(01-05-2015 02:26 PM)TigersRuleAll Wrote: (01-05-2015 02:23 PM)Brother Bluto Wrote: (01-05-2015 02:20 PM)snowtiger Wrote: Agree. Markel is a good option at the 2..even the 1 if we need a bigger tougher dude to give Pookie some rest.
He can't play the 1
Never played PG in his life until Pastner threw him in there against the Shockers. You can't make this stuff up.
Collection of pre-season comments
MARKEL CRAWFORD
While most of Memphis’ guards are new to coach Josh Pastner’s system, Crawford spent much of last year running the scout team in practices. Pastner believes the 6-4, 198-pound Crawford will play both guard positions this season, but Crawford’s experience might give him a leg up on earning the starting point guard spot.
“The thing that he has as a comfort level is he knows the terminology. He’s been through it every day in practice,” Pastner said. “What he doesn’t have is he hasn’t played in games for two years pretty much. I think — knock on wood — if he stays healthy, he can a big-time player for us. He can be a lockdown defender and he can play either guard spot.
“Markel looks as athletic, if not more so, than he’s been. He’s got a high IQ of the game. He’s very cerebral. He plays hard. He’s a lot like (former Tigers guard) Chris Crawford in his IQ of the game.”
Going against the Tigers’ veteran guards in practice last season convinced Crawford that he could handle point guard. But the job won’t be handed to him with fellow redshirt freshman guard Pookie Powell also hoping to earn the starting spot. Crawford said he welcomes the competition.
“Between the lines, it’s business,” Crawford said. “Nobody has a superstar role. Everybody is just playing to get better and win, so there’s no egos.
“As far as playing against great guys like (former Tigers) Joe (Jackson), Chris and Geron (Johnson), it made me a better player as far as the system and seeing how everything should work. I think it helped a lot. I think my role will be getting everybody involved and being a leader on the floor.”