Thursday night the suns played. The team consisted of Antonio Barton, Chris Crawford, Jelan Kendrick, Drew Barham, DJ Stephens, and 5 others who will not play for the Memphis Tigers. Luckily, the coach of that team subbed five players at a time, so anytime one Tiger was on the floor, they were all on the floor.
Chris Crawford was absolutely amazing. He has a great feel for the game and is very unselfish. He looked like he would make a better point guard than either Antonio Barton or Jelan Kendrick. He dished out somewhere between 5-7 alley oop passes including one to either Stephens or Kendrick (He did so many I might be getting them mixed up) off the back board. Not suprisingly, he also showed a great touch from the behind the three point line. He's really fun to watch because it looks like he's doing nothing. His hand barely moves, and all the sudden, an alley oop or three point shot is happening.
Jelan Kendrick was pretty good as well. It seemed like he was using this time to practice on things he doesn't normally do. He also appeared very eager to play the point guard position. At one point in the game, he attempted an alley oop pass from half court, and it ended up going in.
Antonio Barton seems like he will be a great point guard by his junior year. He is very quick and athletic. What he is lacking is court vision and decision making skills. He had quite a few turn overs on bad passes.
Drew Barham appeared about the same. He can still hit the three, but hasn't shown a superior talent. He does seem like he's been working on his defense some, though.
D.J. Stephens obviously listened to Pastner about working on his wing skills. He hasn't gotten them down yet, but he is trying. He attempted several three pointers. One of them went in. Still has that really high jump which is always fun to watch.
In the crowd, Wesley Witherspoon, Joe Jackson, Will Barton, Angel Garcia, and Will Coleman were all there to cheer on their team mates. While most of them sat down to enjoy the game, Coleman was on his feet the whole time. He seemed really eager to play.
Showing posts with label Drew Barham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drew Barham. Show all posts
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Player Performance
Elliot Williams:
By far the best player on the team, and he showed it against LeMoyne Owen. When the Tiger's where starting slow, and everyone had some anxiety about initiating a drive, Williams stepped up. He scored the first two points of the night, free throws. He is obviously not afraid to make a play through contact. Williams led the Tigers in scoring with 24 points and 8 of 11 from the floor. Also hit 3 of 4 from behind the arc and 5 of 6 free throws. Tied for highest assists with 6. Had a few too many turnovers, however, and I did not see the pesky on the ball defending he is so highly regarded for.
Wesley Witherspoon
Definitely the second best player on the team. The Tigers will need him and Williams to perform consistently if they want to win. He solidified his status as a playmaker in this game. It shows as he is tied with Williams for most assists with 6. Second leading scorer with 13 points. Second leading rebounder with 7 boards. Almost had some foul trouble in early second half but managed to keep it under control after that. Very versatile, very athletic, and very confident. Considering what a slow first half he had, his stats are phenomenal. If he learns to play with a high effort every minute of every game, he could become more of an asset than Williams.
Pierre Henderson-Niles
Leading rebounder with 11 boards. It should be noted, however, that four of these rebounds came one after another as he would shoot, miss, rebound, and repeat. The main thing about Niles was he looked a lot better. He can jump, he can run, and he played 20 minutes without looking tired.
Willie Kemp
Very strong defense. He tripped up the guards fairly consistently. 3 assists to 1 turnover. Did not have an extremely strong night offensively, but he shot 4 of 5 from the field. Kemp did play with a lot of confidence, which is also true for the rest of the senior class. 1 of 1 from behind the arc and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. Scored 12 points.
Roburt Sallie
Showed something we rarely saw from him last year, a great ability to drive. Sallie had a suprisingly low 3 point percentage as he only hit 1 of 3 from behind the arc. He did, however, his 5 of 10 overall. Scored 11 points.
Doneal Mack
His best attribute was his smoothering defense. When he was trying, he made LeMoyne Owen's guards look foolish. Hit 1 of 1 from behind the arch.
Will Coleman
Pretty much what was expected. No outstanding stats, but he showed amazing athleticism. Definitely slammed a few alley-oops. Almost had some foul trouble early on that had hit sit out a good portion of the first half. Needs to do a better job of rebounding. Scored 11 points, mostly from other Tigers' missed shots.
DJ Stephens
Did good. A lot better than I expected. I had my doubts about his ability to play power forward with his lack of height, but when you see him stretch his arms, you know it won't be a problem. Very athletic. Dunks with ease and is pretty fast. Wouldn't be surprised to see him contribute significant minutes this season.
Drew Barham
Almost non existent. 0 for 3 from the field, two of them from behind the arc, but he's a freshman, and it's early. This is what exhibitions are for.
By far the best player on the team, and he showed it against LeMoyne Owen. When the Tiger's where starting slow, and everyone had some anxiety about initiating a drive, Williams stepped up. He scored the first two points of the night, free throws. He is obviously not afraid to make a play through contact. Williams led the Tigers in scoring with 24 points and 8 of 11 from the floor. Also hit 3 of 4 from behind the arc and 5 of 6 free throws. Tied for highest assists with 6. Had a few too many turnovers, however, and I did not see the pesky on the ball defending he is so highly regarded for.
Wesley Witherspoon
Definitely the second best player on the team. The Tigers will need him and Williams to perform consistently if they want to win. He solidified his status as a playmaker in this game. It shows as he is tied with Williams for most assists with 6. Second leading scorer with 13 points. Second leading rebounder with 7 boards. Almost had some foul trouble in early second half but managed to keep it under control after that. Very versatile, very athletic, and very confident. Considering what a slow first half he had, his stats are phenomenal. If he learns to play with a high effort every minute of every game, he could become more of an asset than Williams.
Pierre Henderson-Niles
Leading rebounder with 11 boards. It should be noted, however, that four of these rebounds came one after another as he would shoot, miss, rebound, and repeat. The main thing about Niles was he looked a lot better. He can jump, he can run, and he played 20 minutes without looking tired.
Willie Kemp
Very strong defense. He tripped up the guards fairly consistently. 3 assists to 1 turnover. Did not have an extremely strong night offensively, but he shot 4 of 5 from the field. Kemp did play with a lot of confidence, which is also true for the rest of the senior class. 1 of 1 from behind the arc and 3 of 3 from the free throw line. Scored 12 points.
Roburt Sallie
Showed something we rarely saw from him last year, a great ability to drive. Sallie had a suprisingly low 3 point percentage as he only hit 1 of 3 from behind the arc. He did, however, his 5 of 10 overall. Scored 11 points.
Doneal Mack
His best attribute was his smoothering defense. When he was trying, he made LeMoyne Owen's guards look foolish. Hit 1 of 1 from behind the arch.
Will Coleman
Pretty much what was expected. No outstanding stats, but he showed amazing athleticism. Definitely slammed a few alley-oops. Almost had some foul trouble early on that had hit sit out a good portion of the first half. Needs to do a better job of rebounding. Scored 11 points, mostly from other Tigers' missed shots.
DJ Stephens
Did good. A lot better than I expected. I had my doubts about his ability to play power forward with his lack of height, but when you see him stretch his arms, you know it won't be a problem. Very athletic. Dunks with ease and is pretty fast. Wouldn't be surprised to see him contribute significant minutes this season.
Drew Barham
Almost non existent. 0 for 3 from the field, two of them from behind the arc, but he's a freshman, and it's early. This is what exhibitions are for.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Preston Laird
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
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
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
Monday, August 31, 2009
3 point saga
I have already stated that next year's teams will be an excellent three point shooting team. Sallie can hit the three like no other, we saw this during last season's first round of the NCAA tournament. Garcia's specialty is his three pointer, Elliot William's specialty is his three pointer, and Kemp and Mack go on three point hot streaks all the time. Even Preston Laird hit all the threes he threw up last year.
Now we have a new addition. Drew Barham of the Nashville Celtics is now a Memphis Tiger walk on. As long as he is let out of his letter of intent by Illinois, he will be eligible to play this season. Guess what his strength is. Three point shooting.
Now we have a new addition. Drew Barham of the Nashville Celtics is now a Memphis Tiger walk on. As long as he is let out of his letter of intent by Illinois, he will be eligible to play this season. Guess what his strength is. Three point shooting.
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