McClanaFan wrote:Does anyone know anything about W&M's team so we can know what to be on the lookout for tonight? I haven't been able to find out too much about them, but from what little I can tell they have quite a few guys that can do some damage.
From W&M's Blue Ribbon Preview...
- Hyperkinetic sophomore Marcus Thornton (11.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg) brings a dimension to the Tribe that is fun for the family. The 6-3 Thornton is all over the floor and never met a shot he didn't like. He doesn't mind traffic and on more than one occasion tried to dunk the ball over centers. In fact, Thornton can get his own shot whenever he wants it, which is sometimes tough in the patterned William & Mary offensive scheme.
- "I thought we took decent advantage of his skills last year," Shaver said, "but we will open things offensively a little more with Marcus and Brandon Britt. They're both so athletic I want to open up a little bit, run a little bit more, which I love to do, and get some easy transition baskets." Shaver is referring to point guard Brandon Britt (9.0 ppg, 1.5 apg), a 6-1 bullet and the ideal running mate with Thornton. The ability of Britt, a junior, and Thornton to play off of each other is a key to the season. Britt took a step back his sophomore season but had good reason -- his father passed away shortly before the year began. The numbers were not good -- 29 more turnovers than assists for a point guard and a 22 of 91 mark from 3 (.242) -- but Britt was a CAA all-freshman team honoree two seasons ago and has obvious talent.
- Rusthoven, a junior, (10.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg) doubled his production numbers from two seasons ago, and that can only get better assuming good health. The 6-9 Rusthoven is reliable around the rim. He made 109 of 200 (.545) from the field last year after shooting .567 the previous year. Rusthoven scored in double figures in 10 of the Tribe's last 14 games, including a team-best 12 points and seven rebounds in the CAA tournament against Northeastern. He had three double doubles on the year.
- The alter ego of Britt is junior Julian Boatner (4.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg). The 6-2 Boatner, a marksman from deep (34 of 116, .293), also struggled last year. Shaver has chosen a different tack with Boatner. While most coaches would ask for greater diversity, Shaver sees 34 of Boatner's 44 field goals were threes and is going the opposite direction.
- Gaillard (5.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg in 2010-11) sat out last season with a knee injury, but he brings the team a new dynamic. The 6-8 junior is an athletic wing and gives Shaver versatility. Though not a rugged player, Gaillard can play baseline to wing. While he may not be the focus of the offense, Gaillard will make things easier on his teammates. Plus, Gaillard's versatility on defense is sorely needed.
- Senior Matt Rum (6.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg) is a solid shooter and all around vital cog -- not because he does anything particularly well, but because he is weak at nothing. The 6-4 Rum led the team in 3-point shooting (38 of 102, .373) and his 1.4:1 assist-to-turnover ratio was the only one of the team in the positive realm. "He was our most consistent player last year," Shaver said. "He can defend you, and he's a shooter. His stability is very important."
- Terry Tarpey (FR) is 6-5 and plays with a toughness that makes coaches salivate. Shaver takes the praise one more step: "He's an extremely versatile player, very long, and shockingly athletic," Shaver said. "He will be one of our better defenders the day he walks in the door. He needs to develop consistency in his outside shot, but he can be a great player for us."
- Sean Sheldon (FR) moves very well on his 6-9 frame. Sheldon has a ways to go and has to adjust to the college game, but Shaver discounts nobody. "I love the motor on this kid," he said. "He plays at a fast pace, loves to play, he's a tough kid. I don't know completely where he fits in, but there's [room]."
- By LU Armchair coach
- By Humble_Opinion