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
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Where they are now.
This upcoming season will have only one starter from the 2008-09 season. That title belongs to Doneal Mack, last seasons starting shooting guard. So what happened to the other four? Only two of them were drafted, and only one of those drafted will actually be playing in the NBA next season.
Starting at point guard was Tyreke Evans. He was picked as the 4th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. Contrary to some beliefs, he will continue to play the point guard position rather than the shooting guard position.
Robert Dozier was also drafted. He was selected by the Miami heat as the 60th overall pick in the second round, the final pick of the draft. Although coaches gave positive feedback on Dozier, he apparently felt that he would not recieve adequate playing time. He has since decided to spend the next season developing his skill in Greece. The team he plays for is called Colossus.
Antonio Anderson was not drafted during the 2009 NBA draft. Nevertheless, he spent the summer working towards his goal, and he has been picked up by the Charlotte Bobcats. He believes defense will still be his strong point in the NBA.
Shawn Taggart also left after last season. There are whispers that he is playing professionally in Europe.
Starting at point guard was Tyreke Evans. He was picked as the 4th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings. Contrary to some beliefs, he will continue to play the point guard position rather than the shooting guard position.
Robert Dozier was also drafted. He was selected by the Miami heat as the 60th overall pick in the second round, the final pick of the draft. Although coaches gave positive feedback on Dozier, he apparently felt that he would not recieve adequate playing time. He has since decided to spend the next season developing his skill in Greece. The team he plays for is called Colossus.
Antonio Anderson was not drafted during the 2009 NBA draft. Nevertheless, he spent the summer working towards his goal, and he has been picked up by the Charlotte Bobcats. He believes defense will still be his strong point in the NBA.
Shawn Taggart also left after last season. There are whispers that he is playing professionally in Europe.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Something We Haven't Seen
Our thoughts can now be put to rest. Coach Pastner will not be implementing a carbon copy of the Dribble Drive Motion Offense that we are used to seeing, according to Doneal Mack. This shouldn't come as a suprise. That style of offense serves only two purposes. The first is for recruiting. All DDM consists of is attacking the rim, if the opportunity is there, put the ball in. If it isn't, kick it out to the open teammate. It is an easy to learn offense that resembles the style of play most players did in high school. The second, which in contingent on the first, is that it puts players in one on one situations. This is excellent when you have depth coupled with outstanding players.
This season, however, the Tigers do not have the depth that they are used to. They also do not have the incoming freshman talent. The time for a new offense is now. As one might guess, Pastner will be implementing a Lute Olsen style Motion Offense, with some occassional DDM on the side. The main difference is the Motion Offense uses a lot of pick setting, something Calipari vigorously avoided. Other than that, the offense are very similar. They both have good deal of one on one situations. They are both fast paced. They both spread the defense, and Coach Pastner has said since he was an assistant coach for Calipari that the Lute Olsen Motion Offense spreads the defense even farther than DDM.
Doneal Mack seemed to view the new offensive style in a positive manner. He said that it fit the individual skills of each player well, especially because many players on the Memphis team are good at shooting of the pick and roll. Also, expect Memphis to use their big men more effectively. Pastner is focusing heavily on their skill development, something he is known for and Cal was known not to do.
This season, however, the Tigers do not have the depth that they are used to. They also do not have the incoming freshman talent. The time for a new offense is now. As one might guess, Pastner will be implementing a Lute Olsen style Motion Offense, with some occassional DDM on the side. The main difference is the Motion Offense uses a lot of pick setting, something Calipari vigorously avoided. Other than that, the offense are very similar. They both have good deal of one on one situations. They are both fast paced. They both spread the defense, and Coach Pastner has said since he was an assistant coach for Calipari that the Lute Olsen Motion Offense spreads the defense even farther than DDM.
Doneal Mack seemed to view the new offensive style in a positive manner. He said that it fit the individual skills of each player well, especially because many players on the Memphis team are good at shooting of the pick and roll. Also, expect Memphis to use their big men more effectively. Pastner is focusing heavily on their skill development, something he is known for and Cal was known not to do.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Tarik Black
Now that Joe Jackson has committed to Memphis, our back court will be good, regardless of whether or not Memphis lands anymore guards for the 2010 season. The focus now will be on the post.
Will Coleman will likely be around in 2010 to provide a talented center. The question mark will be the powerforward position. Tarik Black, of the Memphis Magic summer circuit program, would provide a perfect fit. The fact that he played on a team with Joe Jackson doesn't hurt either. Neither will the presence of #1 shooting guard Will Barton, or the extremely available playing time.
Tarik Black, your hometown awaits your decision.
Will Coleman will likely be around in 2010 to provide a talented center. The question mark will be the powerforward position. Tarik Black, of the Memphis Magic summer circuit program, would provide a perfect fit. The fact that he played on a team with Joe Jackson doesn't hurt either. Neither will the presence of #1 shooting guard Will Barton, or the extremely available playing time.
Tarik Black, your hometown awaits your decision.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
It Official! (the pieces are falling into place.)
Joe Jackson, the 5-11 top 25 point guard for White State and the Memphis Magic, made it official yesterday afternoon at 5:30 that he will be playing for the Memphis Tigers next year. He joins fellow point guard Antonio Barton, 3 stars, and his brother Will Barton, the #1 ranked shooting guard.
This commitment ensures a top recruiting class for Memphis, it currently ranks as the third best recruiting class under Ohio and Syracuse. Those talented three guards will have company with Wesley Witherspoon, Elliot Williams, and possibly Roburt Sallie, who might leave due to age (unless he has been talking to Taggart). The Tiger's backcourt will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2010-11 season.
Now the recruiting will shift towards big men. We need a solid center to back up Will Coleman, and a couple of good power forwards. Having two five star guard recruits, and an obviously think frontcourt, should help in successful recruiting.
This commitment ensures a top recruiting class for Memphis, it currently ranks as the third best recruiting class under Ohio and Syracuse. Those talented three guards will have company with Wesley Witherspoon, Elliot Williams, and possibly Roburt Sallie, who might leave due to age (unless he has been talking to Taggart). The Tiger's backcourt will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2010-11 season.
Now the recruiting will shift towards big men. We need a solid center to back up Will Coleman, and a couple of good power forwards. Having two five star guard recruits, and an obviously think frontcourt, should help in successful recruiting.
Friday, September 11, 2009
A look at the future
As the 2009-10 season draws ever nearer, Tiger fans are growing more and more excited... for the 2010-11 season. When our top recruiting class consisting of Xavier Henry, Demarcus Cousins, Nolan Dennis, and Donnell Dodson left I thought the bad news was over.
Later in the off-season our new prized recruit, Latavious Williams, decided that China might be a better destination for him than Memphis would. Certainly it can't get worse can it? Of course, it can!
Our most viable power forward option, Martin N'Galoro, got injured and was forced to stay at home in France and miss the entire 2009-10 season. That was okay, though. We still had Angel Garcia. While he would be an unorthodox power forward, he would certainly contribute a great deal to our thin post. Not anymore. Garcia has torn his ACL and will be forced to sit out this season, again.
On the bright side, it looks as though the season's disappointment will not become a trend. Joe Jackson is set to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis, as said by his coach, grandmother, and the fact that he is announcing in a U of M building. He is ranked as the #5 point guard and the #21 player overall. He joins point guard Antonio Barton and his brother Will Barton, who is ranked as the #1 shooting guard and the #6 player overall. This commitment will ensure Memphis will have a top ten recruiting class next season.
Later in the off-season our new prized recruit, Latavious Williams, decided that China might be a better destination for him than Memphis would. Certainly it can't get worse can it? Of course, it can!
Our most viable power forward option, Martin N'Galoro, got injured and was forced to stay at home in France and miss the entire 2009-10 season. That was okay, though. We still had Angel Garcia. While he would be an unorthodox power forward, he would certainly contribute a great deal to our thin post. Not anymore. Garcia has torn his ACL and will be forced to sit out this season, again.
On the bright side, it looks as though the season's disappointment will not become a trend. Joe Jackson is set to announce his commitment to the University of Memphis, as said by his coach, grandmother, and the fact that he is announcing in a U of M building. He is ranked as the #5 point guard and the #21 player overall. He joins point guard Antonio Barton and his brother Will Barton, who is ranked as the #1 shooting guard and the #6 player overall. This commitment will ensure Memphis will have a top ten recruiting class next season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
