Shocks Land East Carolina Transfer

[Zardoz]

I think Maggie is mostly right on this. JT has a lot of talent on the offensive end. He has the talent to be at least a good defensive player. He has admitted to being somewhat lazy. At the high school level this may have worked for him. Playing for WSU for coach Marshall it will not get it done. There are many other players just as talented and have physical advantages as well.

JT needs to get hungry and get motivated. If this happens he can get himself some nice minutes or maybe even dominate at the 3 or 4 in the valley. There is also the possibility that he just doesn't get it or doesn't put in the work and GM asks him to leave. The competition for minutes in the post is going to be fierce and it looks like we also can go to three guards if need be. I like JT i hope he makes it, I just don't know it he will make the effort.

[Snapshot9]

I think the coach will become frustrated with Durley if he does not put out the effort on Defense. Competition is up for every spot, but Durley can score around the basket. Griskanis and Ellis haven't really shown they can repeatedly score at the 4 position.

I think the 3 and 4 minutes Griskanis and Ellis get will depend on how their abilities match up to which position best. Ellis may play more 3 than 4, because of his long arms on defense, and a better looking outside shot than Griskanis. Obviously, someone has to relieve AJ at the 3.

And it is true, a player or two each year does not match up with the level required for D-1 ball (and I blame recruiting methods for part of it). Those that don't produce will be warming the bench more. When you think of the rotation, we will probably end up with a 9 player rotation this coming season barring injuries.

The coach has stated that whoever does it on the court will be the ones he will play, and I believe him, I just think he might have split emotions about Durley.

[pinstripers]

Speaking strictly about form, Griskenas has a beautiful outside shot.

[wufan]

I think JTD gets an opportunity for minutes at the five this year. I don't see EO and GS combining for more than 30 minutes a game this season. JT will have to prove he can play the five this year in order to transition into minutes at the 4 as a junior.

The great thing about the 08-09 team:

Two quick juco point guards that know how to win and can shoot!
Two long athletic freshman shooting guards that can handle the ball!
A very athletic SF transfer!
Four forwards that can rebound (three of which can play away from the basket)!
Two complimentary freshman seven footers!

There is a ton of versatility in the top 11. both points can play the two. both freshman shooting guards can play the three and possibly the point. Hawkins is a 2/3 (with 90% of his time at three). MG, and AB are 3/4s. JTD is a 3/4/5. Really only RC1 is limited in his position skill set. Even EO and GS could play the PF, although they won't due to their sheer size.

[SubGod22]

I don't see JT ever being a three. There's no way he's quick enough.

And Mantas does have a beautiful shot. It just didn't fall much last year.

[Snapshot9]

The point I am trying to make about Mantas's shot is that he releases the ball in front of him, like a set shot, and not above his head, like Ellis does, and therefore makes it much easier to block than someone like Ellis, who has a real nice 'jump shot' form.

Mantas's form is a 'set shot' turned into a 'jump shot', Ellis has true jump shot form. Mantas's shot is okay, just easier to block.

[pinstripers]

Speaking strictly about form, Griskenas has a beautiful outside shot