http://www.godrakebulldogs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=15700&ATCLID=3702136
Another rough break, as if we didn't have our fair share of those in the second half of the season.
Initially, I saw this as an absolute killer for our season next year. While that might be to a small extent, I think in the grand scheme of things its not as bad as initially thought, for the following reasons:
- This was going to be an issue as long as Parker was at Drake. JP is most likely looking to develop at the "1" and get his game ready to go to the next level. While he's not an NBA-caliber talent -- he's surely talented enough to play at some level after school. Since he's barely touching six feet, his best shot to do so is at the point guard position. However, I'm in the group of people that prefer JP as an off-guard in the Drake system. While he's lightning quick, he turns the ball over way too much for me (look back to some previous posts this year where we saw his TOs creep up the more he played the 1), but he's absolutely dynamic with the ball in his hands and is instant offense. I like him more driving and dishing than running the O, and he certainly was best suited for that at the off-guard.
- Given that, we're probably better off parting directions. For some reason, JP just doesn't fit in what Phelps is trying to do. While I surely don't want to give Phelps a pass for that, sometimes guys just don't fit, and it seems best for us to just turn the page and get the guys in that are built for what Phelps IS trying to do.
- The more turnover we have, the more clock this guy is going to see next year. Last time we got a guy that averaged 30 a game in high school, he contributed significantly as a freshmen, was all-MVC as a sophomore, struggled (rumors of injury) as a junior, and we're still waiting on how he wraps up his career. Yes that's right, I'm talking about this guy. I think Simons can be the real deal (like, potential all-MVC), so the more we get him on the floor early, the more he will develop later.
RETURNING
- Craig Stanley, G, Senior
- Josh Young, G, Senior
- Adam Templeton, F, Senior
- Bill Eaddy, F, Senior
- Sean Jones, C, Freshmen (redshirt)
- Ryan Wedel, G, Junior (redshirt)
- Frank Wiseler, G, Sophomore (redshirt)
As you can see from the incoming class and the bottom two transfers, Phelps has brought in some pretty good talent. Altogether, we're going to be grossly inconsistent and are going to have our fair share of struggles. But don't be surprised if we don't improve as a basketball team. We're going to play a lot of young guys -- don't be surprised if Frank Wiseler becomes the PG over Stanley or if Simons sees time off the bench to spell Young/Wedel. Van Deest will most likely be a contributor next year (in minutes) as he develops.
We also have one open scholarship from this. Given what has been brought in, I'm interested to see what Phelps does with it. My guess is that he goes junior college or tries to bring in an upperclassmen or transfer, but we'll just have to see. Given that he has brought in the following...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lrXJf7MqIs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf3i9UgBbFg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0tdNhXUibA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBi4Y9JHPNA (VanDeest at 0:50)
...I'm confident that he'll know what to do with it.
-dutl 4/4/09
didn't Xavier Henry (i think thats his name) just went back on his commitment to Memphis with Calipari leaving, maybe Phelps could use the scholarship him. now that would be amazing. i think things look hairy for us next year with no proven big man returning, rebounding could be a major problem. definitely hope someone steps up at the point cuz stanley wasnt the answer last year, and if templeton plays like he did in half the games he did last year, he shouldnt be in the starting lineup anymore
ReplyDeleteI would not be surprised if we get halfway into the year and both Stanley and Templeton are coming off the bench. At the very least, I could see Ryan Wedel taking the "3" and forcing Templeton to play under the basket and hit the boards. If these new are Phelps' players that are coming in, they seemingly have the talent to perform.
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