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Post by thefriscotxaggie on Mar 11, 2016 11:33:53 GMT -5
Watched the film on Pratt...Strong kid with with an old school guard type of game ....kinda a Gary Payton type (high motor, will back anyone down in the post, and the biggest kicker is the 9 rebounds per game). Seems to be very confident and he is a bigger body than any guard we have on our team. Probably could refine his handle a little bit but he is the type that could ramp up fast because he is physical and already has the muscle mass.
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Post by durhamgsoaggie on Mar 11, 2016 12:15:06 GMT -5
Watched the film on Pratt...Strong kid with with an old school guard type of game ....kinda a Gary Payton type (high motor, will back anyone down in the post, and the biggest kicker is the 9 rebounds per game). Seems to be very confident and he is a bigger body than any guard we have on our team. Probably could refine his handle a little bit but he is the type that could ramp up fast because he is physical and already has the muscle mass. Yep. Looking at guards like Eaves/Mortimer at SCSU, Short/Taylor at Norfolk... that 6'3"-6"5" guard with athleticism and physicality is what we were missing. That's why losing Joshea Singleton hurt so bad. The good news... Pratt, Houston and Pinkard are all in that 6'3"-6'4" range. One of them is bound to emerge as a viable starter next season. But the guy I'm really hoping to see step up is James Whitaker. He's got confidence back during this stretch of playing with Coach Joyner as HC. That's no coincidence. Whitaker and Deion James are the two guys who have the potential to take big steps. If Nick Reese gets his mid-range jumper more consistent, he can do some things because of his strength. And Sam Hunt has got to get better defensively. There's just no way in getting around that, in addition to being more consistent on the offensive end. But at the end of the way, it's all about the work these guys are willing to put in this offseason. Time will tell how much they want it.
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Post by neighborhoodsuperstar on Mar 11, 2016 12:31:24 GMT -5
We still need a PG.....I'm not saying Pratt isn't good; he likely is. Our team has too many wing players as it is (2's and 3's). We need a solid 1 (PG), 4 (PF) and 5 (C). The accumulation of wing players isn't helping us build a well-rounded team. At our level, it's extremely difficut to get a center.....but we need to get a point guard, which is ascertainable. Forcing a natural 2 or 3 to be a PG won't work.
My personal opinion, outside of Abdullah (who's graduating)....we didn't have a legitimate PG. Sam Hunt is not a PG. WE NEED A POINT GUARD FOR 2017.
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oleschoolaggie
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Post by oleschoolaggie on Mar 11, 2016 12:41:11 GMT -5
Watched the film on Pratt...Strong kid with with an old school guard type of game ....kinda a Gary Payton type (high motor, will back anyone down in the post, and the biggest kicker is the 9 rebounds per game). Seems to be very confident and he is a bigger body than any guard we have on our team. Probably could refine his handle a little bit but he is the type that could ramp up fast because he is physical and already has the muscle mass. Yep. Looking at guards like Eaves/Mortimer at SCSU, Short/Taylor at Norfolk... that 6'3"-6"5" guard with athleticism and physicality is what we were missing. That's why losing Joshea Singleton hurt so bad. The good news... Pratt, Houston and Pinkard are all in that 6'3"-6'4" range. One of them is bound to emerge as a viable starter next season. But the guy I'm really hoping to see step up is James Whitaker. He's got confidence back during this stretch of playing with Coach Joyner as HC. That's no coincidence. Whitaker and Deion James are the two guys who have the potential to take big steps. If Nick Reese gets his mid-range jumper more consistent, he can do some things because of his strength. And Sam Hunt has got to get better defensively. There's just no way in getting around that, in addition to being more consistent on the offensive end. But at the end of the way, it's all about the work these guys are willing to put in this offseason. Time will tell how much they want it. durham, are there any local summer leagues that our guys can play in this summer to complement the individual work they put in? i know moton used to have his guys play in the pro-am league at mcdougald, but i don’t believe they have it at mcdougald anymore. its great when guys can come in over the summer to weight train and work on fundamentals but yet have a summer league to actually test the weaknesses that they’re working on...
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Post by durhamgsoaggie on Mar 11, 2016 12:49:58 GMT -5
We still need a PG.....I'm not saying Pratt isn't good; he likely is. Our team has too many wing players as it is (2's and 3's). We need a solid 1 (PG), 4 (PF) and 5 (C). The accumulation of wing players isn't helping us build a well-rounded team. At our level, it's extremely difficut to get a center.....but we need to get a point guard, which is ascertainable. Forcing a natural 2 or 3 to be a PG won't work. My personal opinion, outside of Abdullah (who's graduating)....we didn't have a legitimate PG. Sam Hunt is not a PG. WE NEED A POINT GUARD FOR 2017. I gotta be honest...Sam may have to play the point...or one of the bigger guards will have to emerge as the 1. Unless they are cat-quick, we can't have 2 short guards out on the courts. Ed Stephens (forgot to mention him) really isn't a 1, either, but man is he quick. Austin Williams getting his head right will really help here. The 4 won't look like Bruce next year, but they'll be ok as long as they play better defense than Bruce this year. We absolutely need a 5...particularly on the defensive end. Sent from my LGLS991 using proboards
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Post by neighborhoodsuperstar on Mar 11, 2016 12:56:55 GMT -5
I appreciate your honesty.......and you need to be honest. If Sam is our PG, it's a recipe for disaster. I'm not blaming that on Sam.....he is what he is - a shooting guard in a point guard's body. This won't work durhamgso.....we will be HEAVILY RELIANT upon Hunt for his offensive production to keep us in games next year. He's not Tiny Archibald (who led the NBA in points and assists). Unless something changes drastically in 2017, I don't even think we'll have the collective offensive talent for Hunt to amass 5+ assists per game. He may not even feel comfortable passing the ball to others to set them up for a basket.
No legitimate point guard = no legitimate success....
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Post by durhamgsoaggie on Mar 11, 2016 13:17:01 GMT -5
I appreciate your honesty.......and you need to be honest. If Sam is our PG, it's a recipe for disaster. I'm not blaming that on Sam.....he is what he is - a shooting guard in a point guard's body. This won't work durhamgso.....we will be HEAVILY RELIANT upon Hunt for his offensive production to keep us in games next year. He's not Tiny Archibald (who led the NBA in points and assists). Unless something changes drastically in 2017, I don't even think we'll have the collective offensive talent for Hunt to amass 5+ assists per game. He may not even feel comfortable passing the ball to others to set them up for a basket. No legitimate point guard = no legitimate success.... When was the last time we had a 5 apg PG? There aren't as many around college hoops as there used to be. Quick, effective ball movement to a degree replaces the PG in a lot of sets. That's what stood out to me in watching Norfolk and SCSU here in Norfolk. What Sam cannot do moving forward (whether at the 1 or the 2) is hoard the dribble waiting for something to emerge in the lane. If the screen is there, take it...if a clean shot is there...take it. If not, the rock has to move so the defense can't set. The key for me is that I know Sam is willing to work to get better. Trust is something learned and something earned. Same as leadership. It's going to be an interesting offseason. Sent from my LGLS991 using proboards
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Post by neighborhoodsuperstar on Mar 11, 2016 13:49:30 GMT -5
I appreciate your honesty.......and you need to be honest. If Sam is our PG, it's a recipe for disaster. I'm not blaming that on Sam.....he is what he is - a shooting guard in a point guard's body. This won't work durhamgso.....we will be HEAVILY RELIANT upon Hunt for his offensive production to keep us in games next year. He's not Tiny Archibald (who led the NBA in points and assists). Unless something changes drastically in 2017, I don't even think we'll have the collective offensive talent for Hunt to amass 5+ assists per game. He may not even feel comfortable passing the ball to others to set them up for a basket. No legitimate point guard = no legitimate success.... When was the last time we had a 5 apg PG? One reason we may not have had one in a while is because our teams, over the past few years, can't shoot or score very well. You can be Steve Nash, but if the teammates you're passing to can't shoot, you get no assist.... ....and that's what concerns me about Hunt at the point. I don't think he has the wiring to be the PG we truly need; plus our offense will be so limited next year that he will likely need to be our #1 scoring threat. It ain't often when a person is both your #1 scoring threat and your #1 passing threat. Joyner needs to recruit a PG. I'm already resigned to the fact we likely won't have a center, but if we don't get a PG either --- it just won't work.
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Post by durhamgsoaggie on Mar 11, 2016 14:13:40 GMT -5
When was the last time we had a 5 apg PG? One reason we may not have had one in a while is because our teams, over the past few years, can't shoot or score very well. You can be Steve Nash, but if the teammates you're passing to can't shoot, you get no assist.... ....and that's what concerns me about Hunt at the point. I don't think he has the wiring to be the PG we truly need; plus our offense will be so limited next year that he will likely need to be our #1 scoring threat. It ain't often when a person is both your #1 scoring threat and your #1 passing threat. Joyner needs to recruit a PG. I'm already resigned to the fact we likely won't have a center, but if we don't get a PG either --- it just won't work. I feel you...but my point is that there were no 5 apg PGs in the MEAC this year. It's not just the PG...other players have to emerge as ball-handlers...that's new age hoops. Sent from my LGLS991 using proboards
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Post by thefriscotxaggie on Mar 11, 2016 15:08:14 GMT -5
This is good bbal debate. First and foremost Sam has got to play some better D. NSS is correct I like Sam but he is not a point guard. We tried that at the beginning of the season with Singleton and Sam as staring 2 guards and no real point it was a disaster. Finding a legit point should be easier than a legit center.
Can you run effectively without a point ? yes University of Detroit is a good example. They pretty much run a 3- 4 guard set. They average 80+ points a game. To do this you need big physical guards that can run the floor. Three of their starting guards are 6'4 or better. The key is having a couple athletic post players not your traditional center but one that can run the floor. Thats my hope for Dieon and Lackey they both can feel that role but will take some commitment during the offseason. You dont need a point because in this type of set any of the 4 on the floor can push the ball you are not running plays and it makes for entertaining basketball. Plus they play aton of lock down man to man D which helps dictate the pass of the game in a 4 guard offence you want to play NBA fast.
Its smart when you know the chances of getting a 6'10 (Thomas Coleman) or Kyle O"Quinn are few and far between.
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Post by durhamgsoaggie on Mar 11, 2016 15:27:10 GMT -5
Yep. Looking at guards like Eaves/Mortimer at SCSU, Short/Taylor at Norfolk... that 6'3"-6"5" guard with athleticism and physicality is what we were missing. That's why losing Joshea Singleton hurt so bad. The good news... Pratt, Houston and Pinkard are all in that 6'3"-6'4" range. One of them is bound to emerge as a viable starter next season. But the guy I'm really hoping to see step up is James Whitaker. He's got confidence back during this stretch of playing with Coach Joyner as HC. That's no coincidence. Whitaker and Deion James are the two guys who have the potential to take big steps. If Nick Reese gets his mid-range jumper more consistent, he can do some things because of his strength. And Sam Hunt has got to get better defensively. There's just no way in getting around that, in addition to being more consistent on the offensive end. But at the end of the way, it's all about the work these guys are willing to put in this offseason. Time will tell how much they want it. durham, are there any local summer leagues that our guys can play in this summer to complement the individual work they put in? i know moton used to have his guys play in the pro-am league at mcdougald, but i don’t believe they have it at mcdougald anymore. its great when guys can come in over the summer to weight train and work on fundamentals but yet have a summer league to actually test the weaknesses that they’re working on... There wasn't last year...I don't know about this year. We may have to start one, truth be told. Sent from my LGLS991 using proboards
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DECKS
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Post by DECKS on Mar 12, 2016 7:48:42 GMT -5
What other schools offered Pratt?
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Post by VA's Finest on Mar 13, 2016 18:46:42 GMT -5
I have been clamoring for this kid to get a strong look for the past few months. He is an unsigned PG for 2016 class from I.C. Norcom. Travis Fields is 5-10 but has the heart of a champion and a motor that never quits.
His 3A team just won their third consecutive VHSL state championship last night where he scored 30 points including the following bucket...
He didnt play the last four minutes of the 3rd qtr or the first four of the fourth due to collecting his 4th personal foul and still finished with 30. The previous clip encapsules his hs career in a 5 second span. He was the 4A State Player of the Year last season and after last nights performance has to be a shoe in this season.
I was even compelled to send a letter to the entire A&T coaching staff once i got home from the gsme last night.
I cant speak enough about how much this kid is a winner. I hope our coaching staff at minimum inquires about this kid. I've stated in a previous post that Norcom's HC is an A&T alum, Leon Goolsby, so if anything there should be a strong connection to help these kids at least get a look from T. I just worry he may end up at Norfolk State or Hampton and then see him at least 8 times.
If we are really in the market for a PG, and someone from a winning program this kid deserves a long hard look
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oleschoolaggie
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Post by oleschoolaggie on Mar 13, 2016 19:07:26 GMT -5
I have been clamoring for this kid to get a strong look for the past few months. He is an unsigned PG for 2016 class from I.C. Norcom. Travis Fields is 5-10 but has the heart of a champion and a motor that never quits. His 3A team just won their third consecutive VHSL state championship last night where he scored 30 points including the following bucket... He didnt play the last four minutes of the 3rd qtr or the first four of the fourth due to collecting his 4th personal foul and still finished with 30. The previous clip encapsules his hs career in a 5 second span. He was the 4A State Player of the Year last season and after last nights performance has to be a shoe in this season. I was even compelled to send a letter to the entire A&T coaching staff once i got home from the gsme last night. I cant speak enough about how much this kid is a winner. I hope our coaching staff at minimum inquires about this kid. I've stated in a previous post that Norcom's HC is an A&T alum, Leon Goolsby, so if anything there should be a strong connection to help these kids at least get a look from T. I just worry he may end up at Norfolk State or Hampton and then see him at least 8 times. If we are really in the market for a PG, and someone from a winning program this kid deserves a long hard look we most "definitely" do need a point guard!! we will not have ahmad abdullah next season who was the only "true point guard" on our roster. doggone right we need a point guard, baddddd!! i can't imagine our staff not at least showing an interest in this kid...
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Post by neighborhoodsuperstar on Mar 13, 2016 19:38:36 GMT -5
Do you have the stat line on Travis Fields? I'm not doubting your assessment on him, but we need a high school PG who's known for racking up assists, not points. I'm not interested in small guards who can score 20+ points in high school.....we need a PG who can run the offense, not be the offense. If Fields has a strong assist/turnover ratio, I'm cool with him.
I've been to my share of A&T games over these past number of years; when we don't have solid PG play, we have ugly seasons and games that aren't aesthetically worth the price of admission.
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