Just for fun...SG position

EBLR

EBLR

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May 6, 2009
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I know the question of a starting 5 has been asked but I was wondering who everyone thinks will get the minutes at SG. There are a lot of options: Gavin, Rozzell, Nixon, Daniels, Rodriguez, Theus, and Burgess. Who do you guys think will get the most time there in the upcoming season and who do you think will be left searching for playing time? And why?
 
with the 3 guard type lineup we have run in the past, this question isn't so easy to answer. But I think you'll see both Gavin/Burgess get the most minutes at the two, rozell/nixon backing those guys up. Rodriguez may see some time at the two, depending on how Daniels/Theus/Grayson pan out at the 1.
 
ramathon74 said:
Rodriguez may see some time at the two, depending on how Fleming/Theus/Grayson pan out at the 1.
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I must be out of it, I have no idea who Fleming is!
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Err, I meant Daniels, For some reason I want to call him Fleming. Probably because he went to Fleming HS.
 
xjohnx said:
...But I think you'll see both Gavin/Burgess get the most minutes at the two...
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I have to disagree. I think we'll be seeing Gavin and BRozz splitting the time at the 2 with Beeford acting as a "step-out" 3. And I'd imagine Nixon will be stepping in to drive and bang while Burgess take a few plays off. Could be wrong. Much too early to tell at this point.


Edit -- Add in there, TJ with Nixon and Beeford. Just came to the realization, we're pretty darn deep at the SG, SF, and PF positions. As long as our PG scenario pans out, we're gonna be pretty dangerous. Boy I hope the rest of the CAA is bracing for another season of "keep up with the Rams"
 
BA 4 the trey said:
xjohnx said:
...But I think you'll see both Gavin/Burgess get the most minutes at the two...
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I have to disagree. I think we'll be seeing Gavin and BRozz splitting the time at the 2 with Beeford acting as a "step-out" 3. And I'd imagine Nixon will be stepping in to drive and bang while Burgess take a few plays off. Could be wrong. Much too early to tell at this point.
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That's what I was getting at when I referred to our 3 guard lineup. We haven't really had a true SF in some time. TJ is about as close as we've had recently, and he is more of a PF trapped in the body of a SF.

So basically, we agree, you just have Burgess penciled in as a SF, I've got him penciled in as a third guard. ;)
 
If it makes a difference, and I'm not sure it does, I see BRozz and Gavin as pure twos and Burgess as a pure three. Nixon is a tweener but more of a two than a three and Joey is a combo guard. I am assuming that among the Freshmen, Da;niels is a two, Grayson is a one and Theus is a combo. As someone pointed out above that leaves TJ as probably a tweener 3 and 4 and possibly Skeen as the same. The possible combinations are intriguing.


That being said, I think BRozz will emerge as the starting two. He was a scorer in high school and has played somewhat in the shadow of Maynor and Shuler for his first two years. It is time for him to shine, but to do so, he must add some strength and play smarter team ball.

If we have two PGs emerge as solid contributors at that postion, we will be fine.
 
Looks like spirited competition (which can be good and bad) at every outpost:

Lead guard: J-Rod, the incumbent, vs. newcomer Grayson (If Rodriguez loses out, look for quick bailout)

Shooting guard: Gavin vs. The Roz (ouch; don't see how this can be mutually advantageous)

The Three: Burgess vs. Nixon (can Nixon be content in backup role for what could be entire career?)

Inside: Large Larry and Pish, with Gwynn (don't even whisper he's a three), Skeen and Saintil challenging (maybe one/two too many, assuming no injuries)

Outside looking in: Theus, Daniels (it would take a total collapse by some returnees for these frosh to be fed into fire, unless they are way, way better than I might suspect)

Basically, you have 13 players (the walk-ons don't even enter the discussion) - all with pro aspirations. Unless I am terribly wrong, none of the 13 consider themselves "bench/program players."

There are only 200 total minutes playing time in a regulation game. Red-shirting might alleivate some of the pressure, at least temporarily.
 
With basically 8 guards this year I too have wondered how Smart may play them? Obviously, the two keys are 1) players fall practice performnace (off-season weight & skill development), and 2) Smart's coaching style: does he always press via rotation?, does he intend on a 3 gaurd line-up? might he redshirt 1 or 2?, is he the kind of coach that goes with and stays with a hot player, espcially offensively? Hard to know the answers to these questions, or how incoming freshmen handle transition to DI BB.

One thing I do know is all of these guards have game. I have followed Ram BB since a student in late 70's, but never can I remeber having anywhere near so much talented depth at guard. Interestingly, I think 4 of these kids are true combo [1 & 2] guards. I think 3 are pure shooting guards.

This depth and combination of size/speed will give us something we haven't had in a long time: the ability to play our kids not just based on how they are playing, but based on match-up problems our kids strengths present on opposition lineups--we will have incredibile flexibility. I really look forward to this year!
PS
Starting pg i think will be Joey/Brandon; starting 2 guard I think will be Gavin/Burgess. I can see 5 differnt backcourt combo's some games, with some kids staying on the floor and simply sliding between roles.
 
Lead guard: J-Rod, the incumbent, vs. newcomer Grayson (If Rodriguez loses out, look for quick bailout)
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Outside looking in: Theus, Daniels (it would take a total collapse by some returnees for these frosh to be fed into fire, unless they are way, way better than I might suspect)
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Interesting perspective Horn...........on Theus anyway. I still see him primarily as a PG candidate. Can't imagine he'd be too thrilled to be considered primarily a SG on a team with Gavin, Rozzell, Burgess, Nixon, Rodriguez, and Daniels (all non-seniors).

If Darius has some serious game (which ESPN recruiting and other folks claim he has), I'm betting he'll be our main guy at the point (eventually).

Our history with sub-6-footers at the point is well-documented (Rod Ladd, Lamar Taylor, etc.). J-Rod's lack of size, handle, hops, quicks, length, confidence, and swagger will ultimately relegate him once again to a serviceable back-up PG and part-time SG (IMO).

Our successful campaigns have been quarterbacked by the 6'1" Kenny Harris, 6'2" Ro Lamb, 6'2" Sherman Hamilton, 6'2" BA Walker, 6'2" Dom Jones, 6'3" Eric Maynor, and such. Nicky Jones (6'2") performed quite well too. Of all programs, we have witnessed first-hand (particularly the past three years) the advantages of having a strong, decent-sized PG. It's no coincidence that Cam Long and Chaisson Allen pose the greatest threat to us (both 6'4").

I'm betting the 6'3 (or 6'4") Theus ends up running the show for our next NCAA/NIT edition (whenever that may be).

Again, J-Rod's strengths (IMO) are pressure D, decent decision-making, and spot-up shooting. I think Shaka will (ultimately) end up using him in this capacity (almost exclusively).......that is, as a back-up PG and SG.

We could very well have a Lamar Taylor-Dom Jones situation on our hands w/ J-Rod vs Theus (smallish, experienced, but shaky semi-incumbent vs supposedly talented big newbie).

It'll be interesting to see the J-Rod, Grayson, Theus dynamic.............

As for the whole "freshmen being fed into the fire" phobia you speak of, it always perplexes me.....particularly considering how often freshman start in our program and all around the country (and perform admirably/productively).

To name just a few: BA Walker, JPR, Brad Burgess, Nick George, Larry Sanders, Michael Brown, etc. Also, Brett Blizzard, Charles Jenkins, etc (the list is absolutely endless).
 
1- From here on out, Joey is a P/G. Never was s shooting guard, at all.... but we needed the help there last year, and Grant was just starting the best, and most capable / ready group he had. Joey is a P/G for the duration.

2- Brad Burgess is not a 2-guard. In fact, he is the proto-type 3. He can shoot nets out. He plays solid D. He has a big, solid frame, and can still move really well at his position- given the solid frame. He rebounds well, he passes well, and he is an excellent over-all player. Not extremely explosive. Just very good at most aspects of the game. Reminds you a lot of one Mike Doles- but a couple inches shorter, and larger frame. Not sure why anone would say he isn't a 3. That is exactly what he is.

3- The P/G position should go something like- J-Rod, then Theus and Grayson battling for minutes (depending on a possible red-shirt??) I'm thinking we'll end up being fine at the point.

4- The 2-G spot is indeed very interesting. I have it like this for now: Gavin & Rozzell will get the Lion's Share of the minutes. We only know what we've heard about Gavin, but I'll gamble & say he'll start. Either way, we'll be fine. Brandon can handle the 2, and is a real solid over-all player. He came on nicely last season. And Gavin can supposedly shoot from Norfolk. So he'll play a monster role- most likely, and whether he starts or not.

Daniels / Theus should log minutes there as well, again depending on any potential red-shirts. And Nixon may get a few minutes there, but IMO, he'll grab more minutes at the 3 spot- backing up Brad Burgess.

TJ will get a few minutes at the 3- and a few at the 4 spot. He will be a serious wild-card, and play a significant role in certain games- Richmond, and W&M come to mind immediately, and other teams like that. TJ is a role player, but an extremely important one. He gives the RAMS a serious spark, and a warrior attitude that you gotta love. TJ is really a 4- in 3's body. But he will kill you if you are not careful with him, and that is what we all love about him. Thus far, both of his coaching staffs have loved him too- and my bet is that this relationship will be no different.
 
Another thought, which we have expressed before:

This will be the first time in a LOOOOOOONG time (maybe since 96') that we have legitimately had a 1, a 2, a 3, a 4, & a 5..... that are all legit players at each respective position- not a guy that you are just trying to make "work" in any one of those positions. And then to have an excellent back-up to come in behind them with, and again- at each position, and as a natural player at each of those respective slots. I mean- if you think about it, we really have a nasty front 5, and back-up 5. The best I have ever seen at VCU- as long as a few things come to fruition.

J-Rod / Grayson / Theus
Gavin / Rozzell / Daniels / Theus
Burgess / Nixon / Daniels / Gwynn*
Skeen / Saintil / Gwynn / KP
Sanders / KP / Hinton / Saintil

* TJ Gwynn will be a huge part of this team, and will get plenty of minutes- he is just one of those guys that gets used in select situations, and against the right kind of teams. But he will be big for us this year, and will be an experienced leader.
 
Don't be surprised to see a lot of TJ. Earlier in the summer Smart mentioned that TJ's work ethic had SERIOUSLY impressed him. Some guys turn it down a couple notches for practice. TJ turns it up. If everyone on the team works as hard as TJ, we'll be just fine.
 
Joey is a P/G for the duration.
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Until he gets picked and turned over. Until he can't/doesn't finish in the lane or on the break consistently. Until his PG weaknesses are exposed.............then I suspect Grayson and/or Theus may take over (whenever that may be). I'm predicting Shaka ultimately ends up using Joey in the following manner...........back-up PG and part-time SG. His hustle and open "trey" stroke are good enough to warrant some floor time. I suspect it'll often be off the ball (come January). If you shoot 40+% from trey-land, I think the staff will try to find ways to "spot you up." That's much easier to do if you're not the primary ballhandler, especially since Joey, by and large, doesn't/can't create his own shot. His handle (under pressure) seemed shaky last year too. I do think he's a solid decision-maker.

If given the reins early, it'll be interesting to see how Joey navigates us thru Oklahoma, Richmond, Nevada, Tulane, Rhode Island, and ECU. Five of those six games are at home. We're not used to losing at home. There will be serious pressure to perform (and an Eric Maynor-set expectation level for the team). Come January, I'm betting Joey will not be the starting PG.

Depending on the opponent and matchups, I see some "four-perimeter guy" + Larry lineups.............to spread the floor and utilize our shooters (J-Rod, Gavin, Burgess, Daniels, Rozzell). This is where I see Shaka using Joey's perimeter skill set to our advantage.

In our offense and many others in college basketball, the distinction between a "traditional 2" and a "traditional 3" has become blurry. Brad is clearly a three at this level..............but many folks bounce between the two positions throughout games/seasons/careers, depending on game situations/foul trouble/injuries/effectiveness/roster composition. The "2" and "3" are both perimeter slots (ultimately). JPR, Jamal, and others bounced back and forth between the two slots during their careers. Brad could easily do this as well if called upon. We definitely have a "perimeter" logjam though (if no one redshirts). Someone (or two) is not going to be happy with their PT.

I tend to lump "twos" and "threes" together as "perimeter players" at this level. They are often interchangeable at the mid-major level. Hofstra ran Rivera/Stokes/Agudio out there a few years back as their "perimeter attack".......basically three similar-sized guards. Someone, I suppose, was technically the "three." At the end of the day, it's just semantics.

I look at the Rams as such:
Eight perimeter players - Grayson, J-Rod, Theus, Rozz, Gavin, Burgess, Daniels, Nixon (splitting 120 minutes)
Five interior players - Sanders, Skeen, Kirill, Saintil, Gwynn (splitting 80 minutes)

There are some serious "flexibility" and "mix and match" possibilities with this group..........or so it appears.
 
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