AJ Hawkins to Aaron Ellis

[ShoxFan963]

In the last game it looked AJ Hawkins had no confidence in himself. I thought he was really turning a corner as a great offensive slasher. I think that is part of our shooting problem; you have to have confidence when you shoot. AJ passed up a few open 15 footers versus Evansville torwards the end of the game when we needed the offense the most. He's not the only one with these issues either, Graham Hatch would be a great offensive spark off the bench if he more confidence too. But, on the hand Aaron Ellis is picking up the slack with his infamous, smooth touch on his shot like when he got hot at March Madness last year.

If this problem pesists, I think coach should start Ellis at the small forward position to add another shooting threat to the offense along with Toure and Clevin.

[SpanglerFan316]

Playing the 3 is part of the reason Ellis lost his confidence in the first place, you (and I mean this in the kindest possible way :D ) idiot. :lol:

[ShoxFan963]

That's is when he was a freshman and earlier this year he was battling a toe injury. Both, Aaron and AJ are playing better defense too.

[SpanglerFan316]

How many drives to the basket by the other team's quick 3 that Ellis is guarding before he starts to have doubts?

[ShoxFan963]

Aaron is actually pretty quick for his size and his length will make for a lost step against his defender.

[pinstripers]

I don't think Ellis is a three.

[ShoxFan963]

I am just throwing it out there, it would be something to try to see if it boosts our offense's output.

[SpanglerFan316]

Imagine AE guarding TM. Get the picture?

[ShoxFan963]

Toure Moure?

[1979Shocker]

Toure Murry

[SFL]

TM?

Oh Lord, are you serious?

[Speed]

Toure Murry!

[SpanglerFan316]

PJ played the 3 last year and he and Murry are both 6'4". The Valley doesn't have a lot of height so a quick 6'4" player as the 3 is reasonable in the MVC. Could Aaron guard PJ if he drove to the basket? Murry?

I like Ellis and I'm glad he is playing better (& more). However he isn't a 3; he is a 4.

[Zardoz]

I like Ellis, I like Ellis a lot, but he is not a three in the Valley. When we had to play Ellis some it the three I think it sat him and the team back. Ellis has some match problems at the three and creates some at the four. Maybe in the future he can transform himself back into a three but I don't see him at the three much this season when we can stick Hawkins and Hatch on the Valley three and have them do a very good job defending them.

[ShockerKhan]

When AJ was called for the charge and the basket wiped out HCGM took him out immediately for about 6 minuets.
He took only one more shot in the first half and it was a three. When AJ hits his first shot or two he plays at a higher
energy level. Sunday was the flip side. He just needs to be more consistent and have the shooters mentality that Toure has.
I really think AJ will make major strides next year that same way Kyle Wilson did his 2nd year.