(02-06-2018 09:26 AM)Mr.BigBlue Wrote: You must have a traditional big on your roster. That option of a back to the basket type player must be part of any mid to high level basketball team. Trey is crucial in our system where we sometimes rely on an inside out type offense. In addition, many times defensively you need the proto-typical Center to enforce the lane and be a rim protector.
Been unable to post since the weekend as I had to make a quick trip to South Dakota. Back home now and have caught up today with the comments on this topic.
Having read over them I would add this ...
Sure any team can find a way to be successful by playing any of several types of systems - i.e. slow paced work the clock defensive style, fast break full court pressure style, bomb away with sharp shooters from the 3 point line style, defend rebound and pound the ball inside using inside strength style, etc.
Which of those best describes the style that we have seen from coach Jones at ODU? From what I have seen it is nearest to being a combination of the first and last styles that I have listed. That said, unless he decides to suddenly change his approach to playing basketball we have to assume that from year to year he will basically be following the same concepts that he has demonstrated in recent years. If that holds true then his best chance to be successful is to have -
1). A big center that can defend, rebound, and score in the low post (a Trey Porter or Frank Hassell type). If they do that and can also shoot from outside then that would be even better (a Gerald Lee).
2). A power forward that can defend, rebound, and score against the opposing power forward and also help defend off his man against the opposing big man (a Brandan Stith type). If they can also shoot from outside then that would be even better (an Alex Laughton type - note*** Alex would also fit the bill for the big center).
3). A small forward that can defend, rebound, make foul shots, and score against the opposing small forward and also help defend off his man inside (a Petey Sessoms type). This player should be able to knock down the 3 point shot with 30%+ accuracy (preferably closer to 40% than 30%).
4). A shooting guard that can defend, handle the ball with the dribble, make foul shots, and knock down the 3 point shot with 30%+ accuracy (preferably closer to 40% than 30%) - (a Kent Bazemore or Mike Jones type).
5). A point guard that can defend, handle the ball with the dribble, set up his teammates, make foul shots and knock down the 3 point shot with 30%+ accuracy (preferably closer to 40% than 30%) - (a Dave Twardzik or Trey Freeman type).
Additionally the team that would best make Jeff successful would have adequate backups on the bench - guys like David Harvey, Chris Cooper, Valdas Vasylius, Trian Iliadis, and Brandon Johnson).
Obviously I am not expecting that coach Jones can gather such an assortment all on the same team. If he could then we would all be singing his praises. My point is that until we see evidence that Jones has changed his style of play more than just a small tweak or two then he needs a big man to anchor his defense and to provide a post presence on the offensive end. Whether the guy is 6'5" Giles, or 7'-3" Giles, he still has to provide the needed qualities to fit Jones's style of play, and under those circumstances the bigger guy will pretty much always have an easier time of successfully accomplishing that.