Preston Laird recently recieved a scholarship from the University of Memphis for one year. This might be explained by the wonderful shooting he displayed last season (he did hit every three pointer he took). But then again, it's not as impressive to have a good three point shooting percentage when all of your minutes come in the final two minutes of a blow out game.
I really can't say I understand this move. Laird is willing to play on the team for free, and we should be willing to let him. If any walk-on deserves a scholarship it is Drew Barham. He understands the game better and is a more consistent shooter in difficult game situations. Now we have two players on scholarship who will likely not see many minutes, the other being D.J. Stephens.
I trust the judgement of Pastner and the rest of the coaching staff, but I can't say I follow their logic.
In any case, congratulations Preston. You are a true tiger, and I have no desire to take away from your accomplishments
Monday, October 26, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Exclusive Drew Barham Interview
1. How is your relationship with Coach Pastner and the other assistant coaches?
Great. I don't think their could be a better coaching staff. It fits perfect.
2.How is your relationship with the other players?
I get along with all the players, we all do things together as a team. If I go anywhere (even home) their is normally one of my teammates with me.
3. Describe your workouts with "Big Rich."
Hard but good. You know its working when you put on around 10 lbs since I've been here and increased my strength majorly.
4. Is there any player on the team you connect with more than others?
Elliot Williams - we played ball together since we were little. But I like all of them
5. How were your experiences with CBHS and the Nashville Celtics? Do you think they prepared you for college basketball?
Wouldn't trade my experiences. Yes most of the offensive motion sets we are running I did with both these teams. They taught me the fundamentals of basketball.
6. I have you listed at 6'6 1/2 and 185lbs, has anything changed?
6'6 1/2 is correct i was measured yesterday. You could say 6'7 with basketball shoes. 189 lbs
7. Your 3pt shot is your specialty, is there anything else you have been focusing on development wise?
Defense
8. Did the fact that your father went to the UofM affect your decision to play for the Tigers?
No not at all
9. Was it difficult to turn down a scholarship in order to walk-on for Memphis?
Probably the hardest decision I have ever made. And all the wait until my release was horrible.
10. Aside from being MVP and winner of the 3pt shooting contest in the East/West All-Star game, are there any other accomplishments in basketball that you are proud of?
Um maybe some like State all tournament team n mcdonalds all american nominee for tennessee and Mvp a couple of times
11. How did it feel during the time that you were unable to talk to Pastner about coming to Memphis?
Bad. I thought I had given up all I had worked for since I was little during that stretch but it has been well worth the wait
12. What were the coach's and athletic director's original reactions to your decommitment and how did that change by the time you were released from you LOI?
Shocked...didn't understand why..so the came to my house next morning. Always my dream to play for my hometown and all my family and grandma are here and coaching changes at Memphis
13. How did it feel to finally get the call saying your were going to be released?
So happy! I just thanked the Lord..and Coach Lowry cause he didn't have to do it.
14. How do you see your role next season with the Tigers?
Can knock down shots. Keeping the defense open for elliot and willie n wes to drive. Use my length at 4 if we need it
15. Can you describe a typical practice and individual workout?
Lots of skill work. Then work on defense and fundamentals then play live. All the practices are run exceptionally well and very intense.
16. Has the offensive strategy been implemented in practices yet? If so, can you describe it?
Motion with a some dribble drive, shooters spot up on the drives
17. Are any players standing out?
will coleman, elliot williams
18. Does it feel good to know that Tiger sports reporter Dan Wolken of the Commercial Appeal hardly considers you to be a walk-on?
I mean I guess it really doesn't matter..I'm here to play basketball walk-on or not. It would be nice to be on scholarship like i was but it's not my decision and Coach said if your good enough you will play. I'm not worried about it but the money for school would sure help out a lot
19. I know you have liked the Tigers since childhood, have you ever considered yourself to be a "fan" of any of your current team mates?
haha No. I like Penny thats bout it
20. I've heard you comment on video that you were trying to adjust to the fast pace nature of college basketball, how has that been goin?
Good, everyday you get more used to it. Its good that i'm doing getting ready for it now instead of during the season. I'll be ready to roll come November
21. Is there anything else you would like Memphis Tiger fans to know?
Hum...I'm just happy I'm here and didn't go to So ill. and thanks to all the fans for treating me so nice once i got here. It helped a ton in knowing I made the right decision. GO TIGERS
God Bless
Great. I don't think their could be a better coaching staff. It fits perfect.
2.How is your relationship with the other players?
I get along with all the players, we all do things together as a team. If I go anywhere (even home) their is normally one of my teammates with me.
3. Describe your workouts with "Big Rich."
Hard but good. You know its working when you put on around 10 lbs since I've been here and increased my strength majorly.
4. Is there any player on the team you connect with more than others?
Elliot Williams - we played ball together since we were little. But I like all of them
5. How were your experiences with CBHS and the Nashville Celtics? Do you think they prepared you for college basketball?
Wouldn't trade my experiences. Yes most of the offensive motion sets we are running I did with both these teams. They taught me the fundamentals of basketball.
6. I have you listed at 6'6 1/2 and 185lbs, has anything changed?
6'6 1/2 is correct i was measured yesterday. You could say 6'7 with basketball shoes. 189 lbs
7. Your 3pt shot is your specialty, is there anything else you have been focusing on development wise?
Defense
8. Did the fact that your father went to the UofM affect your decision to play for the Tigers?
No not at all
9. Was it difficult to turn down a scholarship in order to walk-on for Memphis?
Probably the hardest decision I have ever made. And all the wait until my release was horrible.
10. Aside from being MVP and winner of the 3pt shooting contest in the East/West All-Star game, are there any other accomplishments in basketball that you are proud of?
Um maybe some like State all tournament team n mcdonalds all american nominee for tennessee and Mvp a couple of times
11. How did it feel during the time that you were unable to talk to Pastner about coming to Memphis?
Bad. I thought I had given up all I had worked for since I was little during that stretch but it has been well worth the wait
12. What were the coach's and athletic director's original reactions to your decommitment and how did that change by the time you were released from you LOI?
Shocked...didn't understand why..so the came to my house next morning. Always my dream to play for my hometown and all my family and grandma are here and coaching changes at Memphis
13. How did it feel to finally get the call saying your were going to be released?
So happy! I just thanked the Lord..and Coach Lowry cause he didn't have to do it.
14. How do you see your role next season with the Tigers?
Can knock down shots. Keeping the defense open for elliot and willie n wes to drive. Use my length at 4 if we need it
15. Can you describe a typical practice and individual workout?
Lots of skill work. Then work on defense and fundamentals then play live. All the practices are run exceptionally well and very intense.
16. Has the offensive strategy been implemented in practices yet? If so, can you describe it?
Motion with a some dribble drive, shooters spot up on the drives
17. Are any players standing out?
will coleman, elliot williams
18. Does it feel good to know that Tiger sports reporter Dan Wolken of the Commercial Appeal hardly considers you to be a walk-on?
I mean I guess it really doesn't matter..I'm here to play basketball walk-on or not. It would be nice to be on scholarship like i was but it's not my decision and Coach said if your good enough you will play. I'm not worried about it but the money for school would sure help out a lot
19. I know you have liked the Tigers since childhood, have you ever considered yourself to be a "fan" of any of your current team mates?
haha No. I like Penny thats bout it
20. I've heard you comment on video that you were trying to adjust to the fast pace nature of college basketball, how has that been goin?
Good, everyday you get more used to it. Its good that i'm doing getting ready for it now instead of during the season. I'll be ready to roll come November
21. Is there anything else you would like Memphis Tiger fans to know?
Hum...I'm just happy I'm here and didn't go to So ill. and thanks to all the fans for treating me so nice once i got here. It helped a ton in knowing I made the right decision. GO TIGERS
God Bless
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