[paradox]

This thing has somehow turned into the twilight zone.

[Sly Fox]

Somewhere Freddie is Googling himself and smiling at the results.

BTW did you hear we got our first commit of the year?

[PAmedic]

I'm still impressed with the Deuteronomy reset

[paradox]

Now back to the point guard situation.

Is it any wonder that this program has stumbled so much over the past 35 years when we've had so little stability and staying power from the point gaurd position. In thirty-five years, this program has produced only two four year starters at point gaurd, Matt Hildebrand and Karl Hess, and only one three year starter in Kenny Gunn. Add the names Woodson and White, who are among a very small group of two-year starters, and you cover every significant season in LU history:


Hess: small college national championship

Gunn: top five ranking in NAIA final poll

Hildebrand: '94 Big South champions; UNC in the NCAA's; 22 wins in second D1 season

White: back to back televised Big South finals in the Vines

Woodson: '04 Big South championship along with trip to NCAA's

[paradox]

With so little consistancy at the point gaurd position over our 35 year history, McKay has somehow managed to reel in three potential canidates with his first three signees: Stephene, Lewis, and even Anderson, who has the potential and will get a look from what I understand.

[LUconn]

A 4 year starter isn't something you should expect from a player. It's great and all but don't pretend like that's the standard. Most Frosh ride the pine for 30 minutes a game.

[paradox]

Not true.

The good ones will start 3-4. Just take a look at Winthrop and you'll find all the proof you'll need.

[TIMSCAR20]

A 4 year starter isn't something you should expect from a player. It's great and all but don't pretend like that's the standard. Most Frosh ride the pine for 30 minutes a game.

good point. And Point guard is by far the hardest position to come in and play right away. Leadership is something that is earned and it is difficult to earn the respect and trust of your teammates enough to allow you to lead them as an 18 year old freshman. There are a few exceptions like Chris Paul and Stephon Marbury but truth be told most coaches don't want to leave the cubbards so bare that they NEED to rely on a freshman point guard. I understand what you are getting at Dox but this does not speak to your point (I realize I have made several puns with this post). The emphasis should be more on who was running the team most years. If you look at just the division 1 history, I would say that we have had some good play from that position some years and there are several that we didn't. Hildo, Woodson and White were the class of that group for sure. I did ok but was a 2 guard that had to play point due to the Kodak All-American that was playing the 2 in Bailey Alston. I even think Monceaux and Mantlo did a great job combining to run that position in 2002-03 when RD returned. We have not had great PG play since Woodson left. No guarantees that any of these guys you mentioned will pan out either but I really hope so. Very difficult to lead a team at this level.

[paradox]

Look at Greg Marshall. In his 10-12 years at Winthrop, he primarily played three guys at the point over that 10-12 year span: Wooten, Waterman, and Gaynor. Most successful programs attempt to do it the same way. And from what I understand, consitancy and staying power at that position is a priority for McKay. I think that it is for most coaches. Our problem has been our failure to recruit solid players straight out of prep. Again, McKay's first three recuits have the potential to play that position, and one player or a combination could emerege that could provide real stability and leadership for a very pivotal position.

[Cider Jim]

Look at Greg Marshall.

Personally, I'd rather not: purple is one of my least favorite colors.

[WinthropEagleFan]

Look at Greg Marshall. In his 10-12 years at Winthrop, he primarily played three guys at the point over that 10-12 year span: Wooten, Waterman, and Gaynor. Most successful programs attempt to do it the same way. And from what I understand, consitancy and staying power at that position is a priority for McKay. I think that it is for most coaches. Our problem has been our failure to recruit solid players straight out of prep. Again, McKay's first three recuits have the potential to play that position, and one player or a combination could emerege that could provide real stability and leadership for a very pivotal position.

Stability at point guard has been huge for WU's success. In Marshall's tenure, Waterman started the first two years (he was a junior already), Wooten started the next three, and after a year without a steady point guard (which also happened to be the worst season by far during Marshall's time at WU), Gaynor has handled the PG duties the last three years. Having Gaynor around this upcoming season is one of the main reasons despite the coaching change and only 5 returning scholarship with D-I experience that WU fans are very optimistic.

[WWJFD]

He's supposed to be the real deal. He's been on McKay's radar for awhile--and verbaled awhile ago.

Let's not drool yet, he may not even academically qualify.

[jcmanson]

Luconn, this is the PG I was referring to.

[PAmedic]

5'7", huh.

"Mike reminds of one those spark plugs on the court,” said McKay. “I couldn’t pass up on him. Mike is tough, has the ability to shoot, find open guys and stretch the defense. Mike will become a fan favorite, because his perceived size limitation will be overcome by the size of his heart and abilities.”

reminds me of De'Andre Adams from WU

[Cider Jim]

5'7", huh.

Medic's got another hero to look UP to.

[PAmedic]

Medic's got another hero to look up to.

unless I'm wearing heels that night.

[truedrewdawg87]

I just talked to a kid over the weekend that I cover that knows Mike Lewis very well. He assured me that Lewis is the real deal and that Liberty fans would be pleased with what they saw out of him once he gets in a Flames uniform.

[jcmanson]

It will be interesting to see how McKay handles all the new players next year. We will have 4 returners that see time, and 6 newcomers. We know Seth and Carter will play right away. McKay said that Brolin Floyd and the JUCO will "make an immediate impact." That leaves you to wonder about Mike and Austin Smith.

Jeremy, Kyle, Brolin, BJ, and Seth will take all the minutes at the 2. As for Mike, BJ will more than likely get the nod at the Point next year, with Seth getting some minutes there as well as the 2. I wouldn't be surprised to see him redshirt next year, but who knows.

Edit: I forgot about Stephene. If he is playing next year, he would be a factor into getting some time at the 2 also.

[sweetnahmah1]

are we gonna have a big enough presence inside to replace ace?

[jcmanson]

are we gonna have a big enough presence inside to replace ace?

You can't replace Ace with a freshman. He has been a stud this year, but Carter McMasters will hopefully come close to what Ace has done this year. I'm talking about 8 ppg/6 rpg. But we will have much more depth. I'm looking for Anthony to have a stellar year next year.

[Schfourteenteen]

are we gonna have a big enough presence inside to replace ace?

Soup?
Armon Jones? oh wait


So not exactly.

Maybe NCAA will give Russ a "Pinkshirt" for playing like a girl and give him another year of eligibility

[sweetnahmah1]

i'm dying laughing in the middle of class.

[sweetnahmah1]

i dare armon jones to play next year. or we could just play all guards and drain 3's all day

[Schfourteenteen]

Hello Villanova

[Fumblerooskies]

are we gonna have a big enough presence inside to replace ace?

Soup?
Armon Jones? oh wait


So not exactly.

Maybe NCAA will give Russ a "Pinkshirt" for playing like a girl and give him another year of eligibility

My class is wondering why I just busted out in laughter....