playing. It'll be tremendous for the program to have a former VCU great and NBA player in Maynor working out at VCU. Shuler also has some NBA potential as it has been well-publicized that Pat Riley likes him a lot and gave him a long look with the Miami Heat. He's been putting up very good numbers for TBB Trier in one of the top leagues in Europe. Those guys were really a force in a year where we didn't really have an offensive presence in the middle and Larry was just a skinny shot-blocking freshman. That had to be one of, if not the top backcourt in the country that your casual basketball fan didn't know about. People knew about Maynor, but Shuler was just 'Maynor's Buddy' as Gary Williams so eloquently put it.

Another thing to take from this is that Eric has been working Brandon hard in the weight room. I think most of us noted that Brandon really changed his body pretty noticeably the last offseason. It will be exciting to see how far he progresses over this one. I think Brandon is really primed to have a breakout year. His 27-point performance in the final game of the season was VERY impressive. He had the 3 pointer, the mid-range game and he took it to the rack as well. On the road no less where Brandon usually disappeared. Chaifetz is not an easy place to win (just ask Nebraska, Richmond, Dayton, URI or Xavier who squeaked out a 2-point win there) and Brandon put the team on his back. Shuler once told the press that he thought Brandon would be a better player than he was when it was all said and done. I think he might just be proven a prophet with those words. He scared the heck out of a couple of ODU fans I talked to before the semi-final game. His performance there was a revelation to them. If he can play like that consistently, he's going to be an All-CAA performer no question. Lots to be excited about next year!

 

[VCUFTW]

so youre saying that EM6 is going back to EM3 with that extra schlorship that just popped up?

 

[districtballer]

so youre saying that EM6 is going back to EM3 with that extra schlorship that just popped up?

Now wouldn't that be nice?

Larranaga would probably go crawl into a hole somewhere if that happened, the kid haunted his dreams the last couple of seasons.

 

[Half-baked Mcbride]

This is a really cool story...I knew Maynor was back in RVA, but to have him so involved with VCU basketball (after making the Big Time) and continuing to mentor other players says alot about our program and a whole lot more about Eric.
Having Shuler there is icing on the cake, I really hope he gets to play in tne NBA (Is he a candidate for NBA-Developmental or would he even consider it?)

definately a nice off-season story

GO RAMS!!!

 

[districtballer]

This is a really cool story...I knew Maynor was back in RVA, but to have him so involved with VCU basketball (after making the Big Time) and continuing to mentor other players says alot about our program and a whole lot more about Eric.
Having Shuler there is icing on the cake, I really hope he gets to play in tne NBA (Is he a candidate for NBA-Developmental or would he even consider it?)

definately a nice off-season story

GO RAMS!!!

I think Shuler is a guy who has a chance. I doubt he would want to go the NBDL route though. It pays far less than a Euro gig. He can get noticed just as easily overseas as he can earning 30K a year playing basketball over here in the NBDL. He probably has to change his body as far as putting on more muscle, but he's got the range and versatility I would think. He may be a bit on the short-side as a 2 guard in the NBA at 6'3 which may be what hurts him the most. If he were able to develop point guard skills he'd have a better shot. At the very least he looks primed to have a very nice long career overseas.

As for Rozzell and Shuler, look at how the first 3 years panned out for both of them going into their senior years:

Shu:

2004-2005: 6.3 minutes, 2.2 points, 1.1 assists, 30.4 FG%, 75.0 FT%, 21.9 3PT%
2005-2006:16.2 minutes, 5.8 points, 1.5 assists, 41.0 FG%, 63.0 FT%, 34.0 3PT%
2006-2007: 21.7 minutes, 8.6 points, 2.1 assists, 44.7 FG%, 78.9 FT%, 40.9 3PT%

B-Rozz:

2007-2008: 10.6 minutes, 2.5 points, 0.7 assists, 39.6 FG%, 60.0 FT%, 38.1 3PT%
2008-2009: 19.2 minutes, 6.6 points, 1.7 assists, 40.6 FG%, 78.8 FT%, 29.3 3PT%
2009-2010: 22.4 minutes, 8.8 points, 2.2 assists, 41.9 FG%, 73.8 FT%, 42.3 3PT%

It's pretty remarkable how similar they are, let's hope the similarities continue into Brandon's senior year.

 

[ViCtorioUs]

Oops! DB has been reading my mind again and beat me to another post. Amscray, mind stalker!

 

[rammad90]

This is a really cool story...I knew Maynor was back in RVA, but to have him so involved with VCU basketball (after making the Big Time) and continuing to mentor other players says alot about our program and a whole lot more about Eric.
Having Shuler there is icing on the cake, I really hope he gets to play in tne NBA (Is he a candidate for NBA-Developmental or would he even consider it?)

definately a nice off-season story

GO RAMS!!!

I think Shuler is a guy who has a chance. I doubt he would want to go the NBDL route though. It pays far less than a Euro gig. He can get noticed just as easily overseas as he can earning 30K a year playing basketball over here in the NBDL. He probably has to change his body as far as putting on more muscle, but he's got the range and versatility I would think. He may be a bit on the short-side as a 2 guard in the NBA at 6'3 which may be what hurts him the most. If he were able to develop point guard skills he'd have a better shot. At the very least he looks primed to have a very nice long career overseas.

As for Rozzell and Shuler, look at how the first 3 years panned out for both of them going into their senior years:

Shu:

2004-2005: 6.3 minutes, 2.2 points, 1.1 assists, 30.4 FG%, 75.0 FT%, 21.9 3PT%
2005-2006:16.2 minutes, 5.8 points, 1.5 assists, 41.0 FG%, 63.0 FT%, 34.0 3PT%
2006-2007: 21.7 minutes, 8.6 points, 2.1 assists, 44.7 FG%, 78.9 FT%, 40.9 3PT%

B-Rozz:

2007-2008: 10.6 minutes, 2.5 points, 0.7 assists, 39.6 FG%, 60.0 FT%, 38.1 3PT%
2008-2009: 19.2 minutes, 6.6 points, 1.7 assists, 40.6 FG%, 78.8 FT%, 29.3 3PT%
2009-2010: 22.4 minutes, 8.8 points, 2.2 assists, 41.9 FG%, 73.8 FT%, 42.3 3PT%

It's pretty remarkable how similar they are, let's hope the similarities continue into Brandon's senior year.

One key difference Shu played behind Jesse Pella-Rosa, and BA Walker who both were Seniors when he was a Junior. Also, Shu had no competition for his spot.

Rozelle is behind fellow risen Senior Ed Nixon who is more athletic and regardless of who starts will have to share time. Also, the other guard a PG is Joey and he will take up at least 30 minutes a game.

These guy's cannot be compared as they have two different situations. If Ed was gone, or we Theus wasn't up and coming or Burgess wasn't there or Daniels wasn't pushing. Yeah but Rozell simply will not get the minutes to have a Shu type Senior year.

BTW I though both guys should have redshirted their freshman year. Think of Shu and E-Maynor last year Whoa!!!!

 

[VCU Finance 2008]

These guy's cannot be compared as they have two different situations. If Ed was gone, or we Theus wasn't up and coming or Burgess wasn't there or Grayson wasn't pushing. Yeah but Burgess simply will not get the minutes to have a Shu type Senior year.

I don't think Grayson will be taking many of Rozzell's mins. If he keeps playing the way he did in St. Louie I am sure he will get plenty of burn and very well could duplicate what Shu did his senior year. heck by this time next year opposing coaches could be referring to Brandon as Joey's buddy after he lights them up. On a side note when is the last time that a scholarship player redshirted for us? I can't remember, but it will be interesting to see if any sit out this season.

 

[rammad90]

These guy's cannot be compared as they have two different situations. If Ed was gone, or we Theus wasn't up and coming or Burgess wasn't there or Grayson wasn't pushing. Yeah but Burgess simply will not get the minutes to have a Shu type Senior year.

I don't think Grayson will be taking many of Rozzell's mins. If he keeps playing the way he did in St. Louie I am sure he will get plenty of burn and very well could duplicate what Shu did his senior year. heck by this time next year opposing coaches could be referring to Brandon as Joey's buddy after he lights them up. On a side note when is the last time that a scholarship player redshirted for us? I can't remember, but it will be interesting to see if any sit out this season.

First sorry meant Daniels. Grayson is gone. By bad. However, I just don't think the minutes are there nor do I think Ed will roll over for Rozell. Heck Ed is about the best athlete on the team at least according to former players. I think neither Ed or Brandon will qualify for all league because they play the same position. However, I expect them both to average around 9 points or so a couple of steals and at least 3 rebounds each. No doubt each will have games when they are on fire, but I cant imagine that either outshines the other. Different styles but equally effective when they are on.

As to the redshirt. TJ Gwynn was the last one. Again, Shu, Brandon, and Lamar Taylor all should have. All three guys had or are having solid years after basically burning their freshman year. Coaches tried to convince Brandon to RS and Lamar was coming off of an injury that hampered his freshman year. However, Mack rushed him back in an attempt to salvage a forgettable year.

Perhaps, Shu would have gotten a look by the NBA with one more year as an all CAA performer along side Eric. The team certainly would have been a bit better. With Shu we beat UCLA or who ever in the first round.

 

[rollins77]

And maybe Shu and those other guys never come to VCU if they're asked to redshirt.

 

[BaNgMyPrOgRaM]

It is an interesting topic. But I could see a scenario in which the RS works for both parties.

 

[rammad90]

It is an interesting topic. But I could see a scenario in which the RS works for both parties.

My point exactly. If you can explain the value to a kid once it is clear that they will not play a significant amount of minutes their first year, why not?

I am not saying you recruit to redshirt but use it as an option if it appears a good fit. For guy's like Shu, Lamar Taylor, Brandon Rozzell, and Troy Daniels it may have been a better option to playing a few minutes per game if at all their first year.

 

[SPI-DA1]

I applaude Maynor in comming back to help the program. It is so important to have someone who has made it to mentor others behind him. Who knows if Brandon really has a break out season....just maybe he could be a candidate for some type of pro career...If he is comitted to putting in the work now who knows how far the team and Brandon can go this year. Very exciting news indeed. Maynor has not moved on and left Richmond or VCU behind. I salute his humility and loyalty....

 

[Mistachill]

Not understanding the Lamar Taylor reference. The guy averaged 30 mins. per game as a freshman when he returned from his knee injury and made the all-CAA rookie team.

Plus how much better do you really think he would've become? By his senior year a young freshman named Domonic Jones was pushing him for minutes. If Taylor were around for one more year perhaps Dom doesn't have the great sophomore season he had. Or worse, maybe Dom decides to sign elsewhere if he had to sit behind Taylor for two years instead of one?

It is an interesting topic. But I could see a scenario in which the RS works for both parties.

My point exactly. If you can explain the value to a kid once it is clear that they will not play a significant amount of minutes their first year, why not?

I am not saying you recruit to redshirt but use it as an option if it appears a good fit. For guy's like Shu, Lamar Taylor, Brandon Rozzell, and Troy Daniels it may have been a better option to playing a few minutes per game if at all their first year.

 

[mrA10]

It's fantastic that Maynor came back to Richmond and to hear that he is still involved with the VCU team is even better. What's not to like about this guy?