[TylerBakersGonnaBGreat]

Where Did all the "Baker Haters" go? everyone is loving him now... Man ITS A GREAT DAY TO BE A FLAME!



I think we will get our Scoring from Ace Bannister Baker and Smith, Jenkins will help but those are the guys you will see really step up for the flames

[paradox]

I still say that Porter will probally only see spot duty as a defender, unless of course he improves dramatically with his shooting and rebounding.

I agree that his offense is very limited and he's not going to offer much more than 3-4 points a game on the offensive end but his defense is invaluable. He was a huge spark for us down the stretch last season.

I can't imagine Rell not playing atleast 20 minutes a game.

I agree that he is valuable as a defender and set-up man, but very limited otherwise. His skills are situational in McKay's scheme. We need to find a combination that has the potential to be more productive accross the board. For example, Winthrop's Williams and McCullough averaged more that 16 points per game and pulled down more than 9 boards per game, combined. In addition, they both played tough D and set their fair share of picks as well.

There's no doubt that we need to elevate our game at the 4 if we want to compete at a high level. I believe that Baker can help us get there. Campbell is still an unknown, but he remains our best hope for a productive change of pace to go along with Baker at that position.

[olldflame]

TBGBG I agree that although TJ's primary role will be as playmaker, he will do some scoring as well. Finishing after a penetrating move will not be quite as tough in the Big South as in the ACC.

[Fumblerooskies]

I agree that he is valuable as a defender and set-up man, but very limited otherwise. His skills are situational in McKay's scheme. We need to find a combination that has the potential to be more productive accross the board. For example, Winthrop's Williams and McCullough averaged more that 16 points per game and pulled down more than 9 boards per game, combined. In addition, they both played tough D and set their fair share of picks as well.

There's no doubt that we need to elevate our game at the 4 if we want to compete at a high level. I believe that Baker can help us get there. Campbell is still an unknown, but he remains our best hope for a productive change of pace to go along with Baker at that position.

Nice synopsis, Paradox...
...you must have some coaching blood in you. All you need is the matching tie and highlighter and we could call you "Digger." Well done...and well said.

[paradox]

.. Rell has been the starter there for 2 years...

...Having Anderson start ahead of BJ is also silly.. ...I also think it's whacky to put Vince Redd, as terrific an athlete as he is, ahead of Russ at the 5, when we don't even know yet if he will play...

...For all we know, when it comes time to lace it up next fall RMc could decide to go small and play a 3 guard lineup with Smitty at the 4. It worked pretty well in 04....

Porter: You can't assume that a player will start and average at least twenty minutes because he did those things for a previous coach. Unless you are an all-around player, which Porter clearly is not, then it would make very little sense to play a senior with limited skills and take precious time away from a younger player, especially within the context of McKay's style of play which is more offense oriented rather than defense (RD). We have to constantly ask the question, what is going to help us not only in the present but down the road as well.

Anderson and Jenkins both have the pontential to see at least 25 minutes each. It's going to be hard to keep both of those players off of the court, but I still have to give the edge to Anderson because of his work ethic and leadership qualitities.

I put a question mark next to Redd's name and stated, "if he plays." If he actually plays, you have to assume that he's going to be better than Monroe, otherwise, why even bother?

Smith at the four would be a four gaurd line-up not a three gaurd line-up. Secondly, why would he even consider that when Baker can hit the three from the four position?

[LUconn]

Smith at the four would be a four gaurd line-up not a three gaurd line-up. Secondly, why would he even consider that when Baker can hit the three from the four position?

not saying this would be considered, but obviously a 3 or 4 gaurd lineup would be quicker and have more ball handling skill on the floor at once. It's not just about 3s.

[BrysOn_G]

i agree with olldflame. smith at 3 the majority of game, with baker giving him a blow here and there. then baker possibly running as another guard on O, while D-ing up a bigger guy.

basically, i agree with what i think LUconn is saying. 3 or 4 guard lineup would be quicker, and if considered has the potential to work. we'd have baker's height/strength on defense, along with his guard play on offense. i don't know how well it'd work for our boys, but if run correctly, a 4-"guard" offense can really produce.

[LUconn]

Oh I definately don't think we should run that. I was just pointing out the advantages. We'd get killed on the boards and downlow. It would be very ugly. We'd look like VMI

[BrysOn_G]

yeah, i guess it would not help to have quickness down the floor without someone to rebound and kick-out.

out of curiosity, did RM do anything unique to himself at NM... as far as gameplay (offense or defense)?

[olldflame]

I'm enjoying this spirited discussion, where it's perfectly cool if we disagree completely because none of us really knows what is going to happen anyway.

I think it's pretty nitpicky to argue over what is 3 or 4 guards. I said 3 because while Smitty may have some guard skills, he has played small forward most of his career, and is a typical Big South small forward. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of that lineup with him at the 4 and 3 smaller guards along with Ace.

[SuperJon]

Time for me to chime in:

McKay seems like the type of coach that is going to take what the other team gives him. If the other team is slow and unathletic, he's going to put the athletes in and run on them. If he thinks our best bet is to slow things down, we'll go big and do that. Arguing over who is going to start at what position is stupid, because more than likely, every player, other than TJ, is going to play 2 positions in any given game.

[BrysOn_G]

jon, i hope he's like that. better to be open to doing what's gotta be done than being stubborn or hard-headed about strategy (not to indirectly make a reference to any long-time coach (k) in the acc or anything).

olldflame... the three smileys beating the mess out of the donkey/deer/horse is killin me! haha. i haven't seen that one yet.

[SuperJon]

Coach McKay said he wold run whatever system gave us the best chance to win.

[olldflame]

Right SJ, and I hope that applies to Ace as well, because let's face it, he's a bit undersized for a D1 post player, and in certain situations I think we could go big with Russ (or possibly Vince) at the post and Alex at the 4, where he would dominate most Big South opponents. Remember what RMc said when he was asked what kind of ball he likes to play? "Winning"

[SuperJon]

People keep dogging on Russ. He's going to be A LOT better next year. He's never had a coach to develop him. He has the hands to be the dump off guy anytime TJ penetrates. He has a little jumper that can get better if people work with him.

I honestly, 100% believe that next year Russ has a great chance at starting at the 5 and Alex at the 4.

[PAmedic]

I honestly, 100% believe that next year Russ has a great chance at starting at the 5 and Alex at the 4.

thats an interesting concept- the 2 of them on the floor at the same time.

I actually don't know if I saw that very often last season

could actually work well

[TIMSCAR20]

I agree with SJ on some of those points. Russ will be fantastic with TJ driving and dishing. He has pretty good hands and is a finisher. Add to that the confidence that RMK will try to instill in him and we might have a player . Truth is, Russ had a great year IMO. He shot almost 70% from the field on the season. He just needed to play more. I said it on the air quite a few times. Very efficient ball player. I don't know why folks don't think he will play much. He has a good chance of starting at the 5 with Ace at the 4 next season. I am not saying that will happen but it does pose a possibility.

[LUconn]

People keep dogging on Russ. He's going to be A LOT better next year. He's never had a coach to develop him. He has the hands to be the dump off guy anytime TJ penetrates. He has a little jumper that can get better if people work with him.

I honestly, 100% believe that next year Russ has a great chance at starting at the 5 and Alex at the 4.

He's got no post moves, that's his problem. He's got a sweet jumper, that I always wished RD would let him use. He's just too tall not to camp him in the middle.

[SuperJon]

Yea, I've talked to some big bald black guy a few times about Russ.

[TIMSCAR20]

Yea, I've talked to some big bald black guy a few times about Russ.

Yes but I don't think that guy was bald. I'll bet he shaves his head because he likes the look and it is low maintenance I am a huge Russell Monroe fan and I will be truly sad when he graduates. Great kid.

[SuperJon]

Nah, he's bald, and he sucks at MVP Baseball 2K5.

[TIMSCAR20]

I'm sure he has addressed those relief pitching issues and will be ready to beat his opponent on Saturday ...

I can't wait to see what RMK's strategies are. I am looking forward to talking shop with him the next time I see him. Maybe this weekend if he is in town. I will be back to whip up on you SJ in baseball and if I can't win, we will have to play Madden.

[jmdickens]

People keep dogging on Russ. He's going to be A LOT better next year. He's never had a coach to develop him. He has the hands to be the dump off guy anytime TJ penetrates. He has a little jumper that can get better if people work with him.

I honestly, 100% believe that next year Russ has a great chance at starting at the 5 and Alex at the 4.

He's got no post moves, that's his problem. He's got a sweet jumper, that I always wished RD would let him use. He's just too tall not to camp him in the middle.

Yeah, Russ can shoot...but, he has been spending time trying to get some post moves...let him play high post and Ace on the block. a good system if ran correctly

[TDDance234]

we will have to play Madden.

and then I'll spank you.

[SuperJon]

Whoa, you got something going on we need to know about?