Ben Smith leading the NATION

[JaminShock]

Using Pomeroy's Offensive Rating, Ben Smith is #1 in the country at 139.2. To qualify, you have to play at least 40% of your team's minutes. He's that high because he's shooting 67.9% from inside the 3pt line and 44.3% behind it. He also rates high in offensive rebounding percentage and turnover rate, with a decent assist rate.

So basically, he shoots a high percentage inside and out, doesn't turn it over, passes pretty well, and grabs offensive rebounds. He's also played fewer minutes than 7 of our guys. I think that needs to change.

[molly jabali]

My ONLY qualm with Ben offensively is he does not always explode with the dribble, and I think he can.He's got great upside!

[60Shock]

It definitely will next year and with a year of Div 1 under his belt, there is no telling where he will rank (tongue in cheek).

[Aargh]

While watching the debacle that was rebounding in the first half of the VCU game, a thought crossed my mind...

...Would VCU have gotten all those offensive boards if Hatch had been in the game?

I haven't watched specifics of Smith well enough to form an opinion of his boxing out, but the absence of Hatch and the plethora of offensive boards for VCU were both obvious.

With Durley and Blair gone, there is plenty of opportunity (and need) for Smith to raise his ppg next year.

[molly jabali]

well, and I said'offensively' about Ben...he can get better on defense, and with a leadership role, probably will...

[shox1989]

That is great for Ben! I can't wait to see how much Ben improves in the future.

[ShockRef]

While watching the debacle that was rebounding in the first half of the VCU game, a thought crossed my mind...

...Would VCU have gotten all those offensive boards if Hatch had been in the game?

I haven't watched specifics of Smith well enough to form an opinion of his boxing out, but the absence of Hatch and the plethora of offensive boards for VCU were both obvious.

With Durley and Blair gone, there is plenty of opportunity (and need) for Smith to raise his ppg next year.

Thank you very much.

The same thought crossed my mind and confirmed today after talking with those in the know, who agreed.

It was a poor display of effort and desire by Durley and Blair to find a body and block out in the 1st half.

Hatch may have not been the total cure, but he would at least found his man and put a body on them.

It will be very interesting Wednesday night to witness the amount of effort exerted on rebounding.

VERY interesting.

That is all. 8)

[kcshocker11]

He is a joy to watch!

[forevershockerfan]

One thing about it is that between Ben and Graham, we have the 3 position nailed down. Yes, indeed it hurt when Hatch did not play the other night. He would make a positive difference in such a game. Also, it seems that Rags and Ben have our System down much better now. We will need all 10 of our rotation players hitting on all cylinders during these last 5 Valley games to get the Valley Ship and the March Dance seized.