Garrett Green LSU transfer

[SubGod22]

I read it as saying actual game experience running our stuff would be of great benefit to one of the only returners who didn't play much. Marshall seemed to indicate that had we not had so much post depth last year, that Ehimen would have been playing in the 2nd half of the season. He talked a lot about the progress he'd made. But there just weren't minutes available. And running things in game situations are a lot different than in practice.

[The Mad Hatter]

I think this is a certain sign that EO is not ready to be a contributor.

That might be a reasonable assumption to make if Green had been the first guy we targeted, but since we first went after PF types in DeWitt and Walker, it would appear that we are trying to get the best available experienced post player of any variety.

If the coaches were really that worried about EO, why would they have targeted Walker (who is more of a SF/PF swingman) first? Wouldn't they have gone after a true center first if that was the concern?

Because a 6'7" contributor is better than a 7' paper weight. In the Valley, multiple true centers aren't a necessity. But if you can get a good one, you jump on it.

Why would you assume that the problem is EO instead of not wanting to depend overmuch on a freshman (White) as your 4th post option?

I guess I just saw the following quote in one of Sully's previous articles about the extra practices:

"Ehimen is one returnee who is probably going to benefit the most," Marshall said. "This is additional practices, running our stuff and not the scout team stuff."

My interpretation was that EO has a long way to go and he needs all the practice time he can get. Again, just my humble opinions.

The fact that Marshall said that is unsurprising. Why? Because, with the departure of Richardson and Hamilton, EO is the only remaining scholarship player from last season to not see regular playing time.

Toure', David, Joe, Ben, Garrett, and Demetric were all regulars who got lots of time in actual game situations running the offense and defense rather than having most of their court time being on the scout team in practice.

This says nothing about how EO has developed over the past year, but rather that he is the one returnee who hasn't had a lot of game minutes and therefore will benefit the most from this summer's practices and trip (alongside the newcomers).

Now maybe EO hasn't developed (I certainly don't have evidence one way or another because I'm not in the practices), but neither wanting to add post depth or noting that EO is the returnee with the least experience running the first team offense and defense says much of anything to me about what the coaches think of his development.

Furthermore, even if all 4 of our post players are ready to contribute at a high level, we are one injury away from being very thin in the post. We carried 5 scholarship posts last year (6 before Hamilton was kicked off the team) and we only have 4 this year. Luckily we didn't need that depth, but you would prefer to have it in case a major injury did occur.

[_kai_]

I really have a hard time understanding how anyone would dislike having this kid on the team, or by having him, make you worry about our skill? Who in the world would turn down a 6'11'' center if its just one year? If we have the schollie, burn it on a back up. I'm down for that. If he's going to provide his own way here, then why the heck not?

I really just don't understand the negativity sometimes. Its like people immediately look for something wrong with a situation. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with this move. If EO doesn't pan out, big deal. That happens all the time. Just because we spent 150+ pages on the guy doesn't make it taste any worse. Think about it this way, maybe even if EO doesn't pan out on the court, he'll pan out on intangibles like recruiting. Maybe we wouldn't get Henry if EO wasn't here. Maybe even Ede. What if by EO having such a wonderful time at WSU, and making bonds with the coaches, he will be a pipeline of talent from Africa? Marshall coached that one guy who runs the organization that brings players from Africa here, and he helps with our hoops camp.

Its about lifelong connections and networking. It pays dividends down the road, and I think even if EO doesn't work out on the court he'll work out as a connection down the road.

I've been called a sunshine pumper on here before, and it irked me back then, but I don't care. I'd rather **** rainbows than cry black tears at everything.

[NCAABound]

I really have a hard time understanding how anyone would dislike having this kid on the team, or by having him, make you worry about our skill? Who in the world would turn down a 6'11'' center if its just one year? If we have the schollie, burn it on a back up. I'm down for that. If he's going to provide his own way here, then why the heck not?

I really just don't understand the negativity sometimes. Its like people immediately look for something wrong with a situation. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with this move. If EO doesn't pan out, big deal. That happens all the time. Just because we spent 150+ pages on the guy doesn't make it taste any worse. Think about it this way, maybe even if EO doesn't pan out on the court, he'll pan out on intangibles like recruiting. Maybe we wouldn't get Henry if EO wasn't here. Maybe even Ede. What if by EO having such a wonderful time at WSU, and making bonds with the coaches, he will be a pipeline of talent from Africa? Marshall coached that one guy who runs the organization that brings players from Africa here, and he helps with our hoops camp.

Its about lifelong connections and networking. It pays dividends down the road, and I think even if EO doesn't work out on the court he'll work out as a connection down the road.

I've been called a sunshine pumper on here before, and it irked me back then, but I don't care. I'd rather #### rainbows than cry black tears at everything.

I'm all for this move. I'd love to get this guy. All I think is that it's a sign that we have a lot of unknowns in the post. And if one of the "knowns" (EO) had maybe shown more at this point, we might not be targeting another true 5-man.

[_kai_]

I really have a hard time understanding how anyone would dislike having this kid on the team, or by having him, make you worry about our skill? Who in the world would turn down a 6'11'' center if its just one year? If we have the schollie, burn it on a back up. I'm down for that. If he's going to provide his own way here, then why the heck not?

I really just don't understand the negativity sometimes. Its like people immediately look for something wrong with a situation. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with this move. If EO doesn't pan out, big deal. That happens all the time. Just because we spent 150+ pages on the guy doesn't make it taste any worse. Think about it this way, maybe even if EO doesn't pan out on the court, he'll pan out on intangibles like recruiting. Maybe we wouldn't get Henry if EO wasn't here. Maybe even Ede. What if by EO having such a wonderful time at WSU, and making bonds with the coaches, he will be a pipeline of talent from Africa? Marshall coached that one guy who runs the organization that brings players from Africa here, and he helps with our hoops camp.

Its about lifelong connections and networking. It pays dividends down the road, and I think even if EO doesn't work out on the court he'll work out as a connection down the road.

I've been called a sunshine pumper on here before, and it irked me back then, but I don't care. I'd rather #### rainbows than cry black tears at everything.

I'm all for this move. I'd love to get this guy. All I think is that it's a sign that we have a lot of unknowns in the post. And if one of the "knowns" (EO) had maybe shown more at this point, we might not be targeting another true 5-man.

+1,000,000

[SubGod22]

I really have a hard time understanding how anyone would dislike having this kid on the team, or by having him, make you worry about our skill? Who in the world would turn down a 6'11'' center if its just one year? If we have the schollie, burn it on a back up. I'm down for that. If he's going to provide his own way here, then why the heck not?

I really just don't understand the negativity sometimes. Its like people immediately look for something wrong with a situation. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with this move. If EO doesn't pan out, big deal. That happens all the time. Just because we spent 150+ pages on the guy doesn't make it taste any worse. Think about it this way, maybe even if EO doesn't pan out on the court, he'll pan out on intangibles like recruiting. Maybe we wouldn't get Henry if EO wasn't here. Maybe even Ede. What if by EO having such a wonderful time at WSU, and making bonds with the coaches, he will be a pipeline of talent from Africa? Marshall coached that one guy who runs the organization that brings players from Africa here, and he helps with our hoops camp.

Its about lifelong connections and networking. It pays dividends down the road, and I think even if EO doesn't work out on the court he'll work out as a connection down the road.

I've been called a sunshine pumper on here before, and it irked me back then, but I don't care. I'd rather #### rainbows than cry black tears at everything.

I'm all for this move. I'd love to get this guy. All I think is that it's a sign that we have a lot of unknowns in the post. And if one of the "knowns" (EO) had maybe shown more at this point, we might not be targeting another true 5-man.

+1,000,000

Except we've also targeted PF and SF types. It's not like every name has been a center. So, at the time we were looking at one of the other guys, does that mean that Hall and White hadn't shown enough but all of a sudden, now they do? I'm not a huge fan of bringing in a guy for one year, but I don't think it says anything more about Ehimen than it does Hall or White.

[RoyalShock]

It's all about post depth. And in the MVC, you can get away with playing guys who may be a little undersized or slightly out of their normal position.

[_kai_]

I really have a hard time understanding how anyone would dislike having this kid on the team, or by having him, make you worry about our skill? Who in the world would turn down a 6'11'' center if its just one year? If we have the schollie, burn it on a back up. I'm down for that. If he's going to provide his own way here, then why the heck not?

I really just don't understand the negativity sometimes. Its like people immediately look for something wrong with a situation. I have a hard time finding anything wrong with this move. If EO doesn't pan out, big deal. That happens all the time. Just because we spent 150+ pages on the guy doesn't make it taste any worse. Think about it this way, maybe even if EO doesn't pan out on the court, he'll pan out on intangibles like recruiting. Maybe we wouldn't get Henry if EO wasn't here. Maybe even Ede. What if by EO having such a wonderful time at WSU, and making bonds with the coaches, he will be a pipeline of talent from Africa? Marshall coached that one guy who runs the organization that brings players from Africa here, and he helps with our hoops camp.

Its about lifelong connections and networking. It pays dividends down the road, and I think even if EO doesn't work out on the court he'll work out as a connection down the road.

I've been called a sunshine pumper on here before, and it irked me back then, but I don't care. I'd rather #### rainbows than cry black tears at everything.

I'm all for this move. I'd love to get this guy. All I think is that it's a sign that we have a lot of unknowns in the post. And if one of the "knowns" (EO) had maybe shown more at this point, we might not be targeting another true 5-man.

+1,000,000

Except we've also targeted PF and SF types. It's not like every name has been a center. So, at the time we were looking at one of the other guys, does that mean that Hall and White hadn't shown enough but all of a sudden, now they do? I'm not a huge fan of bringing in a guy for one year, but I don't think it says anything more about Ehimen than it does Hall or White.

Our front court is weak, but turning a post about picking up a solid transfer for a year, into a thread about how weak our front court is, is what irritates me. Just once, I'd like a thread not to turn off topic or turn negative. That was my point. Everyone knows the front court is our weakness. Its not like people have to continually bring it up in every single thread. If we're recruiting SF, PF, and C transfer players, obviously Marshall feels that we are weak in the post, and would benefit from having a player with D1 experience. Everyone else knows this too. It doesn't have to turn into a pity party by a handful of people, everytime.

[SubGod22]

It's all about post depth. And in the MVC, you can get away with playing guys who may be a little undersized or slightly out of their normal position.

You can in the MVC. Marshall isn't building a team for the MVC. Or he shouldn't be. Build a team that can win on the national level and winning in the MVC will happen.

[RoyalShock]

It's all about post depth. And in the MVC, you can get away with playing guys who may be a little undersized or slightly out of their normal position.

You can in the MVC. Marshall isn't building a team for the MVC. Or he shouldn't be. Build a team that can win on the national level and winning in the MVC will happen.

Well, considering we started a 6'5" PF in the best season WSU has had in the last 20 years, I don't think you have to build a stereotypical front-court. (Though it is nice when you can)

Last year we had a team built and stacked at every position to win on the national stage, but it didn't quite work out. Two undersized MVC teams took us off that stage (MSU and InSU).

My point was that we don't have to target a specific position (C, PF). We just need quality depth that gives Marshall flexibility.

[ABC]

It's all about post depth. And in the MVC, you can get away with playing guys who may be a little undersized or slightly out of their normal position.

You can in the MVC. Marshall isn't building a team for the MVC. Or he shouldn't be. Build a team that can win on the national level and winning in the MVC will happen.

Well, considering we started a 6'5" PF in the best season WSU has had in the last 20 years, I don't think you have to build a stereotypical front-court. (Though it is nice when you can)

Last year we had a team built and stacked at every position to win on the national stage, but it didn't quite work out. Two undersized MVC teams took us off that stage (MSU and InSU).

My point was that we don't have to target a specific position (C, PF). We just need quality depth that gives Marshall flexibility.

Kyle Wilson was the starting PF during the Sweet 16 run.

The fact that our PF was 6'5" the following year is one big reason why WSU struggled so much in MVC play.

[Ricardo del Rio]

Pts/Rebs per 40 minutes lost:

Durley 17.8 / 7.8
Blair 13.1 / 12.7
Ellis 10.0 / 8.0


--------------
Green 14.1 / 11.3 (in the SEC)
--------------

Had 15 and 13 against us, got to the line 12 times. Had 13 and 9 in 26 minutes at Kentucky.

Something tells me he might be of use against Echenique and Carmichael in the pursuit of a Valley title, and against BCS conference big men in a tournament run.

Something tells me that 6"11" guys who were good enough to play in the SEC and available in July before the upcoming season are not standing on every street corner.

Then again I may be hearing all kinds of voices in my head. 8)

Your post reminds me of a Coach Fogler quote.

Coach Fogler had a Coaches Show. It was moderated by Mike Kennedy. A person called in and gave Coach Fogler what-for for not recruiting a 7-0 center. In a crusty tone, Coach Fogler replied, "Tell me, where a 7-0 center is available and I will go and sign him right away."

I don't think you are hearing voices.

[RoyalShock]

It's all about post depth. And in the MVC, you can get away with playing guys who may be a little undersized or slightly out of their normal position.

You can in the MVC. Marshall isn't building a team for the MVC. Or he shouldn't be. Build a team that can win on the national level and winning in the MVC will happen.

Well, considering we started a 6'5" PF in the best season WSU has had in the last 20 years, I don't think you have to build a stereotypical front-court. (Though it is nice when you can)

Last year we had a team built and stacked at every position to win on the national stage, but it didn't quite work out. Two undersized MVC teams took us off that stage (MSU and InSU).

My point was that we don't have to target a specific position (C, PF). We just need quality depth that gives Marshall flexibility.

Kyle Wilson was the starting PF during the Sweet 16 run.

The fact that our PF was 6'5" the following year is one big reason why WSU struggled so much in MVC play.

Ah, that's right. But his backup was 6'5" and if I recall, there were times when Wilson and Martin were manning the post together.

[wufan]

You can have a very good team with a 6-5 PF, 6-8 center, and a three man front court rotation...but it's easier with three 7 footers and two 6-8 PFs.

We all have "what if" concerns about our front court and anyone that can help us win, I'm in favor of. These kind of things do put me a little on edge about team dynamics going forward.

[WSUwatcher]

Green

I'd love to see WSU add someone who appears capable of being a significant contributor for a long time, such as Darnell Harris.

But we all know that such recruiting battles can be tough to win. And based on his play against WSU, I'd be absolutely delighted if the Shocks could end up with Green as an alternative.

1. There are plenty of teams in the MVC, which makes up 60% of WSU's regular season schedule (and, of course, 100% of the field against which WSU needs to win a tournament for an automatic NCAA spot), for whom Green would start at C and even be a significant upgrade versus whoever they're actually planning to use.

2. Although I'm one of the guys who expects Stutz to have a big year, and it's great for Orukpe to get the extra pre-season practice and game action, there's still no denying that we don't yet know whether Stutz and Orukpe can be counted on to provide 40 minutes of quality C play game after game. Green would eliminate that concern.

3. Depending on matchups and the way Marshall decides to line up the Shocks and play in a given game, it's entirely possible that Stutz and Green could be on the floor at the same time. That would be good news, because although I have high hopes and expectations for Carl Hall and Jake White as a quality PF combo for 40 minutes a game, it would also be nice to have some margin for error at that spot.

4. In a year where WSU has a number of attractive recruiting targets at whom Marshall and Co. are still aiming (including at least three in Wichita alone), a one-year solution who then opens up a scholarship for 2012-13 would not be a bad thing.